lemma גִּדְעֹני missing vowel, corrected to גִּדְעֹנִי; from גָּדַע; warlike (compare גִּדְעוֹן); Gidoni, an Israelite; Gideoni.
Transliteration:Gidʻônîy
Pronunciation:ghid-o-nee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1441, גִּדְעֹנִי (Gidʻônîy), is derived from the root גָּדַע (gadaʻ, `{{H1438}}`), which fundamentally means "to cut off," "hew down," "lop," or "destroy." From this root, the noun form גִּדְעֹנִי carries the semantic range of "warlike" or "one who cuts down/fells." While it functions primarily as a proper noun, "Gidoni," referring to an individual, its etymology imbues the name with an inherent sense of strength, decisiveness, and a capacity for decisive action, often in a confrontational or military context. The connection to the more famous biblical figure, Gideon (גִּדְעוֹן, `{{H1440}}`), whose name also stems from this root, reinforces this understanding of a "hewer" or "feller."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Gidʻônîy (H1441) appears exclusively as a patronymic in the book of Numbers, consistently identifying the father of Abidan, the prince of the tribe of Benjamin. Its occurrences are:
* [[Numbers 1:11]]: "Of Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni." This verse introduces Abidan as a leader during the first census in the wilderness.
* [[Numbers 2:22]]: "And the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni." Here, Abidan is designated as the tribal leader within the ordered camp formation.
* [[Numbers 7:60]]: "On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, offered:" This refers to Abidan's offering for the dedication of the tabernacle.
* [[Numbers 7:65]]: "This was the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni." A summary reference to the same offering.
* [[Numbers 10:24]]: "And over the host of the tribe of the children of Benjamin was Abidan the son of Gideoni." This verse reiterates Abidan's leadership role as Israel prepared to journey from Sinai.
In all instances, "Gidoni" serves to identify the lineage of Abidan, a prominent leader within the tribal structure of Israel during the wilderness wanderings. The consistent usage indicates that Gidoni was a recognized and perhaps esteemed figure, whose name, with its "warlike" connotation, may have reflected the character or reputation of his family line.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related term is the root גָּדַע (gadaʻ, `{{H1438}}`), meaning "to cut off, hew down, lop, fell, destroy." This root is used to describe acts of decisive physical force, often in the context of judgment, warfare, or clearing.
Another closely related proper noun is גִּדְעוֹן (Gidʻôn, `{{H1440}}`), Gideon, the judge. His name, also derived from the same root, means "hewer" or "feller," reflecting his role in decisively "cutting down" the Midianite oppressors. The shared etymology between Gidoni and Gideon highlights a common semantic field of strength, leadership, and the capacity for decisive, often forceful, action.
Concepts associated with H1441 include tribal leadership, divine order and organization (as seen in the census and camp arrangements in Numbers), and the martial readiness of the Israelite community as they prepared for the conquest of Canaan.
### Theological Significance
While "Gidoni" is a proper name and not a theological concept in itself, its etymological meaning contributes to a broader understanding of biblical naming conventions and God's interaction with His people. In ancient Israel, names often carried significant meaning, reflecting character, destiny, or a divine purpose. The name "Gidoni," signifying "warlike" or "hewer," for the progenitor of a tribal prince suggests a lineage characterized by strength, decisiveness, or a readiness for conflict.
In the context of the book of Numbers, where Israel is being organized and prepared for the journey to the Promised Land and the subsequent conquest, the presence of a leader whose family name implies "warlike" subtly reinforces the notion that God was raising up and ordering a people equipped for the challenges ahead. Benjamin, the tribe to which Abidan and Gidoni belonged, later gained a reputation for its fierce warriors (e.g., [[Judges 20:16]]). Thus, the name "Gidoni" may be seen as a subtle foreshadowing or a descriptive marker of the kind of strength and resolve God instilled within His chosen people for His purposes. It speaks to God's careful ordering and equipping of individuals and families according to His sovereign plan for the nation of Israel.
### Summary
H1441, Gidʻônîy, is a Hebrew proper noun, "Gidoni," derived from the root גָּדַע (gadaʻ), meaning "to cut off" or "hew down," thus conveying the sense of being "warlike" or a "feller." It appears exclusively in the book of Numbers, serving as the patronymic for Abidan, the prince of the tribe of Benjamin ([[Numbers 1:11]], [[Numbers 2:22]], [[Numbers 7:60]], [[Numbers 7:65]], [[Numbers 10:24]]). The name shares its etymological root with `{{H1440}}` (Gideon), emphasizing a shared semantic field of strength, decisiveness, and the capacity for impactful action. Theologically, while a personal name, "Gidoni" suggests a lineage marked by strength and readiness, fitting the context of Israel's divine ordering and preparation for the challenges of the wilderness and the conquest of Canaan, subtly highlighting God's equipping of His people for His sovereign purposes.
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