יִמְנָה (yim.nah)
yim.nah
Imnah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Yimnah is a proper name appearing four times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within genealogical lists. It denotes two distinct individuals: the eldest son of Asher, one of Jacob’s sons, and a Levite who served under King Hezekiah during the religious reforms of the divided monarchy.
The name translates to "right hand," a metaphor for strength or favor. In Genesis 46:17 and Numbers 26:44, Yimnah is listed among Asher’s children, marking his family line as the Imnites. Centuries later, the same name identifies a Levitical official in 2 Chronicles 31:14, suggesting the name remained in use within priestly families long after the wilderness generation.
Though brief, these references anchor the word in Israel’s history. They connect the patriarchal era to the post-exilic restoration, showing how names carried across generations served as links between the tribe of Asher and the temple service.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Yimnah means "right hand," a simple phrase that carries deep weight in Scripture. In ancient culture, the right hand symbolized strength, honor, and favor. When we see this name attached to Asher’s eldest son, it suggests a family line established with dignity and purpose. These genealogical records are not just dry lists; they show how God remembers every individual within His people.
Centuries later, the name appears again in a very different setting. A Levite named Imnah serves as a gatekeeper during King Hezekiah’s reforms. This connection shows that names carried across generations, linking the patriarchal era to temple service. It reminds us that our heritage is part of a larger story. God uses ordinary people in specific roles to maintain order and worship.
Whether listed in a family tree or serving at the temple gate, these individuals reflect a faithful continuity. Their lives point to a God who values both lineage and service. We can find comfort in knowing that our own place in God’s story matters, even if it seems small or unnoticed by the world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Imnah3×
- the/ Imnahite[s]1×
- of/ Imnah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִמְנָ֧ה2×
- לְ/יִמְנָ֗ה1×
- יִמְנָ֤ה1×
- הַ/יִּמְנָ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 46:17
The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and Serah their sister. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel.
This verse establishes Yimnah as the eldest son of Asher, anchoring his identity in the foundational genealogy of Jacob’s family entering Egypt.
-
Numbers 26:44
The sons of Asher after their families: of Imnah, the family of the Imnites; of Ishvi, the family of the Ishvites; of Beriah, the family of the Berites.
Here the name becomes the title for an entire clan, the Imnites, showing how individual lineage expanded into tribal structure during the wilderness generation.
-
II Chronicles 31:14
Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the gatekeeper at the east gate, was over the free will offerings of God, to distribute Yahweh’s offerings and the most holy things.
This occurrence highlights a Levite named Imnah who oversees temple offerings, demonstrating the name's survival in priestly service centuries after the patriarchal era.