of uncertain derivation; Ginath, an Israelite; Ginath.
Transliteration:Gîynath
Pronunciation:ghee-nath'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term גִּינַת (Gîynath, `{{H1527}}`) functions exclusively as a proper noun, identifying a specific individual in the biblical text. Its base definition, as provided, indicates an "uncertain derivation." This means that unlike many Hebrew names which carry inherent lexical meanings (e.g., "David" meaning "beloved," or names incorporating divine elements like "El" or "Yah"), the etymological root and thus any intrinsic semantic range for Gîynath are not ascertainable from the word itself. Its sole meaning is to denote the person Ginath, an Israelite, serving purely as an identifier. There is no broader semantic field or conceptual range associated with this particular lemma beyond its function as a personal name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Ginath (גִּינַת, `{{H1527}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of 1 Kings.
* [[1 Kings 16:21]]: "Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri."
In this solitary occurrence, Ginath is identified as the father of Tibni. The context is a period of intense political instability and succession struggle in the northern kingdom of Israel following the death of King Elah. Tibni, Ginath's son, emerges as a contender for the throne, vying against Omri. The biblical narrative focuses on the conflict between Tibni and Omri, with Omri ultimately prevailing. Ginath himself is not an active participant in the events described but is merely mentioned as the progenitor of Tibni, providing genealogical context for one of the key figures in this brief but significant historical episode. His role is entirely passive and serves to identify his son.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given the uncertain derivation of גִּינַת (Gîynath, `{{H1527}}`) and its singular occurrence as a proper name, there are no direct lexical cognates or clearly related Hebrew words that illuminate its meaning. Unlike many biblical names that are derived from common Hebrew verbs, nouns, or divine elements (e.g., names related to "strength," "praise," or incorporating "Yahweh" or "El"), Ginath stands apart in its etymological obscurity.
However, it is contextually related to several broader biblical concepts:
* **Succession and Kingship:** As the father of a claimant to the throne, Ginath is indirectly linked to the theme of Israelite kingship, its tumultuous nature, and the struggles for power within the kingdom.
* **Political Instability:** The mention of Ginath's son Tibni in the context of a divided populace highlights the period of political unrest and civil strife in Israel following the Omride dynasty's rise.
* **Genealogy and Identity:** Like all proper names, Ginath serves a genealogical function, anchoring Tibni within a family lineage, however briefly mentioned.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Ginath (גִּינַת, `{{H1527}}`) is indirect and derived primarily from the context in which his name appears, rather than from any intrinsic meaning or actions attributed to him. Since Ginath is merely identified as the father of Tibni, a contender for the throne who ultimately failed, his personal theological import is negligible.
However, his presence, even as a brief genealogical note, contributes to the larger theological narrative of the Book of Kings:
* **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Turmoil:** The mention of Ginath's son Tibni's failed bid for kingship against Omri underscores the turbulent human history of Israelite monarchy. Yet, even in such periods of strife and human ambition, the biblical narrative implicitly or explicitly points to God's ultimate sovereignty over the rise and fall of kings and dynasties. Ginath is a minor detail in this grand tapestry, illustrating the human drama unfolding within God's overarching plan for His people.
* **The Obscurity of Minor Figures:** The lack of detail about Ginath himself, including the uncertain derivation of his name and his single mention, highlights that the biblical record often focuses on those individuals who play a direct role in the unfolding of God's redemptive history. Ginath serves as a historical footnote, reminding the reader that countless individuals lived and contributed to the social fabric, even if their specific stories are not central to the divine narrative. His very obscurity can be seen as a humble reminder that not all lives are recorded in detail, yet all exist within the scope of God's knowledge and providence.
### Summary
Ginath (גִּינַת, `{{H1527}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun appearing only once in the biblical text, identified as the father of Tibni, a short-lived contender for the throne of Israel against Omri during a period of political fragmentation ([[1 Kings 16:21]]). The derivation of the name is uncertain, meaning it carries no discernible intrinsic semantic meaning beyond its function as an identifier for this individual. His role in the biblical narrative is entirely passive and genealogical, serving to contextualize his son's brief political prominence. The theological significance of Ginath is thus indirect, residing in his incidental contribution to the broader biblical themes of kingship, political instability, and divine sovereignty over human affairs in the history of Israel. He remains a minor, largely unilluminated figure, a silent witness to the turbulent events of his time.
TRV