מִיָּמִן

מִיָּמִן

Mijamin, the name of three Israelites

Definition

Mijamin is a proper name borne by three distinct individuals in the Old Testament. The name itself means 'from the right hand' or 'from the south,' signifying a favorable or auspicious position. The first Mijamin was a priest appointed by lot during David's reign to lead the sixth priestly division (1 Chronicles 24:9). The second was a man among the descendants of Parosh who had married a foreign wife during the exile and pledged to divorce her (Ezra 10:25). The third was a priest who sealed the covenant of renewal under Nehemiah (Nehemiah 10:7), and a person of the same name is listed among priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel (Nehemiah 12:5, possibly the same individual).

Biblical Usage

The name Mijamin is used exclusively in post-exilic historical books (1 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah) to identify specific individuals. Its usage reflects the administrative and religious reorganization of Israel. In 1 Chronicles 24:9, it denotes a priestly office established by David. In Ezra 10:25, it identifies a layman involved in the community's struggle with assimilation. In Nehemiah 10:7 and 12:5, it marks priests who were leaders in the restored community, signifying continuity of the priesthood.

Etymology

Mijamin (מִיָּמִן) is a contracted or variant form of the more common name Minyamin (מִנְיָמִין, H4509), which itself derives from the preposition 'min' (from) and 'yamin' (right hand, south). Thus, the core meaning is 'from the right' or 'from the south.' The 'right hand' in Hebrew culture symbolized strength, favor, and a place of honor.

Semantic Range

While a personal name, Mijamin's meaning ('from the right hand') connects to the biblical theme of God's favor and appointed blessing. The individuals bearing this name served in critical roles—priestly duty, covenant renewal, and community purity—during key periods of Israel's restoration. Their presence highlights God's faithfulness in maintaining a priestly line and a faithful remnant, even after exile, to uphold His worship and law. In ancient Israelite culture, names were often meaningful and descriptive. A name meaning 'from the right hand' would be considered a favorable name, possibly expressing a parent's hope for the child's blessed or privileged status. The 'right hand' was the side of power and covenant (e.g., the Lord's right hand in Exodus 15:6), and 'south' as a direction was determined by facing the rising sun. Minyamin (H4509) — The fuller, more common form of the same name.

Word Details