### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻUnnîy**, represented by `{{H6042}}`, is defined as **afflicted** and is the name of two Israelites. This name appears only **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, identifying Levites who served in specific roles related to worship and temple duties in the Old Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The biblical appearances of `{{H6042}}` place Unni directly within the context of organized Levitical service. In 1 Chronicles, an individual named Unni is listed among his **brethren** `{{H251}}` of the **second** `{{H4932}}` degree who were appointed as musicians and **porters** `{{H7778}}` [[1 Chronicles 15:18]]. He is specifically mentioned as one of those who played **psalteries** `{{H5035}}` on **Alamoth** `{{H5961}}` alongside figures like Zechariah `{{H2148}}` and Benaiah `{{H1141}}` [[1 Chronicles 15:20]]. Later, in Nehemiah, an Unni is named with Bakbukiah `{{H1229}}` as being positioned with their **brethren** `{{H251}}` in the **watches** `{{H4931}}`, signifying a duty of guardianship [[Nehemiah 12:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several individuals and terms are directly associated with Unni, defining his community and role:
* **Zechariah** `{{H2148}}`: Meaning "Jah has remembered," Zechariah is listed alongside Unni in both Levitical appointments in 1 Chronicles, indicating a close working relationship in musical worship ([[1 Chronicles 15:18]], [[1 Chronicles 15:20]]).
* **Benaiah** `{{H1141}}`: Meaning "Jah has built," Benaiah was another Levite who served with Unni as a musician with **psalteries** `{{H5035}}` on **Alamoth** `{{H5961}}` [[1 Chronicles 15:20]].
* **Bakbukiah** `{{H1229}}`: Meaning "emptying (i.e. wasting) of Jah," Bakbukiah is mentioned as a contemporary of Unni serving in the **watches** `{{H4931}}` during the time of Nehemiah [[Nehemiah 12:9]].
* **brethren** `{{H251}}`: This term, meaning a brother in a literal or metaphorical sense, is used to describe Unni's relationship with his fellow Levites, highlighting their shared purpose and communal service ([[1 Chronicles 15:18]], [[Nehemiah 12:9]]).
### Theological Significance
While the name `{{H6042}}` is not central to major theological doctrines, its context reveals important themes about worship and service.
* **Service in Worship:** Unni is consistently portrayed as a participant in the formal worship of Israel. His roles as a musician playing **psalteries** `{{H5035}}` and a guard serving in the **watches** `{{H4931}}` show the organized and dedicated nature of Levitical duties.
* **The Community of Faith:** Unni is never mentioned in isolation. He is always part of a group of **brethren** `{{H251}}` appointed to a collective task, underscoring the corporate nature of service to God ([[1 Chronicles 15:18]], [[Nehemiah 12:9]]).
* **An Honorable Role for the "Afflicted":** The name **ʻUnnîy** `{{H6042}}` itself means "afflicted." The scriptures place this individual in a position of honor, participating directly in the sacred musical worship and guardianship of the temple, illustrating a place of purpose within the community regardless of the name's connotation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6042}}` **ʻUnnîy** is a personal name that appears exclusively in lists of Levites dedicated to temple service. Though mentioned only a few times, these references provide a specific look into the structured worship of ancient Israel. The name identifies individuals who, as part of a larger community of **brethren** `{{H251}}`, fulfilled vital roles as both musicians and guards, contributing to the religious life of the nation.
TRV