תֵּימְנִי

Temeni, an Israelite

Definition

תֵּימְנִי (Têymᵉnîy) is a proper noun identifying an individual named Temeni, an Israelite from the tribe of Judah. He is listed as a son of Ashhur, the father of Tekoa, by his wife Naarah in 1 Chronicles 4:6. This name appears only in this genealogical record, and no other narrative details about his life or actions are provided in Scripture. The name is likely a gentilic form meaning 'the Temanite,' connecting him to the region or people of Teman in Edom, though he himself is an Israelite.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in the genealogical lists of 1 Chronicles 4:6. Its usage is strictly onomastic (pertaining to a name) within a chronicle of Judah's descendants. There are no narrative contexts or patterns of usage beyond this single, factual listing in a family record.

Etymology

The name תֵּימְנִי (Têymᵉnîy) is a gentilic adjective, meaning 'one belonging to Teman' or 'the Temanite.' It derives from תֵּימָן (Têmân, H8487), the name for a region or people in Edom, often associated with the south. The form תֵּימְנִי (H8488) is likely a variant or secondary form of תֵּימָנִי (Têmânîy, H8489), which is used as a gentilic for people from Teman, such as Eliphaz in Job 2:11.

Semantic Range

In the cultural context of Israelite genealogies, recording a name with a gentilic ending like '-i' (meaning 'belonging to') could indicate familial origin, association, or perhaps a notable characteristic. For an Israelite to bear a name meaning 'the Temanite' might suggest a historical connection to the Edomite region of Teman, possibly through lineage, trade, or residence, highlighting the interconnectedness of ancient Near Eastern peoples. It serves as a small testament to the detailed preservation of family lineages within the tribe of Judah.

תֵּימָנִי (Têmânîy, H8489) — The more standard gentilic form meaning 'Temanite,' used for individuals like Eliphaz from the land of Teman (Job 2:11).

Word Details

Scripture References