patrial from מַכְבֵּנָא; a Macbannite or native of Macbena; Machbanai.
Transliteration:Makbannay
Pronunciation:mak-ban-nah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma מַכְבַּנַּי (Makbannay), Strong's H4344, is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates it is a "patrial" derivative from מַכְבֵּנָא (Macbena, `{{H4343}}`). This means Makbannay signifies "a Macbannite" or "native of Macbena." As a personal name, its primary semantic function is identification, linking the individual to a specific geographical origin. Unlike common nouns or verbs, proper nouns like Makbannay do not possess a broad semantic range, but rather denote a unique individual or group, whose significance is derived from their role within the biblical narrative. The name itself points to a place, suggesting a potential tribal or clan affiliation, though the precise meaning of the place name "Macbena" is not explicitly provided in the Strong's definition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Makbannay appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of 1 Chronicles:
* **[[1 Chronicles 12:13]]**: "Makbannay, Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, Jozabad, Gedaliah, Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, Shephatiah, Haruphite." (Note: this is verse 12:14 in some English translations, but 12:13 in the Masoretic Text).
This occurrence is within a significant passage detailing the valiant men who rallied to David at Ziklag, while he was still an outcast from King Saul. These individuals are described as "mighty men, warriors, fit for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains" ([[1 Chronicles 12:8]]). Makbannay is listed among these brave and loyal warriors from the tribe of Benjamin and Judah who joined David's cause. His inclusion in this illustrious list, though brief, signifies his participation in a pivotal moment of Israelite history—the consolidation of support around God's chosen king, David, even before his full ascension to the throne. The meticulous listing of names in Chronicles underscores the importance of each individual's contribution to the unfolding divine plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is מַכְבֵּנָא (Macbena, `{{H4343}}`), the place from which Makbannay derives his name. While the exact location or significance of Macbena is not extensively detailed in scripture, its connection to a warrior who joined David implies a certain geographical or tribal context for these loyalists. Beyond this direct linguistic link, Makbannay is conceptually related to:
* **David's Mighty Men**: He is part of the larger group of elite warriors who formed the core of David's army and administration. This group, often celebrated for their courage and loyalty, played a crucial role in establishing and securing David's kingdom.
* **Loyalty and Faithfulness**: The men who joined David at Ziklag demonstrated profound loyalty, often risking their lives and livelihoods to support a king who was not yet fully established. Makbannay's presence in this list aligns him with this virtue.
* **Genealogies and Lists**: The book of Chronicles, in particular, is rich in detailed genealogies and lists of individuals. These are not mere dry records but serve theological purposes, demonstrating God's faithfulness through generations, the continuity of His covenant, and the importance of every individual in His grand narrative.
### Theological Significance
Though Makbannay is mentioned only once and without further biographical detail, his inclusion in the biblical record carries profound theological significance.
1. **Divine Meticulousness**: The very presence of such seemingly minor names in Scripture testifies to God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign knowledge of every individual. Every person, no matter how obscure to human eyes, has a place in God's plan and is known by Him.
2. **The Importance of Every Contributor**: Makbannay represents the countless individuals who, in their specific roles, contributed to the establishment of God's kingdom on earth through David. It underscores that God uses a diverse array of people, from the renowned to the less prominent, to achieve His purposes.
3. **Loyalty to God's Anointed**: Makbannay's allegiance to David during a time of adversity serves as an example of faithfulness and courage. These men demonstrated trust in God's promise concerning David, choosing to align themselves with the future king even when it meant hardship and danger. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of the call to align oneself with God's ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ, often in the face of worldly opposition.
4. **Unity in Purpose**: The diverse tribal origins of David's supporters at Ziklag, including Makbannay, highlight the gathering of God's people under a single, divinely appointed leader. This foreshadows the unity of the body of Christ, drawn from all nations and backgrounds, united under the headship of Jesus.
### Summary
Makbannay (H4344) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name meaning "a Macbannite" or "native of Macbena" (`{{H4343}}`). He is mentioned only once in [[1 Chronicles 12:13]] as one of the valiant warriors who joined David at Ziklag during his period of exile. His inclusion in this list of loyal and courageous men highlights his contribution to David's growing support base, a crucial step in the establishment of the Davidic kingdom. Theologically, Makbannay's presence in Scripture underscores God's meticulous knowledge of every individual, the importance of every contributor to His divine plan, and the enduring value of loyalty and faithfulness to God's anointed leadership. He represents the silent, yet significant, participants in God's unfolding redemptive history.
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