a form for מִנְיָמִין; Mijamin, the name of three Israelites; Miamin, Mijamin.
Transliteration:Mîyâmin
Pronunciation:me-yaw-meem'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H4326}}`, transliterated as Mîyâmin (מִיָּמִן), is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates it is a variant form of `{{H1144}}` (Binyamin, בִּנְיָמִין), which is Benjamin. The name Benjamin literally means "son of the right hand" or "son of good fortune/prosperity." While `{{H4326}}` itself does not carry an independent semantic range beyond identifying a person, its etymological connection to Benjamin suggests an underlying meaning of favor, strength, or prominence, as the "right hand" in ancient Near Eastern culture often symbolized strength, authority, and blessing. For a proper noun, the "semantic range" is inherently limited to the individual(s) bearing the name, with any deeper meaning typically residing in the etymology of the name itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Mijamin (or Miamin) appears in the biblical record primarily in connection with the priestly lineage. The definition notes "three Israelites," but the occurrences likely refer to two distinct individuals and a priestly house.
1. **1 Chronicles 24:9**: "the sixth to Mijamin, the seventh to Hakkoz,"
Here, Mijamin is identified as the head of the sixth of the twenty-four priestly divisions established by King David for the orderly service in the Temple. This organization, detailed in 1 Chronicles 24, ensured a structured and continuous system for priestly duties. This Mijamin is thus a significant figure in the historical administration of Israel's worship.
2. **Nehemiah 10:7**: "Mijamin, Maaziah, Bilgai."
This verse lists Mijamin among the priests who affixed their seals to the solemn covenant made by the returned exiles under Nehemiah and Ezra. This covenant reaffirmed their commitment to the Law of Moses, including specific pledges regarding temple service, tithes, and Sabbath observance. This Mijamin is a participant in the post-exilic restoration and renewal of the community's dedication to God.
3. **Nehemiah 12:5**: "Amaryah, Malluch, Hattush, Shebaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, Iddo, Ginnethoi, Abijah, Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah, Shemaiah."
**Nehemiah 12:17**: "of Mijamin, of Moadiah; of Bilgah, of Shemaiah;"
These verses list priests who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua from the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah 12:5 lists Mijamin among the chief priests and their brethren, while Nehemiah 12:17 specifically refers to the "house" or lineage of Mijamin, indicating that his family line continued to serve as priests. It is highly probable that the Mijamin mentioned in Nehemiah 10:7 and 12:5/17 refers to the same individual or, at least, the same priestly lineage active during the post-exilic period, demonstrating continuity of service and leadership.
Across its occurrences, `{{H4326}}` consistently points to individuals involved in the sacred service of the priesthood, whether in its initial organization under David or its re-establishment after the exile.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the base from which `{{H4326}}` is derived:
* **`{{H1144}}` (Binyamin / Benjamin)**: Meaning "son of the right hand" or "son of good fortune." This is the tribe of Benjamin, and the name's etymology suggests favor, strength, or a privileged position. While Mijamin is a priest (Levitical), not necessarily from the tribe of Benjamin, the name's root meaning could subtly imply one who is favored or strong in their service.
Other related concepts, given the contexts of `{{H4326}}`, include:
* **Priesthood (`{{H3548}}` - kohen)**: The core identity of the individuals named Mijamin is their role as priests. This involves mediating between God and humanity, offering sacrifices, teaching the Law, and maintaining the sanctity of worship.
* **Divine Order (`{{H4256}}` - machlaka, "division" or "course")**: The mention of Mijamin as head of a priestly division in 1 Chronicles 24 highlights the meticulous organization of temple service, reflecting God's desire for order in worship.
* **Covenant (`{{H1285}}` - berit)**: Mijamin's participation in sealing the covenant in Nehemiah 10 underscores the importance of covenant fidelity, renewal, and the community's commitment to God's commands.
* **Restoration (`{{H7725}}` - shuv, "to return")**: The presence of Mijamin in the lists of those returning from exile emphasizes the theme of restoration, the rebuilding of Israel's spiritual and communal life.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of `{{H4326}}` (Mijamin) hold theological significance not in any unique revelation, but in their contribution to the larger narrative of God's faithfulness, the importance of ordered worship, and the continuity of His covenant people.
1. **Divine Order and Preservation of Priesthood**: The inclusion of Mijamin in the Davidic priestly divisions (1 Chronicles 24) demonstrates God's providential ordering of worship and His concern for the proper administration of sacred duties. His reappearance (or his lineage) in the post-exilic lists (Nehemiah) signifies the divine preservation of the priestly line, ensuring the continuity of temple service and the means of atonement and worship for the restored community.
2. **Faithfulness and Service**: The individuals named Mijamin represent the collective faithfulness of those who served God in their appointed roles. Whether organizing the priesthood centuries before the exile or pledging renewed commitment after it, their presence in the biblical record testifies to a lineage of dedication to divine service. Their inclusion in lists, though seemingly minor, underscores the importance of every individual's contribution to the life of the covenant community.
3. **Covenant Renewal and Hope**: In the context of Nehemiah, Mijamin's participation in signing the covenant signifies the community's renewed commitment to God's Law after the exile. This act was a pivotal moment of spiritual revival, demonstrating a corporate desire to walk in obedience. The consistent presence of priestly families like Mijamin's offered hope for the future, signaling that despite past failures and exile, God was re-establishing His people and their worship.
4. **Theological Weight of Names**: While `{{H4326}}` is a proper noun, its connection to "Benjamin" (son of the right hand) subtly reinforces the idea of divine favor or strength associated with these priestly figures. Their very names, even if common, could serve as a quiet affirmation of God's blessing upon those who serve Him.
### Summary
`{{H4326}}` (Mîyâmin), a variant of `{{H1144}}` (Benjamin), is a proper noun identifying three Israelites, consistently associated with the priesthood. These individuals or their lineages played vital roles in the administration of temple service, from the initial organization of priestly divisions under King David (1 Chronicles 24) to the post-exilic restoration and covenant renewal under Nehemiah (Nehemiah 10, 12). The consistent appearance of Mijamin in priestly lists underscores the theological themes of divine order in worship, God's preservation of the priestly line, and the faithful service of individuals within the covenant community. Their presence in the historical record, particularly during the challenging period of return from exile, speaks to the continuity of God's redemptive plan and the enduring hope for His people's renewed relationship with Him. Even seemingly minor names in the biblical record contribute to the grand narrative of God's faithfulness and the ordered life of His chosen people.
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