Philistine פְּלִשְׁתִּי
Descendants of Mizraim, son of Ham
Who is Philistine in the Bible?
The Philistines were an ancient people group descended from Mizraim, the son of Ham, according to the genealogical records in Genesis 10:14 and 1 Chronicles 1:12. As members of the Table of Nations, they were related to the Egyptians and other Hamitic peoples who populated the ancient Near East after Noah's flood. Throughout the Old Testament, the Philistines emerge as one of Israel's primary adversaries, settling in the coastal plains of Canaan and repeatedly clashing with the Israelites during the period of the judges and early monarchy. Their conflicts with Israel, including famous encounters with figures like Samson and David, made them central to Israel's struggle for survival and territorial establishment in the Promised Land.
Biography
The Philistines are mentioned in the genealogies of Genesis 10 and 1 Chronicles 1, which record the descendants of Noah's sons after the flood. In these passages, the Philistines are listed as descendants of Mizraim, the son of Ham (Gen.10.14; 1Ch.1.12). This suggests that the Philistines were related to the Egyptians and other Hamitic peoples. The Table of Nations provides a general overview of the geographic distribution and ethnic relationships of the ancient world, but it does not give specific details about the Philistines' history or culture. Throughout the Old Testament, the Philistines are portrayed as one of the main enemies of Israel, occupying the coastal plain of Canaan and engaging in numerous conflicts with the Israelites during the period of the judges and the early monarchy.
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In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentGenesis 1 verse
- Genesis 10:14
"the Pathrusites, the Casluhites (from whom the Philistines came), and the Caphtorites."
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1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 1:12
"the Pathrusites, the Casluhites (from whom the Philistines came), and the Caphtorites."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | פְּלִשְׁתִּי | pĕlišĕtiy | a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth |