the same as יָמִין; Jamin, the name of three Israelites; Jamin. See also בִּנְיָמִין.
Transliteration:Yâmîyn
Pronunciation:yaw-meen'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H3226}}` (Yâmîyn) is a proper noun, a personal name. Its base definition indicates it is "the same as" `{{H3225}}` (yāmîn). Therefore, to understand the core meaning and semantic range of Jamin, one must delve into its etymological root, `{{H3225}}`.
`{{H3225}}` primarily signifies "right hand" or "right side." This carries significant semantic weight in the ancient Near East and biblical thought. The right hand was universally associated with strength, power, skill, honor, authority, and blessing. It was the hand used for action, for taking an oath, and for bestowing favor. Geographically, "yāmîn" can also refer to the "south," as one facing east would have the south on their right hand.
Thus, the name Jamin, while simply a designation for an individual, inherently carries the connotations of its root: potential for strength, honor, and a favored position, or perhaps even a connection to the southern region.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Jamin (`{{H3226}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible referring to three distinct individuals:
1. **Jamin, Son of Simeon:** This is the most prominent occurrence. Jamin is listed as one of the sons of Simeon, a grandson of Jacob. He is mentioned in the patriarchal genealogies and the census lists of Israel.
* [[Genesis 46:10]]: Listed among those who came with Jacob to Egypt. "The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman."
* [[Exodus 6:15]]: Repeated in the list of Simeon's sons among the families of Israel.
* [[Numbers 26:12]]: His descendants are identified as the "Jaminite clan" (הַיָּמִינִי, *hay-yāmînî*) in the second wilderness census. This indicates a recognized family line within the tribe of Simeon.
* [[1 Chronicles 4:24]]: Again, listed as a son of Simeon in the genealogical records.
In these contexts, Jamin is part of the foundational lineage of Israel. While no specific actions or character traits are attributed to him, his inclusion in these vital lists underscores his role in the continuity of God's covenant people.
2. **Jamin, Son of Ram (of Judah):**
* [[1 Chronicles 2:27]]: "The sons of Ram, the firstborn of Jerahmeel, were Maaz, Jamin, and Eker." This Jamin belongs to the tribe of Judah, specifically within the lineage of Jerahmeel, a prominent clan. This is a purely genealogical mention, providing no further narrative detail.
3. **Jamin, a Levite who assisted Ezra:**
* [[Nehemiah 8:7]]: "Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law; and the people remained in their places." This Jamin was one of the Levites who stood with Ezra during the public reading of the Law, serving as an interpreter or instructor, ensuring the people understood God's word. This context suggests a role of spiritual leadership and service in the post-exilic community.
In all cases, Jamin is a name of an Israelite. While the specific individuals do not have narratives that explicitly highlight the "right hand" meaning, their very existence within the covenant community, and in the case of the Levite, their service, implicitly connects them to God's purpose and blessing.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the root noun `{{H3225}}` (yāmîn), from which `{{H3226}}` derives. This root is incredibly rich in biblical meaning:
* **"Right Hand" as a Symbol of Power and Strength:** God's "right hand" is frequently depicted as the instrument of His power, salvation, and victory (e.g., [[Exodus 15:6]], [[Psalm 20:6]], [[Psalm 118:16]]).
* **"Right Hand" as a Symbol of Honor and Authority:** To be at someone's "right hand" signifies a position of ultimate honor and authority (e.g., [[Psalm 110:1]]).
* **"Right Hand" in Blessings and Oaths:** Blessings were often bestowed with the right hand, and oaths were sworn by lifting the right hand.
* **"South" as a Direction:** As noted, `{{H3225}}` also denotes the south, being the direction to the right when facing east. This is seen in geographical descriptions (e.g., [[Numbers 34:3]]).
Another highly significant related proper noun is `{{H1144}}` (Binyāmîn), "Benjamin," meaning "son of the right hand." This name was given to Jacob's youngest son, initially called "Ben-Oni" (son of my sorrow) by Rachel, but renamed by Jacob to reflect a more positive, perhaps auspicious, meaning of strength or favor. The tribe of Benjamin was known for its fierce warriors and strategic location.
Concepts closely associated with `{{H3225}}` and thus indirectly with `{{H3226}}` include:
* **Divine Favor:** Being on God's "right hand."
* **Deliverance and Salvation:** God's "right hand" brings deliverance.
* **Righteousness and Justice:** Though not a direct semantic link, the concept of "rightness" can subtly resonate with the idea of the correct or favored position.
### Theological Significance
While Jamin (`{{H3226}}`) is merely a name, its etymological root in `{{H3225}}` imbues it with profound theological significance. The concept of the "right hand" in biblical theology is central to understanding God's character and actions:
1. **God's Omnipotence and Sovereignty:** The "right hand of the Lord" is consistently portrayed as the locus of divine power and the executor of God's will. It is the hand that smites enemies, delivers His people, and upholds justice. This signifies God's active involvement in history and His supreme authority over all creation.
2. **Christ's Exaltation and Authority:** In the New Testament, the "right hand of God" takes on unparalleled significance as the position to which the resurrected Christ ascends (e.g., [[Mark 16:19]], [[Acts 7:55]], [[Romans 8:34]], [[Ephesians 1:20]], [[Hebrews 1:3]], [[1 Peter 3:22]]). This signifies His ultimate authority, His completed work of redemption, His role as intercessor, and His future return in glory. Seated at the right hand, Christ exercises all power in heaven and on earth.
3. **Blessing and Favor:** The right hand is the hand of blessing. This is seen in patriarchal blessings (e.g., Jacob blessing Ephraim and Manasseh, [[Genesis 48:13-19]]) and in the imagery of the righteous being placed on Christ's right hand at judgment (e.g., [[Matthew 25:34]]).
4. **Covenant Faithfulness:** The very existence of individuals named Jamin within the genealogies of Israel, particularly the son of Simeon, speaks to God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and their lineage, even through times of hardship. Their names, implicitly linked to strength and favor, are a quiet testimony to the enduring power of God's hand.
### Summary
`{{H3226}}` (Yâmîyn) is a Hebrew proper noun, the name "Jamin," borne by three distinct Israelites in the biblical record: a son of Simeon, a descendant of Judah, and a Levite who served with Ezra. While a personal name, its profound significance is derived from its direct etymological root, `{{H3225}}` (yāmîn), meaning "right hand" or "south."
This root word carries immense theological weight, symbolizing divine power, strength, honor, authority, and blessing throughout the Scriptures. From God's mighty "right hand" that delivers His people and smites His enemies, to the exalted position of Christ seated at the "right hand" of the Father, the concept signifies ultimate sovereignty and redemptive power. Thus, while the individuals named Jamin are not extensively detailed, their very name subtly echoes these foundational biblical themes of divine strength, favor, and the enduring presence of God's guiding hand within His covenant people.
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