the same as בַּעֲנָה; Banana, the name of four Israelite; Baana, Baanah.
Transliteration:Baʻănâʼ
Pronunciation:bah-an-aw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma בַּעֲנָא (Baʻănâʼ), Strong's number `{{H1195}}`, is a proper noun referring to several individuals in the Old Testament. Its base definition indicates it is "the same as בַּעֲנָה" (Baʻănâh), which is Strong's number `{{H1194}}`. The etymological meaning of `{{H1194}}` is typically rendered as "in affliction" or "son of affliction." This derivation likely stems from the Hebrew root עָנָה (anah), which carries a primary sense of "to be afflicted," "to be humbled," or "to be bowed down." As a proper name, בַּעֲנָא does not possess a semantic range in the typical lexical sense, but its etymological root offers a potential insight into the circumstances or hopes associated with the individual at birth, or perhaps even an ironic commentary on their later life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Baana or Baanah appears in the Hebrew Bible referring to at least three distinct individuals, though the definition suggests "four Israelite." The fourth instance is likely a re-mention of one of the others.
1. **Baanah, son of Rimmon the Beerothite:** This Baanah is infamous for his role in the assassination of Ish-Bosheth, son of Saul. He and his brother Rechab were captains of Ish-Bosheth's raiding bands. They murdered the sleeping Ish-Bosheth, cut off his head, and brought it to David, expecting a reward for eliminating a rival claimant to the throne. However, David, deeply grieved by the act and remembering how he had punished the one who claimed to have killed Saul, condemned their treachery. Baanah and Rechab were executed by David's command, their hands and feet cut off, and their bodies hung beside the pool in Hebron. This narrative is found in [[2 Samuel 4:2]], [[2 Samuel 4:5]], [[2 Samuel 4:6]], and [[2 Samuel 4:9]]. This Baanah's actions embody treachery and a profound misunderstanding of divine justice and David's character.
2. **Baana, son of Ahilud:** This individual served as one of Solomon's twelve district governors, responsible for provisioning the royal household from specific regions. His district included Taanach, Megiddo, and all of Beth-shean, extending to Jokmeam. This role highlights his administrative competence and trust within Solomon's kingdom, responsible for a significant portion of the kingdom's economic support. His mention is found in [[1 Kings 4:12]].
3. **Baanah, a leader among the returnees from exile:** This Baanah is listed among the prominent individuals who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. He is mentioned in the lists of those who returned in [[Ezra 2:2]] and its parallel in [[Nehemiah 7:7]]. He is also likely the same Baanah, a chief of the people, who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah and other leaders, pledging faithfulness to God's law after the rebuilding of the wall (see [[Nehemiah 10:27]]). This Baanah represents the post-exilic leadership and commitment to the restoration of the community and its covenantal relationship with God.
The presence of multiple individuals bearing the same name is common in the biblical text, underscoring the prevalence of certain names within Israelite society and requiring careful contextual analysis to distinguish between them.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is `{{H1194}}` (Baʻănâh), which is structurally and semantically identical to `{{H1195}}`. Both names derive from the concept of "affliction" or being "humbled." This connects to the broader Hebrew understanding of names often reflecting circumstances of birth (e.g., Benjamin, "son of my right hand," or Ichabod, "no glory"), or even prophetic insights into an individual's life or character. The root עָנָה (anah) itself is rich in meaning, encompassing ideas of answering, singing, and affliction, but the "affliction" sense is most pertinent to this name.
The narratives involving individuals named Baana/Baanah also touch upon several significant biblical concepts:
* **Divine Justice:** The swift and severe judgment meted out by David to Baanah son of Rimmon underscores the biblical principle of divine justice against unrighteous acts, particularly those involving treachery and murder.
* **Leadership and Administration:** The roles of Baana son of Ahilud and Baanah the returnee highlight the importance of effective leadership, whether in royal administration or in the spiritual and communal rebuilding of post-exilic Israel.
* **Covenant Fidelity:** Baanah's participation in sealing the covenant in Nehemiah's time speaks to the enduring commitment of the remnant to God's law and their identity as His people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the name Baana/Baanah is primarily gleaned from the actions and fates of those who bore it. The most striking example is Baanah, son of Rimmon. His story serves as a stark reminder of divine justice and the consequences of unrighteous deeds. Despite his expectation of reward for eliminating a perceived enemy of David, his act was condemned as cold-blooded murder. This demonstrates that God's justice operates independently of human political machinations; means do not justify ends. David's response reflects a profound understanding of God's abhorrence of treachery and the sanctity of life, even the life of an enemy.
Conversely, the roles of Baana son of Ahilud and Baanah the returnee highlight God's providence in raising up individuals for specific purposes within His plan. One served in the administrative machinery of a flourishing kingdom, ensuring its sustenance, while the other contributed to the spiritual and physical restoration of a shattered nation. These individuals, despite bearing a name potentially linked to "affliction," were instruments of order, provision, and covenant renewal.
The name itself, "in affliction" or "son of affliction," could be seen as an ironic commentary. For the murderous Baanah, it might foreshadow the affliction of his violent end. For the post-exilic Baanah, it could reflect the "affliction" of the exile and the subsequent struggle to rebuild, yet also the hope of restoration. Ultimately, the varied lives of those named Baana/Baanah illustrate the complex interplay between human agency, God's sovereignty, and the outworking of His purposes in history.
### Summary
The Hebrew name בַּעֲנָא (Baʻănâʼ), Strong's number `{{H1195}}`, is a proper noun meaning "in affliction" or "son of affliction," directly related to `{{H1194}}`. While the name itself has a singular etymological meaning, its biblical occurrences reveal diverse and significant roles. It is borne by Baanah, son of Rimmon, a treacherous captain who murdered Ish-Bosheth and faced David's swift justice ([[2 Samuel 4:2]]); Baana, son of Ahilud, a capable district governor under King Solomon ([[1 Kings 4:12]]); and Baanah, a leader among the post-exilic returnees who signed the covenant with Nehemiah ([[Ezra 2:2]], [[Nehemiah 7:7]], [[Nehemiah 10:27]]). These individuals, though sharing a common name rooted in "affliction," played vastly different roles in Israelite history, from an example of divine retribution to figures of administrative order and covenant fidelity. The study of Baʻănâʼ thus underscores the varied ways in which individuals, regardless of their name's etymology, are situated within God's overarching narrative of justice, providence, and restoration.
TRV