English · KJV
H4981

מִתְנִי

Mithnîy /mith-nee'/ Ask about this word
Rootprobably patrial from an unused noun meaning slenderness
Meaninga Mithnite, or inhabitant of Methen
KJV usageMithnite.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of Mithnîy — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word Mithnîy, represented by H4981, is a patrial term defined as a Mithnite, or an inhabitant of Methen. The base definition suggests it may derive from an unused noun meaning slenderness. This word is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the biblical text.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole use of H4981 is found within a list of individuals in the book of Chronicles. The term is applied to a man named Joshaphat, identifying him as "the Mithnite" 1 Chronicles 11:43. This designation serves to distinguish him by his geographical origin, listing him alongside another man, "Hanan the son of Maachah." No further actions or details are attributed to Joshaphat the Mithnite in the provided texts.

Related Words & Concepts

The context of H4981 links it directly to the individuals mentioned in its only appearance:

  • H3146 Yôwshâphâṭ: The name of the Israelite who is identified as the Mithnite 1 Chronicles 11:43.
  • H2605 Chânân: Meaning favor, this is the name of an Israelite listed immediately before Joshaphat 1 Chronicles 11:43.
  • H1121 bên: A word for son, used here to establish the lineage of Hanan as the "son of Maachah" 1 Chronicles 11:43.
  • H4601 Maʻăkâh: The name of Hanan's parent, meaning depression. This name appears in connection with several individuals and a place in Syria 1 Chronicles 11:43.

Theological Significance

While not carrying broad theological weight, the significance of H4981 lies in its function within the biblical record.

  • Precision in Identification: The use of "Mithnite" demonstrates the scriptural emphasis on precise identification, distinguishing this Joshaphat from any others by his place of origin.
  • Genealogical and Historical Record: It provides a specific detail that contributes to the historical and genealogical record-keeping central to Chronicles.
  • Significance by Inclusion: The very act of including Joshaphat the Mithnite in the list found in 1 Chronicles 11:43 marks him as a figure of some note, even though no other information is given.

Summary

In summary, H4981 Mithnîy is a highly specific term used a single time in scripture. Its purpose is not to convey a complex theological concept but to provide a crucial, identifying detail for an individual named Joshaphat. The word's value lies in its contribution to the clarity and specificity of the biblical narrative, ensuring that the identity of this person is preserved with historical and geographic precision.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 1 occurrence, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • מִּתְנִי

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H3146 יוֹשָׁפָט a form of יְהוֹשָׁפָט; Joshaphat, an Israelite; Joshaphat. H2605 חָנָן from חָנַן; favor; Chanan, the name of seven Israelites; Canan. H1121 בֵּן from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, inclu H4601 מַעֲכָה or מַעֲכָת; (Joshua 13:13), from מָעַךְ; depression; Maakah (or Maakath), the name of a place in Syria, also of a Mesopo

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in 1 Chronicles — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.