Persons of the Bible: Letter P

The letter P introduces us to an extraordinary variety of people whose lives stretch across the pages of Scripture—from the genealogies of the tribes, to the courts of kings, to the ministries of Jesus and the early church. We meet Perez, whose unexpected birth carried forward the Messianic line; Peleg, who stands in the early ancestral story; Pashhur, who resisted God's word; Paul’s fellow workers like Priscilla, Patrobas, and Phoebe; and faithful leaders such as Phinehas and Philip. Together with many lesser-known names, these individuals help us trace how God works through families, nations, and ordinary believers to accomplish His redemptive plan centered on Jesus Christ.

Paarai

Paarai the Arbite was one of David’s mighty warriors, listed among those who supported the king during his reign.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:35

Padon

Padon was the ancestor of a family among the returning exiles.
Scripture: Ezra 2:44; Nehemiah 7:47

Pagiel

Pagiel was a leader of the tribe of Asher in the wilderness, appointed to assist Moses during the census and organization of Israel.
Scripture: Numbers 1:13; Numbers 2:27

Pahath-moab

A family group descended from the “governor of Moab,” prominent among the returning exiles.
Scripture: Ezra 2:6; Nehemiah 7:11

Pahathites

Descendants or members of Pahath-moab.
Scripture: Ezra 8:4

Pallu

Pallu was one of the sons of Reuben and an ancestor of the Palluites.
Scripture: Numbers 26:5

— Palluites (group designation)
Scripture: Numbers 26:5

Palti

Palti was one of the twelve spies sent to explore Canaan.
Scripture: Numbers 13:9

Paltiel

Paltiel was the man to whom Saul gave Michal, David’s wife, before David reclaimed her. His sorrowful story reflects the cost of political conflict in Saul’s final years.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 3:14–16

Pamphylites

A personal designation referring to one from Pamphylia.
Scripture: Acts 2:10 (contextual)

Parah

Primarily a place; included here where used as a personal designation.
Scripture: Joshua 18:23 (contextual)

Parosh

Parosh was an ancestor of a clan that returned from exile. Members of the Parosh family appear in several post-exilic contexts of leadership and covenant renewal.
Scripture: Ezra 2:3; Ezra 8:3; Nehemiah 7:8

Parshandatha

Parshandatha was the first of Haman’s ten sons who were killed when the Jews defended themselves during the events recorded in Esther.
Scripture: Esther 9:7

Paruah

Paruah was an overseer appointed by Solomon to provide supplies for the royal household.
Scripture: 1 Kings 4:17

Pasach

Pasach was one of the sons of Japhlet, listed among the descendants of Asher.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:33

Paseah

Paseah was ancestor of a family of temple servants who returned from exile.
Scripture: Ezra 2:49; Nehemiah 7:51

Pashhur

Pashhur is the name of multiple priestly figures. One Pashhur opposed Jeremiah, striking and imprisoning him for prophesying God’s judgment; the Lord renamed him “Terror on Every Side” as a sign of coming judgment. Another Pashhur appears among leaders who helped restore worship after the exile. The contrasting accounts reveal how religious authority can either resist God’s truth or uphold it.
Scripture: Jeremiah 20:1–6; Jeremiah 21:1; Ezra 2:38

Patrobas

Patrobas was a Christian greeted by Paul in his letter to the Romans, remembered for his faithful role in the early church community.
Scripture: Romans 16:14

Paul

Paul, once known as Saul of Tarsus, was the great apostle to the Gentiles. Formerly a fierce persecutor of the church, his life was transformed when the risen Jesus confronted him on the road to Damascus. Through his missionary journeys, pastoral care, and Spirit-inspired letters, Paul helped establish the early church and shape Christian doctrine. His writings reveal the depth of God’s grace in Christ and call believers into a life of faith, holiness, and hope as they await the return of Jesus.
Scripture: Acts 9; Acts 13–28; Romans–Philemon

Paulus (variant of Paul)

A Latinized form of Paul’s name, appearing in certain translations and manuscripts.
Scripture: Variant tradition; Acts 13:9 (implicit)

Peah

A designation referring to leaders “beyond the River” in post-exilic administrative writings.
Scripture: Ezra 5:3 (contextual)

Peleg

Peleg was the son of Eber, and his name (“division”) reflects the time when “the earth was divided,” indicating a significant moment in humanity’s early history. He stands in the ancestral line through which God would preserve the promises leading to Abraham and ultimately to Christ. His presence in genealogies highlights God’s faithfulness across generations.
Scripture: Genesis 10:25; 1 Chronicles 1:19; Luke 3:35

Peleth

Peleth appears among the descendants of Reuben, connected to the tribal genealogies.
Scripture: Numbers 16:1

Pelatiah

Pelatiah, son of Benaiah, was a leader among the exiles seen in Ezekiel’s vision. His sudden death in the vision symbolized God’s judgment on corrupt leadership.
Scripture: Ezekiel 11:1–13

Pelonite

A Pelonite was someone from the region of Pelon; the term appears in reference to warriors in David’s army.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 11:27

Peninnah

Peninnah was one of Elkanah’s wives. Her rivalry with Hannah highlights the heartache and longing that God later answered through the birth of Samuel, a key figure in Israel’s history.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:2–7

Peor

A personal or ancestral designation associated with Moabite worship practices.
Scripture: Numbers 25:3 (contextual)

Perazim

Primarily symbolic or location-based; included here as a personal-designation term in a prophetic context.
Scripture: Isaiah 28:21 (contextual)

Peresh

Peresh was a son of Machir and appears in the genealogies of Manasseh.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:16

Perez

Perez was the son born to Tamar and Judah under difficult and unexpected circumstances, yet God chose him as an ancestor of David and Jesus Christ. His birth story reveals God’s ability to work through broken family lines and unexpected moments to bring forward the Messianic promise. Perez’s name continues through the faithful remnant returning from exile.
Scripture: Genesis 38:27–30; Ruth 4:18–22; Matthew 1:3

Perida

Perida was an ancestor of one of the families of the Nethinim who returned from the exile.
Scripture: Ezra 2:55; Nehemiah 7:57

Perizzite

A designation referring to a people group mentioned among the inhabitants of Canaan; included here only as a personal identifier.
Scripture: Genesis 15:20 (contextual)

Peruda

Peruda was another ancestor of a Nethinim family recorded among those who returned from Babylon.
Scripture: Ezra 2:55; Nehemiah 7:57

Pesach

Pesach was a descendant of Shelah, one of Judah’s sons.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:20

Pethahiah

Pethahiah was a Levite who served as an assistant to the king in matters concerning the people; he also appears among the leaders who helped restore worship after the exile.
Scripture: Nehemiah 11:24

Pethuel

Pethuel was the father of Joel the prophet.
Scripture: Joel 1:1

Peulthai

Peulthai was a Levite musician named among those who ministered in the temple.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 15:20

Phalec

A Greek form of the name Peleg appearing in genealogies.
Scripture: Luke 3:35 (variant)

Phanuel

Phanuel was the father of Anna, the prophetess, who joyfully recognized the infant Jesus as the promised Redeemer.
Scripture: Luke 2:36

Pharisee

A designation for members of a Jewish sect; included here only because individuals are often referred to by the title.
Scripture: Matthew 23:1–7 (contextual)

Phichol

Phichol was the commander of Abimelech’s army and appears during interactions with Abraham and Isaac.
Scripture: Genesis 21:22; Genesis 26:26

Philip

Philip is both the name of one of the twelve apostles and of Philip the evangelist, who proclaimed Christ in Samaria and baptized the Ethiopian eunuch. Through powerful preaching and Spirit-led obedience, Philip helped spread the gospel beyond Jewish boundaries. His ministry reflects the global mission of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit in guiding the early Church.
Scripture: Matthew 10:3; John 1:43–48; Acts 6:5; Acts 8:4–40; Acts 21:8–9

Philippi (personal-designation; minor)

Primarily a location; included where individuals are identified as “of Philippi.”
Scripture: Acts 16:12 (contextual)

Philologus

Philologus was a Christian greeted by Paul in Romans, remembered among the early believers in Rome.
Scripture: Romans 16:15

Phinehas

Phinehas was the son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron. Known for his zeal in defending God’s holiness, Phinehas acted decisively during a time of national sin, and God rewarded him with a covenant of lasting priesthood. His legacy of zeal, courage, and covenant loyalty points to Christ, who perfectly upholds holiness and intercedes for His people.
Scripture: Numbers 25:6–13; Joshua 22:13–32; Psalm 106:30–31

Phoebe

Phoebe was a trusted servant of the church in Cenchreae and a key supporter of Paul’s ministry. Paul commended her to the believers in Rome as a “helper of many,” indicating her leadership, generosity, and deep devotion to Christ. Her example highlights the vital role of faithful women in the growth of the early church.
Scripture: Romans 16:1–2

Phurah

Phurah was Gideon’s servant who accompanied him during the reconnaissance of the Midianite camp, helping confirm the Lord’s promise of victory.
Scripture: Judges 7:10–11

Phygellus

Phygellus was one of those in Asia who turned away from Paul during his imprisonment, mentioned briefly as a warning example.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:15

Pinon

Pinon was one of the chiefs descended from Esau, listed in the genealogies of Edom.
Scripture: Genesis 36:41; 1 Chronicles 1:52

Piram

Piram was the king of Jarmuth who joined the alliance against Gibeon during Joshua’s conquest.
Scripture: Joshua 10:3

Pirathonite

A designation used for individuals from Pirathon, including Abdon, one of Israel’s judges.
Scripture: Judges 12:13

Pithon

Pithon was one of the sons of Saul, listed among the Benjamite genealogies.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 8:35

Pochereth

Pochereth of Zebaim was among the families of temple servants (Nethinim) who returned from exile.
Scripture: Ezra 2:57; Nehemiah 7:59

Potiphar

Potiphar was an Egyptian official and captain of the guard who purchased Joseph as a slave. His household became the setting for Joseph’s testing, integrity, and rise under God’s favor.
Scripture: Genesis 37:36; Genesis 39:1

Potipherah

Potipherah was priest of On and father of Asenath, whom Pharaoh gave to Joseph as a wife.
Scripture: Genesis 41:45

Priscilla

Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, was a faithful coworker of Paul who helped teach, strengthen, and encourage the early believers. Together they instructed Apollos in the way of God more accurately and supported gospel ministry across multiple cities. Priscilla’s leadership and hospitality show the vital role women played in the spread of early Christianity.
Scripture: Acts 18:1–28; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19

Pudens

Pudens was a believer greeted by Paul in his final letter, part of the faithful Christian community in Rome.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:21

Pul

Pul was a king of Assyria—often identified with Tiglath-Pileser—who exerted pressure on Israel and Judah during a time of political turmoil and spiritual decline.
Scripture: 2 Kings 15:19; 1 Chronicles 5:26

Punites

The Punites were descendants of Pua, one of the sons of Issachar.
Scripture: Numbers 26:23

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As we complete the letter P, we see how God uses every kind of person—leaders and servants, prophets and warriors, parents and teachers, those who stand firm and those who learn through failure. Their stories remind us that God’s grace can reach anyone and that His purpose continues unhindered throughout history.

As we move to the letter Q, we continue exploring the people of Scripture and discovering how each life, great or small, contributes to the unfolding story of redemption.