מְדָנִי (me.da.ni)
me.da.ni
Midianite
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The noun medani refers to a person from Midian, whether as a member of the specific tribe descended from Abraham’s son by Keturah or as an inhabitant of that region. The term functions as a gentilic adjective, identifying someone by their geographic or ethnic origin rather than describing a personal trait.
Its root connects to the land name Midyan, which carries the sense of "strife" or "judgment." In the biblical narrative, this word appears in contexts where these individuals interact with Israel’s ancestors. For instance, Genesis 37:28 mentions Midianite traders transporting Joseph, highlighting their role as merchants and travelers in the ancient Near East rather than merely as antagonists.
Although it occurs only once in the provided data for this specific spelling variant, the concept is woven throughout the patriarchal accounts. The term helps distinguish these nomadic or semi-nomadic groups from other neighboring peoples, marking them as distinct actors in the early history of Israel’s family line.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The term Medani identifies a person from Midian, a region associated with Abraham’s later descendants. In Genesis 37:36, Midianite traders are mentioned selling Joseph into Egypt. This brief mention reveals that these people were active merchants moving through the ancient Near East, connecting distant lands through trade.
Understanding this word helps us see the broader world in which Israel’s ancestors lived. It reminds us that God’s plan often works through unexpected channels and ordinary people. Even in difficult circumstances, like Joseph’s journey to Egypt, God remains present and working behind the scenes.
This word invites us to trust God’s sovereignty over history. It shows that He can use any situation, even those involving strangers or difficult transitions, to fulfill His purposes. We can find comfort in knowing that no event is outside His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ the/ Medanites1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/הַ֨/מְּדָנִ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 37:36
The Midianites sold him into Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard.
This verse highlights the Midianites' role as merchants who transported Joseph to Egypt, showing their involvement in the unfolding narrative of God's plan for His people.