patrial from the unused name of a place apparently in Palestine; a Gizonite or inhabitant of Gizoh; Gizonite.
Transliteration:Gizôwnîy
Pronunciation:ghee-zo-nee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1493}}` (Gizôwnîy) is a gentilic, meaning "a Gizonite" or "an inhabitant of Gizoh." As the base definition indicates, it is a patrial term derived from an unused or otherwise unknown place name, "Gizoh," which is presumed to have been located in Palestine. Unlike many gentilics that point to well-attested cities or regions (e.g., "Jebusite" from Jebus/Jerusalem, "Philistine" from Philistia), "Gizoh" itself does not appear independently in the biblical text. Therefore, the semantic range of `{{H1493}}` is narrowly confined to denoting an individual's origin from this specific, yet unnamed, locale. Its primary function is to establish identity and geographical belonging for the person it describes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H1493}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[1 Chronicles 11:34]]. In this passage, it identifies "Huri the Gizonite" as one of David's mighty men: "Jonathan the son of Shageh the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of Ur, Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite, Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai, Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Hagri, Benaiah the Pirathonite, Huri the Gizonite..."
The context is a detailed enumeration of the elite warriors who served King David. This list, found also in a parallel form in [[2 Samuel 23]], highlights the diverse origins of David's most loyal and capable soldiers. The inclusion of "the Gizonite" alongside men identified by more familiar places like Pirathon (a city in Ephraim) or Carmel (a prominent mountain range), underscores the meticulous record-keeping of the Chronicler. Even though "Gizoh" remains obscure to modern readers, its mention here signifies that Huri's identity was strongly tied to his place of origin, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern societies for distinguishing individuals. The very brevity of its appearance, coupled with the lack of further information about "Gizoh," makes Huri the Gizonite a figure whose personal identity is preserved, even if his ancestral home is not.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a gentilic, `{{H1493}}` belongs to a broad category of biblical terms that denote a person's tribal, national, or geographical origin. This includes common terms like "Israelite" (`{{H3478}}`), "Judahite" (`{{H3063}}`), "Egyptian" (`{{H4713}}`), "Philistine" (`{{H6430}}`), "Hittite" (`{{H2850}}`), "Jebusite" (`{{H2983}}`), and numerous others that specify inhabitants of particular cities or regions (e.g., "Pirathonite," "Carmelite," "Hararite" in the same list as Huri).
The concept of a "patrial" name is crucial for understanding ancient identity. It signifies belonging, lineage, and often, the specific characteristics or reputation associated with that place. While the root of "Gizoh" is "unused" in other contexts, the *form* of `{{H1493}}` is consistent with other gentilics, typically formed by adding the -î suffix to a place name. This highlights the importance of geographical identity in the biblical worldview, where individuals were often known not just by their personal name and father's name, but also by their place of origin.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of "Huri the Gizonite" in the esteemed list of David's mighty men, despite the obscurity of his ancestral home "Gizoh," carries subtle but profound theological significance.
Firstly, it underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His knowledge of every individual. Even if human records lose track of a place, God knows the full story of each person He uses in His divine plan. The very act of recording Huri's unique identity, linked to an otherwise unknown place, suggests that every life, no matter how seemingly minor or obscure in the grand narrative, is significant to God.
Secondly, it speaks to the inclusivity of God's kingdom and the diverse instruments He employs. David's mighty men were not all from prominent Israelite tribes or famous cities; they were drawn from various backgrounds, some from places that remain unidentified. This reflects a broader biblical theme: God often uses the "unseen" or "unimportant" of the world to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating that His power is not limited by human renown or origin.
Finally, the very act of preserving such a detailed list in Chronicles, which often emphasizes lineage and the continuity of God's covenant with Israel, points to the divine regard for order, identity, and the specific roles individuals play within the larger history of salvation. Huri the Gizonite, though a brief mention, is a testament to the fact that God's plan incorporates individuals from all corners, known and unknown, to fulfill His sovereign will.
### Summary
`{{H1493}}` (Gizôwnîy) is a unique Hebrew gentilic meaning "a Gizonite," referring to an inhabitant of the otherwise unmentioned place "Gizoh." Its sole biblical appearance is in [[1 Chronicles 11:34]], identifying Huri the Gizonite as one of King David's mighty men. This term exemplifies the ancient practice of establishing personal identity through geographical origin. Despite the obscurity of "Gizoh," Huri's inclusion in David's elite force underscores the meticulous nature of biblical record-keeping and subtly highlights God's comprehensive knowledge of individuals, His use of diverse persons in His divine plan, and the value placed on every life within the sacred narrative.
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