גִּנְּתוֹן (gin.n.ton)
gin.n.ton
Ginnethon
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ginnethon identifies a specific priest in the community that returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. Listed among those who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah in Nehemiah 10:6, he appears again in the genealogical records of the temple servants in Nehemiah 12:4. His presence in these texts highlights the organized religious structure that reformed after the return.
Etymologically, the name is generally understood to mean "gardener" or "one who tends a garden." This meaning offers a quiet contrast to his official role as a priest. While priests typically managed altar rituals and sacrifices, the name suggests a connection to cultivation, perhaps reflecting a family background in agriculture or simply serving as a personal identifier within the larger list of returning families.
Because the name appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, it does not carry broad theological weight. Instead, it serves as a historical marker for the post-exilic period. It reminds readers that the restoration of Jerusalem involved ordinary men with specific names and backgrounds who committed themselves to the community’s spiritual renewal.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ginnethon appears in the Bible as a quiet reminder that God’s work involves real people with everyday backgrounds. Meaning "gardener," this priest’s name suggests a life connected to tending and growth, even while he served in the temple. It is easy to feel distant from ancient lists of names, but these records show us that ordinary individuals played vital roles in restoring their community’s faith after exile.
When we read about Ginnethon sealing the covenant in Nehemiah 10 or appearing in genealogies, we see a picture of commitment. His name bridges the gap between agricultural labor and sacred duty, reminding us that our own daily work can be part of God’s larger plan. Whether you are involved in ministry or secular work, your faithful presence contributes to the spiritual health of those around you.
This small detail encourages us to value consistency and heritage. The restoration of Jerusalem was not just about grand events but about families and individuals who chose to stay true to their vows. It is a comforting thought that God remembers specific names and that our own steady faithfulness is seen and valued by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of/ Ginnethon1×
- Ginnethoi1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/גִנְּת֥וֹן1×
- גִנְּת֖וֹי1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 12:4
Iddo, Ginnethoi, Abijah,
This verse places Ginnethon in the priestly lineage of Iddo, establishing his family's ongoing role in temple service after the exile.
-
Nehemiah 12:16
of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam;
Here, Meshullam is identified as a descendant or successor from Ginnethon’s line, showing how priestly duties were passed down through generations.