from the same as מֵן; enumeration; Minnith, a place East of the Jordan; Minnith.
Transliteration:Minnîyth
Pronunciation:min-neeth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma מִנִּית (Minnîyth, `{{H4511}}`) functions primarily as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location. Its base definition, as provided, links it etymologically to the concept of "enumeration" or "portion," deriving from a root similar to מֵן (men). This suggests that the place name itself might have originated from an association with counting, a census, a designated allotment of land, or perhaps a place where goods were counted or portioned out. However, in its sole biblical occurrence, its semantic function is strictly toponymic, identifying a town. Therefore, while its etymology offers an interesting insight into the name's potential origin, its practical semantic range within the biblical text is limited to its role as a geographical marker.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מִנִּית (Minnîyth, `{{H4511}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* [[Judges 11:33]]: "And he struck them from Aroer as far as Minnith—twenty cities—and as far as Abel Keramim. So the Ammonites were subdued before the people of Israel."
In this verse, Minnith is cited as a geographical boundary, marking the extent of Jephthah's decisive victory over the Ammonites. The context is the fulfillment of Jephthah's vow and the subsequent military campaign against the Ammonites, who had oppressed Israel. The mention of "twenty cities" alongside Minnith suggests that it was either a significant town itself or part of a cluster of settlements that fell under Jephthah's control during this campaign. Its location, "east of the Jordan," places it within the Transjordanian territory disputed between the Ammonites and Israel. The inclusion of Minnith in this description emphasizes the comprehensiveness and territorial scope of Jephthah's triumph, underscoring the thoroughness with which the Ammonite threat was neutralized.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Strong's definition for מִנִּית (Minnîyth, `{{H4511}}`) points to a root concept of "enumeration." This connects it conceptually, though not directly linguistically in all cases, to other Hebrew words related to counting, numbering, or apportioning. The most direct linguistic link would be to the verbal root מָנָה (manah, `{{H4487}}`), meaning "to count, number, assign, appoint." This root is foundational for concepts of divine ordering, census-taking (e.g., in Numbers), and the assignment of portions or destinies. While the place name Minnith itself does not actively convey this meaning in [[Judges 11:33]], its etymological background subtly ties it to the broader biblical theme of divine ordering and the precise, measured nature of God's dealings with humanity and nations. Other related concepts might include the idea of an allotted portion or inheritance, which is also a significant theme in the distribution of land to the Israelite tribes.
### Theological Significance
As a specific geographical location mentioned in a historical narrative, מִנִּית (Minnîyth, `{{H4511}}`) does not possess inherent theological meaning in isolation. Its theological significance is derived from its role within the larger divine narrative of Israel's history and God's interaction with His people. The mention of Minnith in [[Judges 11:33]] serves to delineate the scope of Jephthah's divinely empowered victory over the Ammonites. This victory, extending to Minnith, is a testament to God's faithfulness in delivering His people from oppression and fulfilling His covenant promises. It illustrates the Lord's sovereignty over nations and territories, demonstrating His active involvement in the affairs of His chosen people, securing their land and peace. The defeat of the Ammonites, marked by the capture of cities including Minnith, underscores the Lord's vindication of Israel and His power to subdue their adversaries. Thus, Minnith, as a specific point on the map of conquest, contributes to the overarching biblical theme of God's providential care and His ultimate triumph over forces hostile to His people.
### Summary
מִנִּית (Minnîyth, `{{H4511}}`) is a proper noun referring to a town located east of the Jordan River. It appears uniquely in [[Judges 11:33]], marking the extent of Jephthah's decisive victory against the Ammonites. While its etymological root suggests a connection to "enumeration" or "portion," its primary function in the biblical text is geographical, serving as a landmark to define the scope of the conquest. Theologically, Minnith contributes to the narrative of God's faithfulness and sovereignty, as its inclusion in the account of Jephthah's triumph over the Ammonites highlights the comprehensive nature of the divinely granted victory and the Lord's active involvement in securing His people's land and subduing their adversaries.
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