patronymically from גּוּנִי; a Gunite (collectively with article prefix) or descendants of Guni; Gunites.
Transliteration:Gûwnîy
Pronunciation:goo-nee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1477}}` (Gûwnîy) is a patronymic noun, directly derived from the proper name `{{H1476}}` (Guni). As a patronymic, it signifies "descendants of Guni" or "belonging to Guni." The base definition indicates that when used with the definite article (הַגּוּנִי), it collectively refers to the entire clan or family group, hence "the Gunites." This grammatical construction is common in Hebrew for denoting tribal or familial affiliations, emphasizing a shared ancestry and identity stemming from a common progenitor. The semantic range is therefore narrow, specifically identifying a particular lineage within the larger Israelite tribal structure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H1477}}` appears in two primary contexts within the Old Testament, both serving to delineate the tribal organization of ancient Israel:
1. **Numbers 26:48**: "Of Naphtali, the families were: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites; of Guni, the family of the Gunites;" This verse is part of the second census of Israel, conducted in the plains of Moab before entering the Promised Land. The census meticulously lists the families within each tribe, underscoring the numerical strength and organizational structure of the nation. Here, the "Gunites" are clearly identified as one of the four principal families descending from Naphtali, alongside the Jahzeelites, Jezerites, and Shallumites. This context highlights their established identity as a distinct subclan.
2. **1 Chronicles 7:13**: "The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel, Guni, Jezer, and Shallum, the sons of Bilhah." While this verse lists `{{H1476}}` (Guni) as the individual son of Naphtali, it is the direct progenitor of the `{{H1477}}` (Gunites). The Chronicler's genealogies often serve to affirm the legitimate lineage and tribal connections, particularly for the post-exilic community. By listing Guni as a direct son, it validates the ancestry of the Gunites and their place within the tribe of Naphtali, which was descended from Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid and Jacob's wife.
In both contexts, the mention of the Gunites serves to confirm the meticulous record-keeping and the ordered structure of the Israelite nation, underscoring the divine oversight in their formation and preservation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H1477}}` naturally connects to several related linguistic and theological concepts:
* **`{{H1476}}` (Guni):** This is the direct progenitor from whom the Gunites derive their name. Understanding the individual Guni (son of Naphtali) is essential for grasping the origin of the `{{H1477}}` clan.
* **Patronymics:** The formation of `{{H1477}}` is a classic example of a Hebrew patronymic. Such terms (e.g., "Israelites" from Israel, "Judahites" from Judah) are fundamental to understanding familial and tribal identity in the Old Testament. They emphasize lineage, inheritance rights, and social cohesion.
* **Tribal Organization:** The Gunites are part of the larger tribe of Naphtali, which in turn is one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This highlights the intricate system of tribal and familial divisions that structured ancient Israelite society, essential for land distribution, military organization, and religious duties.
* **Genealogies and Censuses:** The contexts in Numbers and Chronicles underscore the biblical emphasis on genealogies. These lists are not merely historical records but serve theological purposes, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises regarding Abraham's descendants and ensuring the proper lineage for the priesthood and, ultimately, the Messiah.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H1477}}` refers to a relatively minor family within the larger tapestry of Israel, its inclusion in the biblical record carries significant theological weight:
1. **Divine Order and Meticulousness:** The detailed enumeration of families like the Gunites in the censuses and genealogies reflects God's meticulous attention to His people. It demonstrates that every family, no matter how small, is known and accounted for in His divine plan. This underscores a God who brings order out of potential chaos and values each component of His chosen nation.
2. **Covenant Faithfulness:** The preservation and enumeration of these family lines, even centuries after the initial formation of the tribes, testify to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The existence of the Gunites, as part of the tribe of Naphtali, contributes to the fulfillment of the promise that Abraham's descendants would become a great nation.
3. **Identity and Inheritance:** For ancient Israel, tribal and familial identity was paramount. It determined one's place in society, one's inheritance of land in Canaan, and one's responsibilities within the community. The identification of the Gunites ensures their rightful claim to their portion within Naphtali's tribal inheritance, reflecting God's provision for His people.
4. **Continuity of God's People:** The consistent mention of these family units across different historical periods (from the Exodus generation to the post-exilic period in Chronicles) illustrates the enduring nature of God's people. It reinforces the idea that the community of faith is built upon a foundation of continuous generations, each playing a role in the unfolding divine narrative.
### Summary
`{{H1477}}` (Gûwnîy) is a patronymic term denoting "the Gunites," the descendants of Guni, who was a son of Naphtali. Its occurrences in [[Numbers 26:48]] and [[1 Chronicles 7:13]] firmly establish this family as a distinct subclan within the tribe of Naphtali. The study of `{{H1477}}` highlights the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies and censuses, which serve not merely as historical records but as powerful attestations to God's divine order, His covenant faithfulness, and His careful preservation of His people. The inclusion of even seemingly minor family units like the Gunites underscores the theological truth that every part of God's creation, and especially His chosen people, is known, valued, and accounted for in His grand redemptive plan.
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