מִנְיָמִין
Minjamin, the name of two Israelites
Definition
Minyâmîyn (Minjamin) is a proper name given to two or possibly three distinct individuals in the Old Testament. In 2 Chronicles 31:15, Minjamin is a Levite who, alongside Kore, assisted in distributing the contributions, tithes, and dedicated things during King Hezekiah's religious reforms. In Nehemiah 12, the name appears twice, likely referring to two different priests: one is listed among the priestly heads in Nehemiah 12:17, and another is mentioned as a priest who participated in the dedication of Jerusalem's wall in Nehemiah 12:41. The name itself means 'from the right hand,' symbolizing favor, strength, or a place of honor.
Biblical Usage
The name Minjamin is used exclusively in post-exilic historical books (Chronicles and Nehemiah) to identify Levitical or priestly figures involved in temple service and religious ceremonies. In 2 Chronicles 31:15, he is a Levite administrator under Kore. In Nehemiah, the name identifies priests in genealogical lists (Nehemiah 12:17) and in the narrative of the wall's dedication (Nehemiah 12:41), highlighting their roles in restoring proper worship after the exile.
Etymology
Derived from the preposition מִן (min, H4480), meaning 'from,' and יָמִין (yāmîn, H3225), meaning 'right hand.' Thus, the name literally means 'from the right hand.' The 'right hand' in Hebrew culture often connotes favor, skill, strength, or a position of honor (e.g., Psalm 16:8). A variant form, Miamin (מִיָּמִן, H4326), appears in Nehemiah 12:5, likely referring to the same individual as in Nehemiah 12:17.
Semantic Range
While primarily a personal name, its etymology ('from the right hand') connects to significant biblical themes. The right hand is a frequent symbol of God's power, salvation (Exodus 15:6, Psalm 20:6), and the place of honor given to the Messiah (Psalm 110:1). The individuals bearing this name served in pivotal moments of religious revival (Hezekiah's reforms) and restoration (Nehemiah's rebuilding), reminding readers that God works through faithful individuals to reestablish right worship and community.
In ancient Israelite culture, names were often meaningful, reflecting circumstances, hopes, or divine attributes. A name meaning 'from the right hand' would be seen as auspicious, implying blessing, dexterity, or favored status. The right hand was the hand of covenant, oath-taking, and authority. The individuals named Minjamin held Levitical or priestly offices, roles considered honorable and central to maintaining Israel's covenant relationship with God.
Miamin (Miyamin, H4326) — A variant spelling of the same name, used in Nehemiah 12:5, likely referring to the same priestly line.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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