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אֳנִי (o.ni)

o.ni

fleet

H0590 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 5 verses

H:N

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
5 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N

Definition

Definition

fleet, ships

Brown-Driver-Briggs

אֳנִי n.m. & f. coll. ships, fleet

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

fleet, ships

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word for fleet describes more than just a group of ships; it signifies organized power and commercial reach. In Solomon’s time, this term marked a period of unprecedented economic strength and international connection. It reminds us that God can use earthly resources and alliances to fulfill His purposes, bringing wealth and stability to His people when they walk in wisdom.

Yet the biblical narrative also offers a contrasting image in Isaiah. There, the prophet speaks of a future where no galley or ship will pass by, because Yahweh Himself becomes the place of majesty for His people. This shift moves our focus from the security of trade routes and naval strength to the security found in God’s direct presence. We are invited to trust not in the might of our own fleets, but in the enduring protection of the Lord.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • [the] ship[s] of4×
  • in the/ ship[s]1×
  • and/ ship[s]1×
  • a ship of1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • אֳנִ֣י3×
  • וָ/אֳנִ֡י1×
  • בָּֽ/אֳנִי֙1×
  • אֳנִי\־1×
  • אֳנִ֨י1×

Key Verses

  • I Kings 9:26
    King Solomon made a fleet of ships in Ezion Geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.

    This verse establishes the origin of Solomon's naval power at Ezion Geber, showing how God provided strategic access to the Red Sea for trade.

  • I Kings 10:11
    The fleet of Hiram that brought gold from Ophir also brought in from Ophir great quantities of almug trees and precious stones.

    Here the fleet serves as the vehicle for bringing rare almug trees and precious stones, highlighting the tangible blessings of Solomon's reign.

  • Isaiah 33:21
    But there Yahweh will be with us in majesty, a place of wide rivers and streams, in which no galley with oars will go, neither will any gallant ship pass by there.

    This passage contrasts human military or commercial might with divine majesty, promising a peace where no ship needs to pass because God is present.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word ani mean?

The word ani (Strong's H0590) translates to fleet or a group of ships. It is used primarily in the Old Testament to describe Solomon’s naval operations and later in prophetic literature to contrast human power with God’s presence.

Why is this word significant in 1 Kings?

In 1 Kings, ani appears several times to describe Solomon’s commercial navy. These verses illustrate the height of Israel’s wealth and international trade relations during his reign, showing God’s provision through earthly means.

How does Isaiah use this word differently?

In Isaiah 33:21, the word is used negatively to describe what will no longer exist in God’s future kingdom. The prophet says no galley or ship will pass by, emphasizing that God’s presence replaces the need for human defense or trade routes.

Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)