from בָּנָה; built; Bani, the name of five Israelites; Bani.
Transliteration:Bânîy
Pronunciation:baw-nee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun בָּנִי (Bânîy), Strong's number `{{H1137}}`, derives directly from the verb בָּנָה (bânâh), `{{H1129}}`, meaning "to build, construct, establish, restore, form." As such, the name "Bani" carries the inherent meaning of "my builder," "built," "one who is built," or "son of building." While a proper noun, its etymological root imbues it with a semantic richness, suggesting concepts of stability, establishment, and divine or human construction. It is not a word with a broad semantic range in itself, but its meaning is deeply rooted in the foundational act of building or being built up.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Bani appears numerous times in the Old Testament, referring to several distinct individuals across different historical periods. While the base definition notes "five Israelites," a detailed survey reveals more individuals bearing this name, often reflecting roles connected to the root meaning of "building" or "establishment" within the community.
1. **Bani, a Gadite, one of David's mighty men:** Mentioned in [[2 Samuel 23:36]], this Bani was a valiant warrior, contributing to the "building" and security of David's kingdom through military prowess. His inclusion among the elite underscores his significant role in establishing the monarchy.
2. **Bani, a Levite, ancestor of Ethan:** Found in the Levitical genealogies in [[1 Chronicles 6:46]] (Hebrew 6:31), this Bani represents a lineage involved in the sacred service of the tabernacle/temple. Levites were crucial in "building up" the spiritual life and order of Israel.
3. **Bani, a Judahite:** Listed in the post-exilic census in [[1 Chronicles 9:4]], this Bani represents a family head among those who resettled Jerusalem. His presence signifies the "rebuilding" and re-establishment of the community after the exile.
4. **Bani, a family head among the returnees from exile:** Several individuals or family lines named Bani are mentioned among those who returned with Zerubbabel and Joshua from Babylonian captivity ([[Ezra 2:10]], also [[Nehemiah 7:15]]). These individuals were fundamental to the physical and spiritual "rebuilding" of Jerusalem and Judea.
5. **Levites involved in Nehemiah's reforms:**
* **Bani, son of Henaiah:** He is mentioned as repairing a section of the wall of Jerusalem in [[Nehemiah 3:17]], directly participating in the physical "rebuilding" of the city.
* **Levites who helped explain the Law:** In [[Nehemiah 8:7]], several Levites, including one named Bani, are noted for helping the people understand the Law of God during Ezra's reading. This represents "building up" the spiritual understanding and obedience of the community.
* **Levites who led in confession and sealed the covenant:** In [[Nehemiah 9:4]], a group of Levites, including a Bani, stood on the platform during the great confession of sins. Later, a chief of the people named Bani sealed the covenant in [[Nehemiah 10:14]] (Hebrew 10:15), signifying commitment to "rebuilding" the nation's spiritual foundation.
* **Bani, overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem:** [[Nehemiah 11:22]] mentions a Bani, son of Uzzi, son of Bani, as the overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem, indicating a role in "building up" and maintaining the order of temple service and community life.
Across these occurrences, the name Bani consistently appears in contexts related to the establishment, restoration, or maintenance of Israelite society, whether in military, religious, or civic capacities.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb בָּנָה (bânâh), `{{H1129}}`, from which בָּנִי (Bânîy) is derived. This verb encompasses a wide range of meanings related to construction:
* **Physical Building:** Constructing houses, cities, altars, temples ([[Genesis 8:20]], [[1 Kings 6:1]]).
* **Establishing Families/Dynasties:** God "builds" a house for David ([[2 Samuel 7:27]]), meaning establishing his dynasty. It can also refer to having children ([[Genesis 16:2]]).
* **Restoration/Repair:** Repairing walls or structures ([[Nehemiah 3:17]]).
* **Spiritual/Moral Upbuilding:** Though less direct in the Old Testament for *banah* itself, the concept of "building up" a people or a faith is deeply embedded in biblical thought.
Concepts closely associated with Bani include: foundation, establishment, stability, lineage, construction, restoration, and community development. The name serves as a subtle reminder of the divine and human effort involved in creating and sustaining a society, particularly the covenant community of Israel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of "Bani" lies not in a direct theological statement by the name itself, but in its etymological connection to the verb "to build" (בָּנָה, `{{H1129}}`). This root verb is frequently used to describe God's creative and redemptive work. God is the ultimate Builder: He built the heavens and the earth ([[Psalm 104:2]]), He built Israel as a nation ([[Jeremiah 24:6]]), He established David's house ([[2 Samuel 7:27]]), and He promised to rebuild the ruins of His people ([[Amos 9:11]]).
The individuals named Bani, though often minor figures in the grand narrative, embody this divine principle of building and establishment. Their lives, whether as warriors, temple servants, or participants in post-exilic reconstruction, reflect God's ongoing work of "building up" His people and His purposes. They are, in a sense, "built ones" or "builders" in God's grand design. The name serves as a quiet testimony to God's providence in raising up individuals to contribute to the physical, social, and spiritual fabric of His covenant community. It subtly points to the idea that every individual, even those briefly mentioned, plays a part in the divine architecture of salvation history.
### Summary
Bani (בָּנִי, `{{H1137}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun derived from the verb "to build" (בָּנָה, `{{H1129}}`), signifying "my builder" or "built." This name is borne by several distinct individuals throughout Israelite history, from David's mighty men to Levites and family heads in the post-exilic period. Their roles consistently align with the name's etymology, participating in the "building up" or "re-establishment" of the nation, whether militarily, religiously, or civically. Theologically, the name serves as a subtle reminder of God's overarching role as the ultimate Builder and Establisher of His people, and how He raises up individuals to participate in His divine work of construction and restoration within the covenant community.
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