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Pinchas’ Surprising Lineage

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30.06.2026

The genealogy of the tribes of Reuven, Shimon and Levi is found in Shmot, Chapter 6. In verse 25, we come across Pinchas’ lineage:

Elazar, Aharon’s son, married one of the daughters of Putiel, and she bore him Pinchas.

It seems strange that Elazar’s wife is called “one of the daughters of Putiel”. Who was Putiel and who were his daughters?

This question is asked in the Talmud, Sotah 43a:

Who are the daughters of Putiel? Are they not those who descended from Yitro who was called Putiel because he fattened (pitem) calves for the sacrifice of idols?

No. The daughters of Putiel were descended from Yosef, who was called Putiel because he scorned (pitpet) his desire and overcame it.

The Gemara resolves this difficulty:

If........

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