### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Timnîy**, represented by `{{H8554}}`, is a patrial term for a **Timnite or inhabitant of Timnah**. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its sole function is to provide a geographical identity for a specific individual in the narrative of Samson, linking a person to their place of origin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H8554}}` is in the book of Judges, in a moment of escalating conflict. The Philistines `{{H6430}}` demand to know who is responsible for an unnamed act, and the answer identifies "Samson `{{H8123}}`, the son in law `{{H2860}}` of the **Timnite**" [[Judges 15:6]]. The reason given is that the Timnite had taken `{{H3947}}` Samson's wife `{{H802}}` and given `{{H5414}}` her to his companion `{{H4828}}`. This identification directly leads to a tragic outcome, as the Philistines then "burnt `{{H8313}}` her and her father `{{H1}}` with fire `{{H784}}`" [[Judges 15:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H8554}}` is defined by its relationship to several key figures and actions:
* `{{H6430}}` **Pᵉlishtîy** (Philistine): This patrial term identifies the group acting as antagonists in the narrative. The conflict is framed between Samson and the Philistines, with the Timnite caught in the middle.
* `{{H2860}}` **châthân** (son in law): This word establishes the familial bond between Samson and the Timnite. It is this broken relationship by marriage that serves as the justification for the surrounding events [[Judges 15:6]].
* `{{H4828}}` **mêrêaʻ** (companion, friend): This term identifies the person to whom the Timnite gave Samson's wife. This act of replacing Samson with a companion is the central grievance mentioned in the verse [[Judges 15:6]].
* `{{H8123}}` **Shimshôwn** (Samson): The central figure whose actions prompt the Philistines' inquiry. His connection to the Timnite as a son-in-law is his primary identifier in this specific context [[Judges 15:6]].
### Theological Significance
The thematic weight of `{{H8554}}` is derived entirely from its single, dramatic appearance.
* **Identity and Consequence:** The term "Timnite" is not just a label but a death sentence. It is used to identify the father, marking him for retribution by the Philistines. It demonstrates how a person's identity can become the focal point of a violent conflict.
* **Cycle of Revenge:** The verse [[Judges 15:6]] captures a moment in a brutal cycle. The Timnite's action leads to Samson's retaliation (implied), which in turn leads the Philistines to enact a fatal punishment on the Timnite and his daughter.
* **Broken Relationships:** The narrative centers on the collapse of family and social bonds—between a husband `{{H8123}}` and wife `{{H802}}`, a son-in-law `{{H2860}}` and father `{{H1}}`, and a man and his companion `{{H4828}}`. The Timnite's role is pivotal in this domestic and political tragedy.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8554}}` **Timnîy** is a highly specific term whose significance is confined to its role in the Samson narrative. It functions as a precise identifier for the father of Samson's wife, placing him at the center of a tragic conflict. Though used only once, the word is crucial for understanding the chain of events in [[Judges 15:6]], where a personal grievance escalates into deadly retribution, highlighting themes of consequence and the violent breakdown of relationships.
TRV