בִּנּוּי

בִּנּוּי

Binnui, an Israelite

Definition

Binnui is a proper name meaning 'built up' or 'constructed,' derived from the Hebrew verb 'banah' (to build). It refers to several different Israelite men in the post-exilic period, primarily in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The name appears for multiple individuals, including a Levite who returned with Zerubbabel (Nehemiah 12:8), a man who had married a foreign wife (Ezra 10:30), and a family head among the returned exiles (Nehemiah 7:15). The specific identity varies by context, but all bearers of the name are associated with the community rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple after the Babylonian exile.

Biblical Usage

The name Binnui is used exclusively in the post-exilic historical books of Ezra and Nehemiah, appearing seven times. It identifies various men involved in the restoration community, including Levites, those who took foreign wives, and clan leaders. For example, in Ezra 8:33, a Binnui is mentioned alongside Meremoth in handling temple treasures, while in Nehemiah 10:9, a Levite named Binnui is among the signers of the covenant. The usage consistently places individuals named Binnui within the context of religious and social reformation.

Etymology

Binnui (בִּנּוּי) is a proper noun derived from the Hebrew root בָּנָה (banah, H1129), meaning 'to build.' It is a passive participle form, conveying the sense of 'being built' or 'built up.' The name reflects a common Hebrew naming convention where personal names are derived from verbs or nouns expressing attributes, hopes, or circumstances, often related to God's action (e.g., building up the family or nation).

Semantic Range

While a personal name, Binnui's meaning ('built up') connects to significant biblical themes of restoration and covenant community. The individuals bearing this name lived during the pivotal era of Israel's return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, a period seen as a fulfillment of God's promises. Their roles—whether as Levites, covenant signers, or those confronting sin—highlight the communal effort in re-establishing worship and identity under God. The name itself subtly echoes the prophetic hope of God rebuilding His people (e.g., Jeremiah 31:4). In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried meaningful descriptions or aspirations. Binnui, meaning 'built up,' likely expressed parental hope for the child's establishment or reflected circumstances of birth during a time of national rebuilding. The multiple individuals with this name in the post-exilic period indicate its popularity in an era focused on reconstruction, both physically and spiritually, after the trauma of exile. Banah (בָּנָה, H1129) — the root verb meaning 'to build,' from which Binnui is derived. Binyan (בִּנְיָן) — a related noun meaning 'building' or 'structure.'

Word Details