Phicol
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Phicol in the Bible?
Phicol served as the commander of the army for Abimelech, the Philistine ruler of Gerar, and functioned as a key diplomatic agent in negotiations with the patriarch Abraham regarding land rights and water access.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Phicol's role clarifies the political structure of Gerar and demonstrates how patriarchal figures engaged in formal treaty-making with established urban powers to secure their survival and prosperity in the region.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Phicol reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Phicol in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Phicol clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Phicol." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/phicol/