יִמְנָע

Jimna, an Israelite

Definition

Yimnâʻ (Jimna) is a proper name of an Israelite man mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Asher. He is identified as a son of Helem and a brother of Heber and Japhlet, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 7:35. The name itself means 'he will restrain' or 'he will withhold,' deriving from the Hebrew root for preventing or holding back. As a personal name, it functions primarily as an identifier within a family lineage, with no other distinct meanings or applications in the biblical text.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 7:35, within a genealogical list detailing the descendants of Asher. Its usage is strictly as a proper name to identify an individual within a familial and tribal context. There are no patterns of broader usage, as it appears solely in this chronicler's record.

Etymology

The name Yimnâʻ is derived from the Hebrew root מָנַע (mānaʿ, H4513), which means 'to withhold, restrain, or keep back.' It is a verb form in the third person masculine singular imperfect, literally translating as 'he will restrain.' This follows a common biblical pattern of using verbal phrases or attributes as personal names.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, personal names often carried significant meaning, reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or attributes of God. A name like Yimnâʻ ('he will restrain') might reflect a specific hope or acknowledgment at the time of the child's birth. However, for the biblical chronicler, its primary function was to preserve a precise genealogical record, affirming tribal identity and continuity within God's covenant people.

Helem (H1987) — His father's name. | Heber (H2268) — His brother's name. | Japhlet (H3310) — His brother's name.

Word Details

Scripture References