a variation of מִדְיָנִי; {a Midjanite or descendant (native) of Midjan}; Midianite.
Transliteration:Mᵉdânîy
Pronunciation:med-aw-nee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מְדָנִי (Mᵉdânîy), Strong's number `{{H4092}}`, is explicitly defined as a variation of מִדְיָנִי (Midyanî), meaning "a Midianite or descendant (native) of Midian." Its core meaning therefore denotes an individual belonging to the people group of Midian. The Midianites trace their lineage back to Midian, one of the sons of Abraham by Keturah ([[Genesis 25:2]]). Thus, the semantic range of מְדָנִי is quite narrow, referring specifically to an inhabitant or descendant of the geographical region of Midian, situated primarily in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula, east of the Gulf of Aqaba.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מְדָנִי (Mᵉdânîy) is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in only two verses:
* **[[Genesis 37:28]]**: "Then there passed by Midianites, merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt." Here, the מְדָנִי are identified as "merchantmen" (סֹחֲרִים, *sokharim*), highlighting their role as traders. This verse presents a complex interaction, as Joseph is sold *to* the Ishmaelites *by* the Midianites, suggesting either a close commercial relationship or a degree of interchangeability in terminology for these desert trading groups.
* **[[Genesis 37:36]]**: "And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard." This verse reiterates the direct involvement of the מְדָנִי in the final sale of Joseph into Egyptian slavery.
In both instances, the context underscores the role of these specific Midianite individuals as the immediate agents in Joseph's sale, a pivotal moment in the patriarchal narrative. While the broader people group of Midian (מִדְיָן, `{{H4080}}`) appears frequently, particularly in the Books of Exodus and Judges as adversaries of Israel, this specific variant `{{H4092}}` is reserved for these critical moments in Joseph's story, emphasizing their particular function as merchants.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is **מִדְיָנִי (Midyanî)**, `{{H4088}}`, the more common and general term for "Midianite," of which מְדָנִי (Mᵉdânîy) is a stated variation. Both terms refer to an individual from the nation of Midian. The collective noun for the nation or land is **מִדְיָן (Midyān)**, `{{H4080}}`.
Crucially, the narrative in Genesis 37 also introduces **יִשְׁמָעֵאלִי (Yishma'êlî)**, `{{H3458}}`, or "Ishmaelite." The apparent interchangeability or close association between "Midianites" and "Ishmaelites" in the Joseph narrative (cf. [[Genesis 37:25]], [[Genesis 37:27]], [[Genesis 37:28]], [[Genesis 37:36]], and [[Judges 8:24]]) suggests that these terms might have been used somewhat fluidly to describe desert traders or that the groups were closely allied, perhaps even intermarried, sharing common trade routes and practices. This linguistic fluidity points to a shared identity or function, particularly in the context of ancient Near Eastern commerce.
### Theological Significance
The appearance of the מְדָנִי (Mᵉdânîy) in the Joseph narrative carries profound theological significance, primarily in illustrating divine providence. Although motivated by commercial gain and participating in a morally reprehensible act (the sale of a human being), these Midianite merchants unwittingly serve as instruments in God's overarching plan for Joseph and, by extension, for the nascent nation of Israel. Their actions, seemingly random or purely mercenary, facilitate Joseph's journey to Egypt, where he would eventually rise to power and be positioned to save his family from famine. This demonstrates God's sovereign ability to use diverse human agents, even those whose intentions are far from righteous, to accomplish His redemptive purposes ([[Genesis 50:20]]).
Furthermore, the interplay between the Midianites and Ishmaelites in this narrative highlights the complex relationship between God's chosen people and the surrounding nations. While these groups were distant relatives of Abraham, their interaction with Jacob's family is initially one of exploitation. Yet, even through such negative encounters, God's faithfulness to His covenant promises is revealed as He orchestrates events for the ultimate good of His people. The ambiguity in their precise identity also underscores that God's plan is not limited by human ethnic or social distinctions, but encompasses all who play a part in His unfolding drama of salvation.
### Summary
מְדָנִי (Mᵉdânîy), `{{H4092}}`, is a rare variant of the Hebrew word for "Midianite," appearing exclusively in [[Genesis 37:28]] and [[Genesis 37:36]]. It specifically denotes the individuals from the Midianite people who acted as merchants and were instrumental in the sale of Joseph into Egypt. The term's usage in conjunction with "Ishmaelites" in the same narrative suggests a close association or even an interchangeable application for desert traders of that era. Theologically, the presence and actions of these מְדָנִי highlight the profound truth of divine providence, demonstrating how God sovereignly uses human agents, even those with morally ambiguous roles, to orchestrate pivotal events for the fulfillment of His redemptive plan for Israel and, ultimately, for humanity.
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