from עַם and אֵל; people of God; Ammiel, the name of three or four Israelites; Ammiel.
Transliteration:ʻAmmîyʼêl
Pronunciation:am-mee-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun עַמִּיאֵל (ʻAmmîyʼêl, `{{H5988}}`) is a theophoric name, meaning "People of God" or "My Kinsman is God." It is a compound word derived from two distinct elements: עַם (ʻam, `{{H5971}}`), meaning "people," "kin," or "kinsman," and אֵל (ʼēl, `{{H410}}`), a common Semitic word for "God" or "deity," often used as a name for the God of Israel. The construction reflects a deeply personal and communal understanding of God's relationship with humanity. The "my" in "My Kinsman is God" is implied by the possessive suffix often inherent in such compound names. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to the individuals who bore this name, yet its etymology carries profound theological weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻAmmîyʼêl appears in the Hebrew Bible referring to four distinct individuals, each contributing to the nuanced understanding of the name's significance within their respective narratives:
1. **Ammiel, son of Gemalli** [[Numbers 13:12]]: He was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan, representing the tribe of Dan. His inclusion among the spies highlights his standing within his tribe, yet his participation in the majority report that discouraged the Israelites from entering the land (despite his name signifying "People of God") serves as a poignant reminder that divine calling or a name's meaning does not inherently guarantee faithfulness.
2. **Ammiel, father of Machir of Lo-debar** [[2 Samuel 9:4]], [[2 Samuel 9:5]], [[2 Samuel 17:27]]: This Ammiel is known through his son Machir, who showed kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, and later provided provisions for King David during Absalom's rebellion. The name "People of God" here is associated with a lineage that demonstrates loyalty and compassion, reflecting the character often desired of God's people.
3. **Ammiel, father of Bathsheba** [[1 Chronicles 3:5]]: In the genealogical record of David's descendants, Ammiel is listed as the father of Bathsheba, who became the mother of Solomon. In the parallel account in [[2 Samuel 11:3]], Bathsheba's father is called Eliam. This presents a common Hebrew practice of reversing the elements of a theophoric name (Eliam meaning "God is my Kinsman" or "God of the People") or a textual variant, both names conveying a similar theological emphasis on God's relationship with the family.
4. **Ammiel, the sixth son of Obed-Edom** [[1 Chronicles 26:5]]: He was a Levite gatekeeper in the temple during the time of David, part of a prominent family entrusted with significant responsibilities in the house of God. This Ammiel's role as a temple servant further underscores the name's connection to the community of God's people dedicated to divine service and worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of ʻAmmîyʼêl are foundational to biblical theology:
* **עַם (ʻam, `{{H5971}}`):** This word is central to the concept of Israel as God's chosen "people" (*Am YHWH*). It denotes kinship, community, and national identity. The name ʻAmmîyʼêl thus explicitly links an individual to this collective divine relationship.
* **אֵל (ʼēl, `{{H410}}`):** This term for God is ubiquitous in the Hebrew Bible, often appearing in compound names (e.g., Samuel, Daniel, Israel, Michael, Gabriel). Its presence in ʻAmmîyʼêl signifies that God is the object of relation, the source of identity, or the divine kinsman.
* **Theophoric Names:** ʻAmmîyʼêl belongs to a broad category of Hebrew names that incorporate divine elements, reflecting the pervasive influence of faith in ancient Israelite culture. Such names often served as declarations of parental faith, prayers, or reminders of God's character and relationship with His people.
* **Covenant Theology:** The concept of "people of God" is intrinsically linked to the covenant established between Yahweh and Israel. The name ʻAmmîyʼêl can be seen as a personal embodiment of this covenantal identity.
### Theological Significance
The name ʻAmmîyʼêl carries significant theological weight, encapsulating core aspects of Israelite faith:
1. **Identity in God:** At its heart, the name declares that an individual's identity is rooted in their relationship with God. To be "People of God" or to claim "My Kinsman is God" is to affirm a profound belonging and intimacy with the divine. It suggests that God is not merely a distant deity but an active participant in the lives and lineage of His chosen.
2. **Covenantal Relationship:** The name echoes the foundational covenant between Yahweh and Israel, where God declares, "I will be your God, and you will be my people" [[Leviticus 26:12]]. Bearing the name ʻAmmîyʼêl could serve as a constant reminder of this sacred bond and the responsibilities that accompany it.
3. **Divine Providence and Kinship:** The "kinsman" aspect of the name implies a familial relationship, underscoring God's care, protection, and faithfulness to His people. It suggests that God acts on behalf of those who are His own, much like a close family member would.
4. **Human Frailty and Divine Steadfastness:** The varying contexts of the Ammiels in Scripture illustrate the complex interplay between human nature and divine purpose. While some bearers of the name exemplified faithfulness (e.g., Obed-Edom's son, Machir's father), others, like the spy from Numbers, fell short. This highlights that while the name declares a divine reality, human agency and choice remain paramount. The name itself is a theological statement, but its bearer's life may or may not perfectly reflect that statement.
### Summary
The Hebrew name ʻAmmîyʼêl (ʻAmmîyʼêl, `{{H5988}}`) is a powerful theological statement, meaning "People of God" or "My Kinsman is God." Formed from עַם (people/kin) and אֵל (God), it encapsulates the intimate, covenantal relationship between the divine and humanity. Appearing as a personal name for several Israelites in Scripture—including a spy, the father of Machir, Bathsheba's father, and a Levite gatekeeper—the name consistently points to an identity rooted in God's chosen community. It serves as a reminder of God's profound connection as the "Kinsman" to His "People," underscoring divine providence, familial care, and the sacred bond that defines the relationship between the Creator and His creation.
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