### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Ginnᵉthôwn**, represented by `{{H1599}}`, is the name of an Israelite. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The name, which can also be rendered **Ginnetho**, is derived from a word meaning **gardener**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Ginnᵉthôwn** is found exclusively in the book of Nehemiah, placing him in the post-exilic period of Israel's history. He is identified as a priest who was part of the community's leadership. In one instance, Ginnethon is listed among the prominent men who sealed the covenant, appearing alongside figures such as **Daniel** `{{H1840}}` and **Baruch** `{{H1263}}` [[Nehemiah 10:6]]. The variant **Ginnetho** is also listed among the priests who came up with Zerubbabel [[Nehemiah 12:4]]. The name is later used to identify a priestly family, with **Meshullam** `{{H4918}}` named as the representative for the house of Ginnethon [[Nehemiah 12:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other individuals are mentioned in direct connection with **Ginnᵉthôwn**, highlighting his place within the priestly and leadership structures of his time:
* `{{H1840}}` **Dânîyêʼl** (judge of God; Daniel...): Listed immediately before Ginnethon as one of the men who sealed the covenant [[Nehemiah 10:6]].
* `{{H1263}}` **Bârûwk** (blessed; Baruk...): Appears directly after Ginnethon in the same list of covenant sealers [[Nehemiah 10:6]].
* `{{H5714}}` **ʻIddôw** (timely; Iddo...): Named as a priest alongside Ginnetho, and his priestly house is mentioned in the same list as Ginnethon's ([[Nehemiah 12:4]], [[Nehemiah 12:16]]).
* `{{H29}}` **ʼĂbîyâh** (father (i.e. worshipper) of Jah; Abijah...): A fellow priest listed with Iddo and Ginnetho [[Nehemiah 12:4]].
* `{{H4918}}` **Mᵉshullâm** (allied; Meshullam...): Identified as the head of the priestly house of Ginnethon during a later period [[Nehemiah 12:16]].
* `{{H2148}}` **Zᵉkaryâh** (Jah has remembered; Zecarjah...): The head of the house of Iddo, listed in the same verse that identifies Meshullam as the head of the house of Ginnethon [[Nehemiah 12:16]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1599}}` is tied to its role in the administrative and religious life of the restored Israelite community.
* **Priestly Lineage:** Ginnethon is identified as part of the priestly class that was central to the re-establishment of temple worship after the Babylonian exile [[Nehemiah 12:4]].
* **Covenant Commitment:** His inclusion among those who sealed the covenant demonstrates his position as a leader committed to upholding God's law in the restored nation [[Nehemiah 10:6]].
* **Head of a Family:** The reference to the "house of Ginnethon" indicates he was the founder or a prominent leader of a priestly family, whose lineage was officially recorded and recognized within the community [[Nehemiah 12:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1599}}` is not just a personal name but represents an individual of priestly status during a crucial period of Israel's history. The name **Ginnᵉthôwn**, or **Ginnetho**, is tied to the re-establishment of the priesthood and the solemn renewal of the covenant after the return from exile. His inclusion in these significant lists in Nehemiah underscores his importance as a leader and the head of a priestly house in the post-exilic community.
TRV