The Hebrew name ʼĔlîyʻêynay, represented by H462, is the name of an Israelite, Elienai. The name is believed to be a contracted form of a longer name. It is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the biblical record.
The single appearance of ʼĔlîyʻêynay occurs within a genealogical list in the book of Chronicles. The name is mentioned as part of a list of individuals, establishing a specific person within Israel's historical lineage. The verse simply states, "And Elienai H462, and Zilthai H6769, and Eliel H447" 1 Chronicles 8:20. Its context is purely for the purpose of historical record-keeping.
In its sole context, ʼĔlîyʻêynay is listed with two other individuals:
- H6769 Tsillᵉthay (Zilthai): Defined as "shady," this name is given to two different Israelites. It appears directly alongside ʼĔlîyʻêynay in the genealogy 1 Chronicles 8:20.
- H447 ʼĔlîyʼêl (Eliel): Meaning "God of (his) God," this name belongs to nine Israelites mentioned in the scriptures. It is the third name listed in the sequence with ʼĔlîyʻêynay and Tsillᵉthay 1 Chronicles 8:20.
The significance of ʼĔlîyʻêynay is found entirely in its function within biblical genealogy.
- Preservation of Lineage: The inclusion of this name in 1 Chronicles demonstrates the importance placed on maintaining a detailed and accurate historical record of family lines within ancient Israel.
- Historical Identity: As a proper name, its sole purpose in the text is to identify a specific Israelite, ensuring his place is documented within the history of his people. It does not carry any other narrative or theological weight.
In summary, ʼĔlîyʻêynay H462 is a proper name with a single, specific function in the biblical text. It appears once in a genealogical list in 1 Chronicles, serving only to identify an Israelite named Elienai. While not connected to a broader narrative, its presence is significant for its role in the meticulous preservation of Israel's ancestral records.
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