Bible Word Study
אֱוִי
ʼĔvîy · Evi, a Midianitish chief
אֱוִי
Evi, a Midianitish chief
Definition
Evi is the name of a Midianite chief, one of five kings of Midian who allied with Moab against Israel during the wilderness wanderings. The name appears in the context of Israel's military campaign against Midian as commanded by God in Numbers 31:8, where Evi is listed among the slain kings. Later, in Joshua 13:21, his defeat is recounted as part of the land distribution to the Reubenites. The name itself, meaning 'desirous,' may reflect a personal characteristic or a parental hope, but the biblical narrative focuses solely on his role as an enemy leader.
Biblical Usage
The word is used exclusively as a proper name for a Midianite king. It occurs only twice in the Old Testament, both times in historical narratives recounting the same event. In Numbers 31:8, it is used in the immediate report of the battle. In Joshua 13:21, it is used retrospectively as Moses allocates conquered territory. Both usages are in military and geopolitical contexts, identifying him among the leadership of Israel's adversaries.
Etymology
The name Evi (אֱוִי) is likely derived from the Hebrew root אָוָה (H183, 'āvâ), which means 'to desire,' 'to wish for,' or 'to incline.' It is a gentilic or personal name formed from this root, essentially meaning 'desirous one.' This follows a common Hebrew pattern where names are formed from verbs or nouns describing a quality.
Semantic Range
Evi represents the persistent enmity of surrounding nations against God's people and His purposes. His defeat, as part of the judgment on Midian for leading Israel into idolatry and sexual immorality at Peor (Numbers 25, 31:16), underscores themes of divine justice, the seriousness of opposing God's covenant community, and the fulfillment of God's war against spiritual corruption. Understanding this name in its narrative context highlights the consequences of aligning against God. As a Midianite king, Evi was part of a nomadic or semi-nomadic tribal confederation often in conflict with settled societies like Israel. The title 'king' (melech) for a Midianite leader likely denotes a tribal sheikh or chieftain. His alliance with Moab against Israel reflects the shifting political alliances common in the ancient Near East, where tribes united against a common threat. His recorded defeat and the mention of his name served to document Israel's military victory and land claims. Zur (H6698) — Another Midianite king slain alongside Evi (Numbers 31:8). Rekem (H7552) — A fellow Midianite king listed with Evi. Hur (H2354) — A Midianite king defeated in the same campaign. Reba (H7254) — The fifth Midianite king in the coalition.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]