### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼŏnîy**, represented by `{{H590}}`, refers to a **ship** or, collectively, a **fleet** or **navy of ships**. It appears **7 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. Its usage is primarily associated with large-scale maritime operations, such as royal navies established for trade and the transport of valuable goods.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H590}}` is used specifically to describe the naval power established during the reign of King Solomon. King Solomon **made** a **navy of ships** `{{H590}}` in Eziongeber, a port located in the land of Edom on the shore of the Red sea [[1 Kings 9:26]]. This fleet operated in partnership with the **navy** `{{H590}}` of Hiram, king of Tyre [[1 Kings 10:22]]. These navies were engaged in international trade, undertaking voyages that brought back immense wealth, including **gold** `{{H2091}}` from Ophir, **almug** `{{H484}}` trees, **precious** `{{H3368}}` stones, **silver** `{{H3701}}`, **ivory** `{{H8143}}`, **apes** `{{H6971}}`, and **peacocks** `{{H8500}}` ([[1 Kings 10:11]], [[1 Kings 10:22]]). In a prophetic context, Isaiah describes a place of divine protection where no **galley** `{{H590}}` with oars will go, signifying a realm where human might is unnecessary [[Isaiah 33:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of maritime power and commerce:
* `{{H591}}` **ʼŏnîyâh** (ship): The feminine form of **ʼŏnîy**, this word also means **ship**. It is used to describe the skilled **shipmen** `{{H582}}` with **knowledge** `{{H3045}}` of the **sea** `{{H3220}}` whom **Hiram** `{{H2438}}` sent to serve in the **navy** [[1 Kings 9:27]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): The term **ʼŏnîy** is almost exclusively tied to royalty, describing the **king**'s `{{H4428}}` fleet. The enterprise was a royal one, undertaken by King Solomon [[1 Kings 9:26]].
* `{{H3220}}` **yâm** (a sea): This is the domain where the **navy** `{{H590}}` operates. Solomon's fleet was located on the Red **sea** `{{H3220}}` and conducted its missions "at **sea**" [[1 Kings 10:22]].
* `{{H2438}}` **Chîyrâm** (Hiram): As king of Tyre, his naval partnership with Solomon was critical. The success of the ventures is often attributed to their joint **navy** `{{H590}}` ([[1 Kings 10:11]], [[1 Kings 10:22]]).
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H590}}` carries significant thematic weight in scripture.
* **National Prosperity and Power:** The establishment of a **navy** `{{H590}}` is depicted as a high point of Solomon's reign, a symbol of his kingdom's wealth, influence, and advanced capabilities in commerce and exploration [[1 Kings 9:26]].
* **International Alliances:** The joint fleets of Solomon and **Hiram** `{{H2438}}` represent a period of peaceful and mutually beneficial international cooperation. The sharing of resources and expert **servants** `{{H5650}}` underscores this diplomatic success [[1 Kings 9:27]].
* **Divine Security Over Human Might:** In Isaiah, the absence of a **galley** `{{H590}}` symbolizes a state of perfect security under God's protection. It contrasts the reliance on human naval power with the ultimate safety found only in the Lord, where such instruments are not needed [[Isaiah 33:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H590}}` **ʼŏnîy** denotes a significant naval fleet, representing the pinnacle of national achievement in trade and international relations during Solomon's era. It is a tangible symbol of the immense wealth and power of the kingdom. However, the word is also used metaphorically to contrast the limits of human strength with the sufficiency of divine protection, illustrating that while a great **navy** can signify worldly glory, true security rests in God alone.
TRV