from עַם and שַׁדַּי; people of (the) Almighty; Ammishaddai, an Israelite; Ammishaddai.
Transliteration:ʻAmmîyshadday
Pronunciation:am-mee-shad-dah'ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun H5996 (עַמִּישַׁדַּי, Ammîyshadday) is a compound name, rich in theological significance. It is derived from two distinct Hebrew elements: עַם (`{{H5971}}`, ‘am), meaning "people" or "kinsman," and שַׁדַּי (`{{H7706}}`, Shadday), referring to the divine name "Almighty," as in El Shaddai. The name Ammishaddai therefore translates most accurately as "My people are Shaddai" or "People of the Almighty." The possessive suffix on עַם (-i, "my") indicates a close, personal relationship, suggesting "my kinsman is Shaddai" or "my people belong to Shaddai." This etymology immediately marks it as a theophoric name, a common practice in ancient Israel reflecting the piety and theological worldview of the parents, dedicating their child to God or expressing a truth about God's nature in relation to humanity. The semantic range is thus tightly focused on this declarative statement of divine ownership and relationship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Ammishaddai appears exclusively in the book of Numbers, specifically in contexts related to the organization and census of the Israelite tribes during their wilderness wanderings. He is identified as the father of Ahiezer, who serves as the leader (נָשִׂיא, nasi') of the tribe of Dan.
* [[Numbers 1:12]]: Ammishaddai is first mentioned in the context of the census, where Ahiezer, son of Ammishaddai, is named as the leader of the tribe of Dan. This highlights his lineage and the significant position held by his son within the tribal structure.
* [[Numbers 2:27]]: He is again cited in the description of the tribal encampment, specifically detailing the position of the camp of Dan, led by Ahiezer, son of Ammishaddai. The tribe of Dan, along with Asher and Naphtali, encamped on the north side of the Tabernacle.
* [[Numbers 7:66]] and [[Numbers 7:71]]: These verses record the offerings brought by Ahiezer, son of Ammishaddai, on the tenth day of the dedication of the Tabernacle. His offering, consistent with the other tribal leaders, underscores his role in the communal worship and support of the sanctuary.
* [[Numbers 10:25]]: Ammishaddai's son, Ahiezer, is mentioned as leading the rear guard of the Israelite camp as they set out from Sinai.
The consistent mention of Ammishaddai as the father of a prominent tribal leader underscores the importance of lineage and the continuity of leadership within Israel. While Ammishaddai himself is not depicted performing any actions, his name, carried by his son, serves as a constant reminder of the divine relationship that undergirds the tribal identity and the very fabric of the Israelite community. The name's presence in these foundational organizational texts of the wilderness journey reinforces the idea that even the structure of God's people is rooted in His almighty presence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Ammishaddai is intrinsically linked to several foundational biblical concepts and terms:
* **עַם (`{{H5971}}`, ‘am):** This word signifies "people," "nation," or "kinsman." In the context of Israel, it often denotes the chosen people of God, highlighting their unique covenantal relationship with Yahweh. The "my" possessive in Ammishaddai emphasizes this intimate connection, suggesting divine ownership and care for His people.
* **שַׁדַּי (`{{H7706}}`, Shadday):** This is a divine name, often translated as "Almighty" or "All-Sufficient." It is frequently combined with El (God) to form El Shaddai, a name particularly prominent in the patriarchal narratives (e.g., [[Genesis 17:1]], [[Genesis 28:3]], [[Genesis 35:11]], [[Genesis 48:3]]). Shaddai conveys God's power, sovereignty, and His ability to fulfill His promises, often in the context of fruitfulness and blessing.
* **Theophoric Names:** Ammishaddai belongs to a large category of Hebrew names that incorporate a divine element, such as El, Yah, or Shaddai. Examples include Daniel ("God is my judge"), Samuel ("Heard of God"), or Elijah ("My God is Yah"). These names served as declarations of faith, prayers, or expressions of gratitude, reflecting the pervasive presence of God in the lives and worldview of ancient Israelites. They often encapsulated theological truths or hopes.
* **Covenant (בְּרִית, berit):** The name implicitly points to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Just as God declares, "You shall be my people" (e.g., [[Exodus 6:7]]), the name Ammishaddai affirms this from the human perspective: "My people belong to the Almighty."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Ammishaddai lies primarily in its declarative nature. As a name, it functions as a miniature theological statement, proclaiming a fundamental truth about God and His relationship with humanity, particularly Israel.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Ownership:** The name asserts that God, specifically Shaddai—the Almighty, the All-Sufficient One—is the ultimate possessor and sustainer of "my people." This reinforces the biblical theme that Israel is God's chosen possession, His special treasure (e.g., [[Exodus 19:5]]).
2. **God's Sufficiency for His People:** The use of Shaddai evokes the attributes of God as the one who is powerful enough to fulfill His promises, to bless, and to provide for His people. In the context of the wilderness, where Israel was entirely dependent on God, a name like Ammishaddai would have been a constant reminder of God's omnipotence and faithfulness.
3. **Identity Rooted in God:** For the individual bearing this name, and by extension for the tribe he represents through his son, the name signifies an identity that is inextricably linked to the Almighty. It suggests that the very essence and security of "my people" (or "my kinsman") reside in their relationship with Shaddai. This serves as a powerful reminder that Israel's strength and identity were not based on their own might but on the power of their God.
4. **A Testament to Faith:** The choice of such a name by parents reflects a profound faith and a desire to declare God's character and His relationship with His people. It is a testament to the belief that God is indeed "their people's Almighty."
### Summary
H5996 (עַמִּישַׁדַּי, Ammîyshadday) is a Hebrew proper noun, a theophoric name meaning "My people are Shaddai" or "People of the Almighty." Derived from עַם (`{{H5971}}`, "people") and שַׁדַּי (`{{H7706}}`, "Almighty"), it serves as a powerful theological declaration. Biblically, Ammishaddai is known as the father of Ahiezer, the leader of the tribe of Dan, and is consistently mentioned in the book of Numbers in contexts related to the tribal census and organization during the wilderness wanderings ([[Numbers 1:12]], [[Numbers 2:27]], [[Numbers 7:66]], [[Numbers 7:71]], [[Numbers 10:25]]). The name's significance lies in its affirmation of God's sovereignty and ownership over His people, highlighting His sufficiency and power (Shaddai) as the foundation of Israel's identity and security. It implicitly points to the covenant relationship and serves as a profound statement of faith, declaring that the very essence of God's people is rooted in their Almighty God.
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