יַעֲנַי (ya.a.nay)
ya.a.nay
Janai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name ya‘ănay is a proper noun appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in 1 Chronicles 5:12. It identifies Jaanai, a leader within the tribe of Gad during the period of the divided monarchy. In this genealogical record, he is listed among the chiefs of his tribe, marking him as a figure of some standing within that specific community.
Etymologically, the name derives from the root ‘ānâ, meaning "to answer" or "to respond," combined with the divine element Yah (a shortened form of YHWH). Consequently, Jaanai translates to "whom Jehovah answers." This structure is common in Hebrew personal names, embedding a theological statement about God’s responsiveness into the identity of the individual.
Although the text provides no narrative details about his actions or character, the name itself carries significant weight. It suggests a belief that divine communication or intervention was central to the life and leadership of this Gadite chief. The brevity of the mention highlights how such names served as constant reminders of faith within the historical records of Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jaanai means "whom Jehovah answers." It appears only once in Scripture, in a genealogy of the tribe of Gad. This brief mention reminds us that God hears and responds to His people, even when their stories are not fully recorded.
In our own lives, we may feel like minor characters in a vast history. Yet this name assures us that God is attentive. When you pray, He listens. Your voice matters to Him, just as it did to the leaders of ancient Israel.
Let this truth encourage you today. You are known by name. Your prayers are not lost. God’s responsiveness is a constant reality for those who seek Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Janai1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/יַעְנַ֥י1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 5:12
Joel the chief, Shapham the second, Janai, and Shaphat in Bashan.
This verse lists Jaanai among the Gadite chiefs, showing that his name signifies Jehovah's answer within the tribal leadership structure.