The Hebrew word Mᵉbunnay, represented by H4012, is defined as built up. It appears 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible and is used as the name of an Israelite.
The single appearance of H4012 is in a list of names. In 2 Samuel 23:27, the text reads, "Abiezer the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite." In this context, Mebunnai is identified as a Hushathite H2843 and is listed immediately after Abiezer H44.
Several related words provide context for the sole occurrence of Mebunnai:
- H2843 Chushâthîy (Hushathite): This is the patronymic descriptor used to identify Mebunnai, meaning "a Chushathite or descendant of Chushah" 2 Samuel 23:27.
- H44 ʼĂbîyʻezer (Abiezer): The name of the Israelite listed directly before Mebunnai in 2 Samuel 23:27. The name means "father of help (i.e. helpful)."
- H6069 ʻAnthôthîy (Anethothite): This describes Abiezer as an "inhabitant of Anathoth" and is used in the same verse, providing parallel structure to the identification of Mebunnai 2 Samuel 23:27.
The significance of H4012 is tied exclusively to the identity of the individual it names within its single biblical mention.
- Specific Identification: The name is not presented in isolation. Mebunnai is explicitly linked to a group or place as "the Hushathite" H2843, grounding his identity in the biblical record 2 Samuel 23:27.
- Defined by Association: He is listed alongside Abiezer H44 the Anethothite H6069, placing him within a specific company of individuals.
- Etymological Root: The name itself, meaning "built up," offers a descriptive quality, though its direct significance for the individual is not detailed in the surrounding text.
In summary, H4012 refers to a specific Israelite, Mebunnay. Its entire biblical presence is contained in 2 Samuel 23:27, where he is named as "the Hushathite" H2843 in a list with other men like Abiezer H44. While its definition is "built up," its primary function in scripture is to name this one individual.
TRV