דָּנִי (da.ni)

da.ni

Danite

H1839 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 4 verses

N:N--PG

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 4 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N--PG

Word Overview

The term dānī refers to a Danite, meaning either a descendant of Dan, the son of Jacob, or an inhabitant of the territory assigned to that tribe. It functions as a gentilic noun, identifying people by their ancestral lineage or geographic residence within the land of Israel.

This word appears only four times in the Hebrew Bible, with the majority of occurrences found in the book of Judges. Its limited usage reflects the specific historical narrative surrounding the tribe’s migration and settlement in the northern region, rather than a broad theological concept. The term serves primarily as a demographic label within these ancient texts.

Etymologically, dānī derives from the name Dan (H1835), which itself means "judge." While the root suggests legal judgment, the gentilic form simply marks identity. Translators consistently render it as "Danite" to preserve this distinct tribal affiliation without importing additional semantic weight from the root verb.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word dānī identifies a member of the tribe of Dan, linking personal identity to ancestral lineage and geographic settlement. In the biblical narrative, this term appears sparingly, highlighting specific moments when the tribe’s history intersected with the broader story of Israel. It serves as a demographic marker, reminding readers that faithfulness and failure often unfold within the context of community and heritage.

For modern readers, these verses offer a nuanced view of tribal identity. The Danites are shown seeking land, migrating, and eventually establishing their own religious practices. This historical record invites reflection on how communities navigate uncertainty and make choices about worship and belonging. It is a reminder that ancient identities were deeply tied to place and family, shaping the spiritual landscape of the nation.

Ultimately, the term dānī grounds us in the reality of Israel’s tribal divisions. It underscores the complexity of their journey toward unity and faithfulness. By examining these specific references, we gain insight into the challenges faced by ancient communities and the enduring importance of understanding one’s place within a larger story.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.

the/ Danite[s]4×

Forms in the text

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

הַ/דָּנִ֔י2×
הַ/דָּנִ֞י1×
הַ/דָּנִ֖י1×

Key Verses

Judges 13:2
There was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and childless.

This verse introduces Manoah as a Danite, establishing the tribal origin of the father of Samson and linking the narrative to the tribe's lineage.
Judges 18:1
In those days there was no king in Israel. In those days the tribe of the Danites sought an inheritance to dwell in; for to that day, their inheritance had not fallen to them among the tribes of Israel.

Here the text highlights the Danites' struggle for an inheritance, showing their dissatisfaction with their assigned territory and setting the stage for their migration.
Judges 18:11
The family of the Danites set out from Zorah and Eshtaol with six hundred men armed with weapons of war.

This occurrence emphasizes the military strength of the Danite family as they depart Zorah, illustrating their active pursuit of a new homeland.
Judges 18:30
The children of Dan set up for themselves the engraved image; and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity of the land.

The verse marks a turning point where the Danites establish idolatry, showing how their tribal identity became associated with religious deviation for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word dānī mean?

Dānī is a gentilic noun meaning 'Danite,' referring to a descendant of Dan or an inhabitant of the tribe's territory. It functions as a demographic label rather than a theological term, identifying people by their ancestral lineage within ancient Israel.

Why does dānī appear so rarely in the Bible?

The word appears only four times because it is specific to the historical narrative of the tribe of Dan, particularly during the period of the Judges. Its limited usage reflects the focused story of the tribe's migration and settlement rather than a broad concept applied throughout Scripture.

How is dānī different from the name Dan?

Dan (H1835) is the proper name of Jacob's son and the tribe's patriarch, meaning 'judge.' Dānī is the derived form that identifies a person as belonging to that tribe. While the root suggests judgment, the gentilic form simply marks tribal identity without importing additional semantic weight.

Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)

Judges 4 verses

Judges 13:2

There was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and…

Judges 18:1

In those days there was no king in Israel. In those days the tribe of the Danites sought an inheritance to dwell in;…

Judges 18:11

The family of the Danites set out from Zorah and Eshtaol with six hundred men armed with weapons of war.

Judges 18:30

The children of Dan set up for themselves the engraved image; and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and…