or בִּנְעָה; of uncertain derivation; Bina or Binah, an Israelite; Binea, Bineah.
Transliteration:Binʻâʼ
Pronunciation:bin-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1150}}` (Binʻâʼ, also spelled Binʻah) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its derivation is explicitly stated as "uncertain," meaning its etymological root and any inherent semantic meaning are not definitively known. As a proper name, its primary function is to identify a unique individual within the biblical narrative. The transliterations "Binea" and "Bineah" are common representations of this name. Unlike many Hebrew names that carry discernible meanings (e.g., "God is my strength," "gift of God"), `{{H1150}}` does not yield such a clear etymological interpretation. Its semantic range is thus confined to its role as an identifier within a genealogical context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H1150}}` (Binea) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both occurrences found within the genealogical records of the book of 1 Chronicles.
* [[1 Chronicles 8:37]]: "And Rapha was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son." (This verse is often cited incorrectly for Binea; it should be [[1 Chronicles 8:37]] "And Moza begat Binea: Rapha was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son.") The correct lineage is Moza begat Binea.
* [[1 Chronicles 9:43]]: "And Moza begat Binea: Rapha was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son." (Again, the same lineage is repeated).
In both instances, Binea is listed as a descendant of King Saul through his son Jonathan. The lineage provided is: Jonathan -> Merib-baal (or Mephibosheth) -> Micah -> Pithon, Melech, Tarea (or Tahrea), and Ahaz -> Jehoaddah (or Jarah) -> Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri -> Moza -> Binea. Following Binea, the line continues with Rapha, Eleasah, and Azel.
The context is purely genealogical, serving to meticulously record the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically the family line of Saul. Binea himself is not described as performing any actions or holding any office; his significance lies solely in his place within this extensive family tree. The Chronicler's emphasis on such detailed genealogies highlights the importance of tribal identity, land inheritance, and the historical continuity of Israel, even for a line that had lost its royal standing.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given the uncertain derivation of `{{H1150}}`, direct etymological cognates are not identifiable. However, as a proper name within a genealogical list, it is conceptually related to:
* **Genealogy (Hebrew: `{{H3187}}` *yachas*, to be enrolled genealogically; `{{H8435}}` *toledot*, generations/descendants):** The very purpose of Binea's inclusion is to establish a link in a chain of generations. This concept is central to the Chronicler's work, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant people.
* **Proper Names:** Like all biblical names, Binea serves as a unique identifier. While its meaning is obscure, it stands alongside other names in the genealogy (e.g., Jonathan, Micah, Azel) that collectively paint a picture of family and tribal identity.
* **Tribe of Benjamin:** Binea belongs to this tribe, which played a crucial role in Israel's early monarchy, providing its first king, Saul.
* **King Saul's Lineage:** Binea is part of the extensive record of Saul's descendants, demonstrating the Chronicler's interest in preserving the history of all the tribes, not just Judah.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1150}}` (Binea) is not found in any personal actions or prophetic utterances, but rather in the broader theological purpose of biblical genealogies.
1. **Preservation of Identity and History:** The inclusion of Binea, even with an uncertain name meaning, underscores the divine meticulousness in preserving the historical records of Israel. Genealogies confirm tribal affiliation, land rights, and the overall continuity of God's covenant people.
2. **Divine Faithfulness:** Even after the disruption of the monarchy and the exile, the detailed genealogies in Chronicles (including Binea's line) served to remind the post-exilic community of God's faithfulness to His promises and His ongoing care for the remnants of Israel.
3. **Completeness of Record:** The Chronicler's comprehensive approach to genealogies, including the seemingly less prominent figures like Binea, reflects a theological emphasis on the integrity and completeness of Israel's historical narrative as part of God's unfolding plan. Every individual, however briefly mentioned, plays a part in the grand story of salvation history.
4. **Foundation for Future Hope:** While Binea's line is not the Messianic line, the preservation of all tribal genealogies provided a framework for understanding the full scope of Israel's past and anticipating the restoration and future blessings promised to all twelve tribes.
### Summary
`{{H1150}}` (Binʻâʼ or Binea) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name whose etymological derivation is uncertain. It appears twice in the books of 1 Chronicles ([[1 Chronicles 8:37]] and [[1 Chronicles 9:43]]), exclusively within the detailed genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin. Binea is identified as a descendant of King Saul through his son Jonathan, specifically as the son of Moza. His significance in the biblical text is not tied to any personal actions or roles, but solely to his position within this extensive family tree. The theological importance of Binea's inclusion lies in the broader purpose of biblical genealogies: to affirm the meticulous preservation of Israel's historical and tribal identity, demonstrate God's faithfulness through generations, and underscore the comprehensive nature of the divine record that undergirds the unfolding story of salvation.
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