from יָמַן; prosperity (as betokened by the right hand); Jimnah, the name of two Israelites; also (with the article) of the posterity of one of them; Imna, Imnah, Jimnah, Jimnites.
Transliteration:Yimnâh
Pronunciation:yim-naw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term Yimnâh (`{{H3232}}`, יִמְנָה) is a proper noun derived from the root `{{H3225}}` (yāman), which fundamentally means "to go to the right," "to use the right hand," or "to be firm/prosperous." In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the "right hand" (יָמִין, `{{H3227}}`) was a powerful symbol denoting strength, skill, favor, blessing, and a position of honor. Consequently, Yimnâh carries the core semantic range of "prosperity," "favor," or "blessed" – attributes often associated with the right hand. As a personal name, it likely reflects the hopeful aspirations of parents for their child's future, envisioning a life marked by divine favor and well-being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Yimnâh (`{{H3232}}`) appears in the biblical text primarily as the name of two distinct individuals and, in one instance, as a tribal designation for descendants.
1. **Jimnah, Son of Asher:** This is the most prominent occurrence. Jimnah is listed as the firstborn son of Asher, one of Jacob's twelve sons, in the genealogical record of those who went down to Egypt with Jacob:
* "The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah." [[Genesis 46:17]]
* His descendants are later enumerated in the wilderness census, where they are referred to as "the Jimnites": "Of Asher, the family of the Imnites from Imnah..." [[Numbers 26:44]] This highlights the perpetuation of his lineage and the formation of a distinct tribal clan within Asher. The context here is purely genealogical, affirming the growth and organization of the Israelite tribes.
2. **Jimnah, a Levite:** A different individual named Jimnah appears in the Levitical genealogies, though less frequently and sometimes with variant spellings in English translations. He is listed as an ancestor of Korah:
* "The sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, Elkanah his son, Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son, Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, Shaul his son." [[1 Chronicles 6:24]] (Note: Some translations, like KJV, render the name as "Imnah" within this verse, linking it to `{{H3232}}`). This occurrence places Jimnah within a priestly lineage, underscoring the importance of genealogical records for establishing tribal and service identities within Israel.
In both contexts, Yimnâh serves as a proper name within genealogical lists, which were crucial for establishing identity, inheritance, and tribal affiliation in ancient Israel. The name itself, "prosperity," may have served as a hopeful blessing for the individual and their lineage.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root from which Yimnâh is derived, `{{H3225}}` (yāman), which signifies "to go to the right," "to be on the right side," or "to be prosperous/successful." Closely linked is `{{H3227}}` (yāmîn), the noun for "right hand" or "south." The symbolism of the right hand is pervasive in biblical thought, representing:
* **Strength and Power:** God's "right hand" is often depicted as the instrument of His might and deliverance (e.g., [[Exodus 15:6]]).
* **Blessing and Favor:** To be at someone's right hand signifies honor and favor (e.g., [[Psalm 110:1]]).
* **Prosperity and Success:** The very meaning of Yimnâh reflects this association, where being "on the right" implies favorable circumstances and flourishing.
Concepts related to Yimnâh include:
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** The name's consistent appearance in ancestral lists highlights the biblical emphasis on family lines and the fulfillment of covenant promises through descendants.
* **Divine Blessing:** The inherent meaning of "prosperity" points to the belief that true well-being ultimately stems from God's favor and blessing.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** The continued existence and naming of clans like the "Jimnites" attest to God's faithfulness in multiplying Abraham's descendants.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Yimnâh, though primarily a proper name, lies in its embedded meaning and the contexts in which it appears. The name "Prosperity" or "Favor" speaks to the deep human desire for well-being and the ancient Israelite understanding that such blessings originate from God. It reflects a worldview where names were not arbitrary labels but often carried prophetic or aspirational weight, expressing the hopes and prayers of parents for their children's lives under divine providence.
Furthermore, the recurrence of Yimnâh in genealogical records underscores the biblical narrative of God's covenant faithfulness. From the promises made to Abraham regarding his numerous descendants to the meticulous accounting of tribal lineages in Numbers and Chronicles, these lists affirm God's active involvement in the history of His people. The existence of the "Jimnites" as a recognized clan is a tangible sign of God's promise being realized.
The underlying concept of prosperity, derived from the "right hand," also carries theological weight. In Scripture, God's "right hand" symbolizes His saving power, His righteous acts, and His ultimate authority. While Yimnâh is a human name, its semantic root subtly points to the divine source of all true prosperity and blessing, reminding the reader that genuine flourishing is a gift from the sovereign Lord, not merely the result of human effort or chance.
### Summary
Yimnâh (`{{H3232}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "prosperity" or "favor," derived from the root associated with the "right hand" – a symbol of strength, blessing, and honor. It primarily identifies two individuals in the Old Testament: Jimnah, the firstborn son of Asher, whose descendants formed the "Jimnites" (mentioned in [[Genesis 46:17]] and [[Numbers 26:44]]), and a Levite ancestor in [[1 Chronicles 6:24]]. Its occurrences are predominantly within genealogical lists, emphasizing the importance of lineage and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to multiply His people. The name itself reflects the ancient Israelite hope for divine blessing and well-being, subtly pointing to God as the ultimate source of all true prosperity.
TRV