The Hebrew word Yânîym, represented by H3241, is a proper name for a location in Palestine. Derived from a root meaning asleep, it is rendered as Janum in scripture. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse, marking it as a highly specific geographical reference.
The single biblical mention of H3241 occurs in a list of place names. In the book of Joshua, Janum is cataloged alongside several other locations within Palestine. The verse simply reads, "And Janum, and Bethtappuah, and Aphekah" Joshua 15:53, establishing its identity as a specific town or area recognized at the time the text was written.
The words listed with H3241 help to establish its geographical context:
- H1054 Bêyth Tappûwach: This name means "house of (the) apple" and refers to Beth-tappuah, another place in Palestine listed in the same verse Joshua 15:53.
- H664 ʼĂphêqâh: Meaning "fortress," this word identifies Aphekah, a place in Palestine that also appears directly alongside Janum in the biblical record Joshua 15:53.
The significance of H3241 is primarily geographical and historical rather than theological.
- Geographic Marker: Its main function is to identify a specific location, contributing to the detailed mapping of territories described in the Old Testament.
- Historical Record: The inclusion of Janum provides a factual anchor, demonstrating the text's concern with precise historical and geographical details.
- Contextual Placement: While the word itself carries the meaning "asleep," its importance in scripture is derived from its placement in a list that defines a specific region alongside other known locations.
In summary, H3241 is a specific place name, Janum, with a literal meaning of "asleep." Its sole appearance in scripture serves a clear purpose: to document a location as part of a larger geographical list. It stands as an example of the Bible's inclusion of precise details that ground its narratives in real-world history and geography.
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