dual of בֵּין; a double interval, i.e. the space between two armies; [phrase] champion.
Transliteration:bênayim
Pronunciation:bay-nah'-yim
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun בֵּנַיִם (bênayim) (Strong's `{{H1143}}`) is a dual form derived from the more common preposition בֵּין (bên) `{{H996}}`, which signifies "between," "among," or "in the midst of." The dual ending -ayim indicates a pair or a double instance, thus lending בֵּנַיִם the literal sense of "a double interval" or "the spaces between." In its primary biblical usage, this refers specifically to the ground or space lying between two opposing armies arrayed for battle. From this spatial meaning, the word takes on a crucial metonymic extension: the "man of the interval" or "champion" who steps into this liminal space to engage in single combat, representing the entire army or nation. This champion acts as a decisive arbiter, aiming to resolve the conflict without the full carnage of a general engagement. The semantic range thus encompasses both the physical arena of confrontation and the figure who occupies it for a representative duel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term בֵּנַיִם (bênayim) appears exclusively in the book of 1 Samuel, specifically in the narrative of David and Goliath. It is found twice, describing Goliath of Gath:
* In [[1 Samuel 17:4]], Goliath is introduced as הָאִישׁ הַבֵּינַיִם (ha'ish habbenayim), meaning "the man of the bênayim" or "the champion." He is depicted as emerging from the Philistine ranks to challenge the Israelite army.
* Similarly, in [[1 Samuel 17:23]], as David arrives at the battlefield, Goliath is again described as הָאִישׁ הַבֵּינַיִם, reiterating his role as the designated challenger who steps into the contested space between the armies.
The context of these occurrences is critical. The Philistines and Israelites are encamped on opposing hills, with a valley between them. Rather than a full-scale battle, Goliath proposes a form of representative warfare, where the outcome of a duel between two champions would determine the victor for both nations. This בֵּנַיִם is not merely neutral ground; it is the arena of ultimate decision, a place of high stakes where the fate of the people hangs on the prowess of a single combatant. Goliath's repeated emergence into this space underscores his defiance and the desperate situation of Israel, who lacked a champion to meet his challenge.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding בֵּנַיִם (bênayim) is enhanced by considering its linguistic root and associated concepts:
* בֵּין (bên) `{{H996}}`: The foundational preposition from which בֵּנַיִם is derived. It denotes "between," "among," or "in the midst of," emphasizing the spatial separation and the position of something or someone in an intermediate state or location.
* אִישׁ (ish) `{{H376}}`: The common Hebrew word for "man," frequently paired with בֵּנַיִם to form אִישׁ הַבֵּנַיִם ("man of the interval" or "champion"). This highlights the personal agency and representative nature of the figure.
Concepts related to בֵּנַיִם include:
* **Single Combat / Duel:** The practice of two individuals fighting to decide the outcome of a larger conflict, thereby minimizing casualties.
* **Representative Warfare:** A strategic approach where select champions embody the strength and destiny of their respective nations.
* **Challenge:** The act of issuing a direct, often boastful, summons to combat, daring an opponent to meet one in the bênayim.
* **Mediation through Combat:** The idea that a conflict can be resolved, or a divine judgment rendered, through the outcome of a decisive individual confrontation.
### Theological Significance
The בֵּנַיִם (bênayim) in the narrative of David and Goliath carries profound theological weight. It represents a critical juncture where human inadequacy meets divine intervention.
1. **The Crisis of Leadership:** Goliath, the אִישׁ הַבֵּנַיִם, embodies the formidable challenge facing Israel. His presence in the bênayim exposes the spiritual and martial weakness of King Saul and the Israelite army, who are paralyzed by fear and unable to provide a champion. This highlights the human inability to confront overwhelming evil without divine aid.
2. **God's Champion:** Into this desperate bênayim steps David, not as a trained warrior, but as a humble shepherd boy empowered by faith in the living God. David's willingness to enter this perilous space, armed only with a sling and stones, and more importantly, with the name of the Lord of Hosts, transforms the bênayim from a place of dread into an arena for God's glory. David becomes God's chosen champion, demonstrating that victory belongs not to the mighty or the well-armed, but to those who trust in Yahweh.
3. **Divine Deliverance:** The defeat of Goliath in the bênayim is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant people. It signifies that God Himself fights for Israel, delivering them from their enemies through unexpected means. The bênayim thus becomes a symbol of the decisive confrontation where God proves His sovereignty and provides salvation, often through seemingly weak instruments, to confound the strong.
### Summary
The Hebrew term בֵּנַיִם (bênayim) (Strong's `{{H1143}}`) fundamentally denotes "the space between" two entities, specifically the ground separating opposing armies. From this spatial meaning, it extends metonymically to signify the "champion" or "man of the interval" who steps into this space for single combat. Its primary and most significant biblical occurrences are in [[1 Samuel 17:4]] and [[1 Samuel 17:23]], where it describes Goliath of Gath as the formidable Philistine champion. The bênayim serves as a critical arena of confrontation, where the fate of nations is decided by a representative duel. Theologically, it highlights the moment of crisis where human strength fails, paving the way for God to raise up His own champion, like David, demonstrating His sovereign power and delivering His people through faith, turning a place of terror into a stage for divine victory.
TRV