יָֽמִינִי (ye.mi.ni)
ye.mi.ni
[Ben]jaminite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The word yamini identifies a specific lineage, referring either to a descendant of Benjamin or to the Jaminites, a clan within the tribe of Simeon. In both cases, it functions as a gentilic adjective derived from the name Jamin, which means "right hand." This term appears sparingly in Scripture, primarily in genealogical records such as Numbers 26:12 and various passages in Samuel.
Its usage highlights how tribal identity was often traced through specific family lines rather than broad ethnic labels. The connection to the "right hand" suggests a position of strength or favor, though the text uses the word strictly for identification. By distinguishing between the Benjaminite yamini and the Simeonite Jaminites, the biblical authors maintain precise records of Israel’s twelve tribes during the wilderness period and early monarchy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Yamini points to a specific family line within ancient Israel, linking individuals to either the tribe of Benjamin or a clan in Simeon. It derives from a root meaning 'right hand,' a symbol often associated with strength and favor in biblical culture. While this term appears only twice in Scripture, it serves as a precise marker of identity during a time when tribal lineage defined one’s place in the community.
For believers today, these brief references remind us that God keeps careful records of His people. Whether tracing the descendants of Simeon or identifying Sheba the Benjamite, the text shows that individual identities matter within the larger story of Israel. This attention to detail reflects a God who knows each person by name and lineage, valuing the unique role every family plays in His unfolding plan.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Jaminite[s]1×
- a Jaminite1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְמִינִ֑י1×
- הַ/יָּמִינִ֑י1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 26:12
The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites;
This verse lists the Jaminites as a distinct family within Simeon, showing how tribal records preserved specific clan identities during the wilderness census.
-
II Samuel 20:1
There happened to be there a wicked fellow, whose name was Sheba the son of Bichri, a Benjamite; and he blew the trumpet, and said, “We have no portion in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse. Every man to his tents, Israel!”
Sheba is identified here specifically as a Benjamite, using this term to highlight his tribal allegiance during a political rebellion against David.