### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nîyn**, represented by `{{H5209}}`, is a specific term for **progeny** or **son**. Though its base definition is simple, its significance is highlighted by its rarity. It appears only **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently in contexts emphasizing the continuation or cessation of a family line.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H5209}}` is exclusively tied to the concept of generational posterity. It appears in the context of a covenant when Abimelech asks Abraham to swear he will not deal falsely with him, his **son** `{{H5209}}`, or his son's son [[Genesis 21:23]]. Conversely, it is used to signify ultimate judgment. The LORD promises to cut off from Babylon its **son** `{{H5209}}` and nephew [[Isaiah 14:22]], and Job's discourse describes the fate of the wicked as having neither **son** `{{H5209}}` nor nephew among his people [[Job 18:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for lineage and posterity:
* `{{H5220}}` **neked** (offspring; nephew, son's son): This term is intrinsically linked to `{{H5209}}`, appearing alongside it in all three of its scriptural occurrences. The pairing emphasizes a complete lineage, as in the judgment against Babylon to cut off both **son** and **nephew** [[Isaiah 14:22]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense): This word for son is used more broadly for literal and figurative relationships. It is used in commandments concerning passing down heritage, such as the instruction to teach the law to "thy **sons**, and thy **sons**' **sons**" [[Deuteronomy 4:9]].
* `{{H5211}}` **nîyç** (fugitive; that fleeth): This term appears in contexts of escaping doom. For example, Jeremiah describes a sequence of judgment where "He that **fleeth** from the fear shall fall into the pit" [[Jeremiah 48:44]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5209}}` is concentrated in its specific application:
* **Generational Covenant:** Its use in Genesis highlights that the integrity of a covenant was expected to extend beyond an individual to their immediate **progeny**, securing a peaceful future for the next generations [[Genesis 21:23]].
* **The Finality of Judgment:** The loss of a **son** `{{H5209}}` represents a devastating and final judgment. In both Isaiah and Job, its removal signifies the end of a name, legacy, and future, a curse of complete annihilation ([[Isaiah 14:22]], [[Job 18:19]]).
* **Legacy and Posterity:** The high-stakes contexts of `{{H5209}}` underscore the profound importance of posterity in the biblical worldview. To have a **son** was to have a future; to lose one's **progeny** was the ultimate ruin.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5209}}` **nîyn** is a rare but powerful word. While defined simply as **progeny** or **son**, its usage is reserved for critical moments involving the fate of a lineage. Consistently paired with `{{H5220}}` **neked**, it marks the difference between a secured, multi-generational blessing and a judgment that erases a family's future from existence. It demonstrates how a single, specific term can carry immense theological weight regarding covenant, judgment, and legacy.
TRV