The Hebrew word Mishmannâh, represented by H4925, is a proper name for an Israelite. It is derived from a root that means fatness. This name appears only 1 time in the Bible, in a single verse, making it a unique and specific reference.
The sole appearance of H4925 occurs in a list of names. In this context, Mishmannah is identified as the fourth individual in a sequence, followed by Jeremiah as the fifth 1 Chronicles 12:10. The verse serves to record the identity and order of these specific individuals.
Several words from its only context provide further insight into biblical numbering and naming conventions:
- H7243 rᵉbîyʻîy (fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth): This ordinal number is used to establish sequence, as seen in God's promise that Israel would return to their land in the fourth generation Genesis 15:16.
- H3414 Yirmᵉyâh (Jah will rise; Jirmejah, the name of eight or nine Israelites; Jeremiah): This is the name of the prophet who received the word of the LORD about the seventy years of Jerusalem's desolations Daniel 9:2.
- H2549 chămîyshîy (fifth; also a fifth; fifth (part)): This term can denote an ordinal position or a fractional amount, such as the requirement to add a fifth part when making amends for harm done in a holy thing Leviticus 5:16.
While its singular use limits broad theological application, the name Mishmannah carries potential significance based on its root meaning.
- A Name of Blessing: The concept of "fatness" in a biblical context can symbolize abundance, prosperity, and God's favor. The name itself may reflect a hope or prayer for a prosperous life for the individual.
- Recorded Identity: Its inclusion in the list in 1 Chronicles serves to permanently record this individual's identity. The name places him in a specific order as "the fourth," highlighting the structured and remembered nature of biblical genealogies.
In summary, H4925 is a highly specific term, used only once as the proper name Mishmannah. Its significance is derived from its root meaning of "fatness," which suggests blessing, and its sole biblical appearance, which identifies an individual as the fourth in a notable list 1 Chronicles 12:10. It demonstrates how even a name appearing just once contributes to the detailed tapestry of the biblical record.
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