from בָּנָה and יָהּ; built of Jah; Jibnejah, an Israelite; Ibneiah.
Transliteration:Yibnᵉyâh
Pronunciation:yib-neh-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper name יִבְנְיָה (Yibnᵉyâh), Strong's number `{{H2997}}`, carries a rich theological meaning embedded in its etymology. It is a compound name derived from the verb בָּנָה (banah, `{{H1129}}`), meaning "to build, rebuild, establish," and the shortened divine name יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`), a truncated form of YHWH. Thus, the name literally signifies "Built of Yah" or "Yah has Built." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to the specific individual it identifies, but the inherent meaning of the name itself speaks to divine action and providence. It implies that the person, or perhaps their family line, was divinely established, built up, or sustained by God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yibnᵉyâh (Ibneiah) appears in the Old Testament in two primary locations, both within genealogical lists pertaining to the post-exilic community in Jerusalem:
* **[[1 Chronicles 9:8]]**: Here, Ibneiah is listed as "Ibneiah the son of Jeroham," a Benjamite, among the heads of ancestral houses who resided in Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian exile. This chapter details the inhabitants of Jerusalem from various tribes, emphasizing the re-establishment of the community.
* **[[Nehemiah 11:17]]**: This passage again lists "Ibneiah the son of Jeroham," a Benjamite, as one of those who settled in Jerusalem. This chapter meticulously records the names of those who volunteered or were chosen by lot to dwell in the holy city, underscoring the renewed commitment to the restoration of Judah.
In both contexts, Ibneiah is presented as a member of the Benjamite tribe, instrumental in the repopulation and re-establishment of Jerusalem. The recurrence of his name in these vital lists highlights his role, however minor it may seem, in the divine plan of restoration. The meaning of his name, "Yah has built," would have resonated powerfully in a period characterized by the physical rebuilding of the city walls and temple, and the spiritual rebuilding of the community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of Yibnᵉyâh is deeply connected to several key Hebrew words and theological concepts:
* **בָּנָה (banah, `{{H1129}}`)**: This verb is central to the name. It denotes not only physical construction but also the establishment of a family, a nation, or a covenant. In a theological sense, it speaks of God's creative and redemptive work in building up His people, His kingdom, and His promises.
* **יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`)/יהוה (YHWH, `{{H3068}}`)**: The divine name "Yah" signifies God's active presence, covenant faithfulness, and self-existence. Its inclusion in names like Yibnᵉyâh underscores the belief that God is the ultimate agent of all good things, including the establishment and sustenance of individuals and communities.
* **Names with Theophoric Elements**: Many biblical names incorporate elements of the divine name (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hezekiah, Nehemiah). These names often function as miniature theological statements, expressing attributes of God, prayers, or declarations of faith concerning God's work in the life of the person or their family.
* **Divine Providence and Restoration**: The name "Built of Yah" aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's providential care and His capacity to restore. This was particularly pertinent during the post-exilic period, where the people experienced God's faithfulness in rebuilding what had been destroyed.
### Theological Significance
The name Yibnᵉyâh (Ibneiah) carries significant theological weight, particularly when viewed through the lens of its post-exilic context.
1. **Divine Agency in Restoration**: The name serves as a profound declaration that the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the re-establishment of the Jewish community after the exile were not merely human endeavors but the direct work of Yahweh. Even as human hands toiled to lay bricks and rebuild walls, the underlying conviction was that God Himself was the master builder, fulfilling His promises of restoration.
2. **Affirmation of God's Faithfulness**: In a period marked by hardship and the memory of divine judgment, a name like "Built of Yah" would have been a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness. It testified that despite the exile, God had not abandoned His people but was actively involved in their renewal.
3. **Individual and Communal Identity**: For Ibneiah himself, the name would have reflected his personal identity as one whom God had established. For the community, it reinforced their collective identity as a people "built" and sustained by their covenant God, providing hope and purpose.
4. **Theological Statement in Daily Life**: The practice of bestowing names with theological meanings ensured that fundamental truths about God were woven into the very fabric of daily life, serving as constant reminders of His sovereignty and grace.
### Summary
Yibnᵉyâh (Ibneiah, `{{H2997}}`) is a Hebrew proper name meaning "Built of Yah" or "Yah has Built," derived from the verb בָּנָה (banah, `{{H1129}}`, "to build") and the divine name יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`). This name appears in [[1 Chronicles 9:8]] and [[Nehemiah 11:17]], identifying a Benjamite who resided in Jerusalem during the post-exilic period. Its theological significance is profound, serving as a powerful affirmation of God's active role in building, establishing, and restoring His people and their city, especially pertinent in the context of the return from exile and the reconstruction of Jerusalem. The name encapsulates the deep conviction that all true building, whether physical or spiritual, ultimately originates from and is sustained by the Lord God.
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