probably from גָּנַן; protected; Guni, the name of two Israelites; Guni.
Transliteration:Gûwnîy
Pronunciation:goo-nee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun גּוּנִי (Gûwnîy, `{{H1476}}`) is understood to derive from the root גָּנַן (ganan, `{{H1598}}`), which carries the core meaning of "to defend," "to protect," or "to cover." Consequently, the name Gûwnîy inherently signifies "protected" or "defended." As a personal name, it embodies the concept of one who is under divine safeguarding or whose very existence reflects a state of security provided by a higher power. It is not an action verb or descriptive adjective, but rather a nominal form that encapsulates this protective quality as an inherent characteristic or bestowed status.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name גּוּנִי (Gûwnîy, `{{H1476}}`) appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively within genealogical contexts:
* [[Genesis 46:24]]: Guni is listed as one of the four sons of Naphtali, who journeyed with Jacob into Egypt. This occurrence is part of the foundational genealogical record of the tribes of Israel.
* [[Numbers 26:48]]: In the second census of Israel, Guni's descendants are identified as "the family of the Gunites" (הַגּוּנִי), forming a distinct clan within the tribe of Naphtali. This demonstrates the perpetuation of the name and its association with a tribal lineage.
* [[1 Chronicles 5:15]]: Here, Guni is mentioned as the father of Abdiel, a prominent figure from the tribe of Gad. This highlights another instance of the name within a different tribal lineage, again serving a genealogical function.
* [[1 Chronicles 7:13]]: Guni is once more listed as a son of Naphtali, reaffirming the lineage presented in Genesis.
In all occurrences, גּוּנִי functions solely as a proper name within lists that delineate family lines and tribal structures. There are no narrative details provided about the individuals named Guni that would directly illustrate the "protected" aspect of their lives. However, the consistent use within genealogical records underscores the importance of lineage and identity within Israelite society, where names often carried significant meaning.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to גּוּנִי (Gûwnîy, `{{H1476}}`) is its root, גָּנַן (ganan, `{{H1598}}`). This verb is used in various contexts to describe divine protection, such as God defending Jerusalem ([[2 Kings 20:6]], [[Isaiah 31:5]]) or His people ([[Zechariah 9:15]]).
Another significant related word from the same root is גַּן (gan, `{{H1588}}`), meaning "garden" or "enclosure." A garden is by nature a "protected" or "enclosed" space, often walled or hedged for security and cultivation (e.g., the Garden of Eden, [[Genesis 2:8]]). This connection reinforces the core concept of defense and security inherent in the root.
The theological concept of divine protection is pervasive throughout the biblical narrative, often expressed through metaphors of God as a shield (מָגֵן, magen, `{{H4043}}`), a fortress (מִבְצָר, mibtsar, `{{H4013}}`), or a refuge (מַחְסֶה, machaseh, `{{H4268}}`). While not directly etymologically linked, these concepts resonate with the meaning embedded in the name Guni.
### Theological Significance
The name גּוּנִי (Gûwnîy, `{{H1476}}`), though appearing in seemingly mundane genealogical lists, carries profound theological weight. Its meaning, "protected," reflects a fundamental aspect of the Israelite worldview: the conviction that God is the ultimate Defender and Protector of His people. For individuals bearing this name, it would have served as a constant, implicit reminder of divine providence and security, irrespective of the specific circumstances of their lives.
In the broader biblical context, names often functioned as miniature theological statements or prophecies. The presence of a name like Guni within the foundational lineages of Israel testifies to the pervasive belief that the very existence and continuity of the covenant people were sustained by God's protective hand. It aligns with the overarching biblical theme of God as a faithful guardian who shelters His chosen ones from harm and preserves their heritage ([[Deuteronomy 33:27]], [[Psalm 46:1]]). Thus, Guni is not merely a label but a quiet affirmation of God's active safeguarding presence within the history and identity of Israel.
### Summary
The Hebrew proper noun גּוּנִי (Gûwnîy, `{{H1476}}`), derived from the root גָּנַן (ganan, `{{H1598}}`), signifies "protected" or "defended." This name appears in the Old Testament in four instances, consistently within genealogical records, identifying two distinct Israelites: a son of Naphtali and an ancestor in the tribe of Gad ([[Genesis 46:24]], [[Numbers 26:48]], [[1 Chronicles 5:15]], [[1 Chronicles 7:13]]). While its occurrences are limited to lists, its etymology carries significant theological weight, subtly testifying to the ancient Israelite understanding of God as the ultimate protector and defender of His people. The name itself, along with related words like גַּן (gan, `{{H1588}}`) for "garden," underscores the pervasive biblical theme of divine providence and security for those within God's covenant.
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