### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yibnᵉyâh**, represented by `{{H2997}}`, is a proper name meaning **built of Jah**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. As the name of an Israelite named Ibneiah, its significance is derived entirely from its definition, which combines the Hebrew words for "build" and "Jah," a name for God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H2997}}` is within a genealogical list in the book of 1 Chronicles. The verse serves to establish the lineage of Benjamites who returned to Jerusalem. It states, "And Ibneiah{H2997} the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shephathiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah" [[1 Chronicles 9:8]]. In this context, Ibneiah is recorded as a link in the chain of his family's history, preserving the record of his ancestry.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are found in the immediate context of Ibneiah's genealogy:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name)," connects the individuals in the lineage. Its own definition echoes the "build" concept in Ibneiah's name and is essential for tracking generational lines throughout scripture [[Deuteronomy 4:9]].
* `{{H3395}}` **Yᵉrôchâm** (compassionate; Jerocham): This is the name of Ibneiah's father, directly linking him in the genealogical record [[1 Chronicles 9:8]]. The name Jeroham appears in other lineages as well, such as that of Elkanah [[1 Samuel 1:1]].
* `{{H2998}}` **Yibnîyâh** (building of Jah; Jibnijah): This name, Ibnijah, is nearly identical to Ibneiah and shares the same root meaning. Its appearance at the end of the same ancestral line in [[1 Chronicles 9:8]] suggests a family heritage deeply connected to the idea of being established or built by God.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2997}}` is contained entirely within its meaning. Though the person Ibneiah is not described further, his name itself is a statement of faith.
* **Theophoric Naming:** The name Ibneiah is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates the name of God ("Jah"). This common practice in Israel served to honor God and declare a truth about His character in a person's very identity.
* **Divine Foundation:** The definition "built of Jah" communicates that a person's life, family, and future are established and constructed by God. It attributes the existence and continuation of the family line to divine action.
* **Genealogical Significance:** Its placement within a post-exilic census in 1 Chronicles highlights that the preservation of Israel's lineage was itself an act of God's faithfulness. Each individual, "built of Jah," contributed to the continuation of the covenant people.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2997}}` is a specific personal name whose significance transcends its single biblical mention. While Ibneiah is a minor figure in the biblical record, his name, **Yibnᵉyâh**, carries the profound theological declaration that God is the builder of His people. It demonstrates how even a name within a genealogy can serve as a testament to God's foundational role in the life and history of Israel.
TRV