### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Tibnîy**, represented by `{{H8402}}`, is defined as **strawy** and refers to a specific Israelite. It appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses**, placing this figure in a very specific and concise biblical account. His story is one of political division and a contest for kingship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8402}}` appears during a time of national turmoil. The people `{{H5971}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}` were divided `{{H2505}}` into two factions. Half `{{H2677}}` of the people followed `{{H310}}` **Tibni** the son `{{H1121}}` of Ginath `{{H1527}}`, with the goal to make him king `{{H4427}}`. The other half followed a rival claimant, Omri `{{H6018}}`, setting the stage for a civil conflict [[1 Kings 16:21]]. The struggle was resolved when the people who followed Omri prevailed `{{H2388}}` against the people who followed **Tibni**. The account concludes with the stark statement: "so **Tibni** died `{{H4191}}`, and Omri reigned `{{H4427}}`" [[1 Kings 16:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events surrounding Tibni's life:
* `{{H6018}}` **ʻOmrîy** (Omri): Meaning **heaping**, Omri was an Israelite who was Tibni's direct rival for the throne. The people who followed Omri ultimately prevailed `{{H2388}}` [[1 Kings 16:22]].
* `{{H1527}}` **Gîynath** (Ginath): The father of Tibni. His name is of uncertain derivation and he is mentioned only to establish Tibni's lineage as "the son `{{H1121}}` of Ginath" [[1 Kings 16:21]].
* `{{H2505}}` **châlaq** (to apportion or separate): This root word describes the core of the conflict, as "the people `{{H5971}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}` were divided `{{H2505}}` into two parts `{{H2677}}`" between Tibni and Omri [[1 Kings 16:21]].
* `{{H2388}}` **châzaq** (to seize, be strong, prevail): This term marks the resolution of the power struggle, stating that Omri's faction prevailed `{{H2388}}` against Tibni's [[1 Kings 16:22]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H8402}}` is centered on this moment of national division.
* **A Contender for the Throne:** Tibni was a legitimate candidate for the kingship of Israel, commanding the loyalty of half `{{H2677}}` the people `{{H5971}}` [[1 Kings 16:21]].
* **A Catalyst for Conflict:** His bid for the throne illustrates a period of civil strife where the nation was split, with two opposing factions prepared to install their own king `{{H4427}}`.
* **An Unsuccessful Claimant:** Despite significant popular support, Tibni's story ends in defeat and death `{{H4191}}`. The followers of his opponent, Omri, proved stronger `{{H2388}}`, securing the throne for Omri [[1 Kings 16:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8402}}` **Tibnîy** is a figure whose brief appearance in scripture documents a pivotal but failed attempt to become king of Israel. He represents one side of a divided nation, and his story serves as a historical record of the political instability that was resolved only through the victory of his rival, Omri, and his own death. His name is forever linked to this specific contest for the throne.
TRV