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אַרְמֹנִי (ar.mo.ni)

ar.mo.ni

Armoni

H0764 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Armoni appears only once in Scripture, in 2 Samuel 21:8, identifying him as one of the sons of King Saul and his concubine Rizpah. The meaning "one of the palace" or "palatine" reflects his royal lineage within the tribe of Benjamin, linking him directly to the house of Israel’s first king.

His brief mention occurs during a narrative about retribution for Saul’s earlier failures. Along with his brother Mephibosheth and five sons of his sister Merab, Armoni was handed over to the Gibeonites. The text notes that he was killed alongside his siblings, an event that deeply affected their mother, Rizpah, who guarded their bodies until David intervened.

While the name itself suggests a connection to royal power or court life, Armoni’s story highlights the tragic consequences of political violence and broken covenants. His presence in the text serves as a reminder of the human cost of Saul’s reign and the complex dynamics of justice and mercy in ancient Israel.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Armoni appears in only one place in Scripture: 2 Samuel 21:8. It identifies him as a son of King Saul, born to his concubine Rizpah. The meaning suggests a connection to the royal palace or court life, marking him as part of Israel’s first king’s family.

His story is not one of triumph but of tragedy. During a time of crisis, he and his brother Mephibosheth were handed over to the Gibeonites. This event highlights the heavy cost of political failure and broken covenants in ancient Israel. It shows how the actions of leaders can ripple through generations, affecting even those who did not make the original decisions.

For your faith, this brief mention reminds us that God’s justice is complex and often painful. It invites us to look beyond royal status to the human reality behind it. We see the depth of a mother’s love in Rizpah’s response, guarding her sons’ bodies with fierce devotion. This story calls for empathy and a recognition of the weight of history on individual lives.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Armoni1×

Forms in the text

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

  • אַרְמֹנִ֖י1×

Key Verses

  • II Samuel 21:8
    But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Merab the daughter of Saul, whom she bore to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite.

    This verse identifies Armoni as one of Rizpah's sons by Saul, placing him directly in the narrative of retribution and family tragedy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Armoni mean?

The name Armoni is generally understood to mean 'one of the palace' or 'palatine.' This reflects his status as a son of King Saul, linking him directly to the royal house of Israel.

Where does Armoni appear in the Bible?

Armoni is mentioned only once, in 2 Samuel 21:8. He is listed among the sons of Rizpah and Saul who were handed over to the Gibeonites.

Why was Armoni handed over to the Gibeonites?

He was part of a group given to the Gibeonites as restitution for Saul’s earlier failures against them. This event occurred during a period of famine and political instability in Israel.

What is the significance of Rizpah's role in this story?

Rizpah, Armoni's mother, guarded their bodies after they were killed. Her actions drew David’s attention and led to a proper burial for Saul and his sons, showing her fierce loyalty and love.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)