from an unused root meaning to force; forcible; Othni, an Israelite; Othni.
Transliteration:ʻOthnîy
Pronunciation:oth-nee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6273}}` (ʻOthnî) is a proper noun, a personal name. Its etymology traces back to an unused root, conveying the meaning of "to force" or "to be strong." Thus, the name itself signifies "forcible" or "strong." Unlike many Hebrew names that incorporate divine elements, `{{H6273}}` primarily describes a characteristic or quality. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying a specific individual within the biblical narrative, though the inherent meaning of the name may offer insight into the person or their lineage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H6273}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of 1 Chronicles:
* **[[1 Chronicles 26:7]]**: "The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, Rephael, Obed, Elzabad, whose brothers were able men, Elihu and Semachiah."
In this passage, Othni is identified as one of the sons of Shemaiah, a descendant of Obed-Edom. This lineage is significant, as Obed-Edom and his family were appointed by King David as temple gatekeepers and guardians of the storehouses (see [[1 Chronicles 26:1-8]]). The text explicitly states that Othni's "brothers were able men" (גִּבֹּרֵי חָיִל, *gibborê ḥayil*), a phrase often denoting men of valor, strength, or military prowess. While Othni himself is not directly described with this epithet, his inclusion within this family, whose members were "able men" and served in crucial roles requiring strength, reliability, and vigilance, aligns perfectly with the etymological meaning of his name, "forcible" or "strong." The role of a gatekeeper in the temple was not merely ceremonial but required physical and moral fortitude to maintain order, security, and the sanctity of the sanctuary.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H6273}}` derives from an "unused root," its meaning connects it conceptually to other Hebrew terms that convey notions of strength, power, and capability. These include:
* `{{H2428}}` (ḥayil): Often translated as "strength," "wealth," "valor," or "ability," as seen in the phrase "able men" (*gibborê ḥayil*) associated with Othni's family.
* `{{H1368}}` (gibbor): Meaning "mighty one," "strong man," or "hero," frequently used to describe warriors or men of great strength.
* `{{H3581}}` (koach): Denoting "strength," "power," or "ability."
It is important to distinguish `{{H6273}}`, Othni, from `{{H6274}}`, Othniel (עָתְנִיאֵל), the first judge of Israel. While both names share a similar root element related to strength (ʻathan), Othniel's name means "God is my strength" or "Lion of God," incorporating the divine name *El*. Othni, conversely, is a simpler derivation emphasizing the quality of "forcibleness" or "strength" directly.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun appearing in a genealogical list, the theological significance of `{{H6273}}` is primarily found in its contribution to the broader narrative of God's faithful ordering of His people and His sanctuary. The meticulous record-keeping of temple servants, including gatekeepers like Othni, underscores the importance of every individual's role in the divine economy.
The name "Othni," meaning "forcible" or "strong," within a family of "able men" serving as gatekeepers, subtly highlights God's provision of appropriately endowed individuals for specific tasks within His kingdom. The strength implied by the name would have been essential for the demanding and responsible duties of a temple gatekeeper, ensuring the sanctity and security of God's dwelling place. This serves as a quiet testament to God's meticulous preparation and equipping of His servants, even those whose contributions might seem less prominent than others. It reflects a theology of divine order and the purposeful equipping of individuals for their designated service, emphasizing that even seemingly minor roles are vital and divinely appointed.
### Summary
`{{H6273}}` (ʻOthnî) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name meaning "forcible" or "strong," derived from an unused root. It appears only once in the biblical text, in [[1 Chronicles 26:7]], identifying Othni as a son of Shemaiah and a descendant of Obed-Edom. This family was renowned for providing "able men" (גִּבֹּרֵי חָיִל) who served as temple gatekeepers and treasurers. The name's meaning aligns with the demanding and responsible duties of a gatekeeper, requiring strength and capability. Theological significance lies in the subtle affirmation of God's meticulous ordering and equipping of individuals for service within His sanctuary, demonstrating that all roles, even those seemingly minor, are divinely appointed and require specific, God-given attributes.
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