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מִיָּמִן (miy.ya.min)

miy.ya.min

Mijamin

H4326 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
3 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Mijamin, spelled מִיָּמִין in Hebrew, literally translates to "from the right hand." It appears only three times in the Old Testament, serving as a proper noun for individuals within the priestly line during the post-exilic period. The sources identify these men as priests who were active during the restoration of Jerusalem under Zerubbabel and Nehemiah.

One notable figure bearing this name is listed in 1 Chronicles 24:9 as the chief of the sixth course of priests established by King David, linking him to the organized worship structure of the temple. Another individual with the same name appears in Ezra 10:25 among those who confessed to taking foreign wives, highlighting the community's struggle to maintain religious distinctiveness after returning from exile.

The etymology points to a directional or positional meaning, often associated with strength, honor, or favor in biblical imagery. While the name itself is simple, its occurrence in lists of priests and covenant signers (Nehemiah 10:7) underscores the importance of lineage and official duty in the restored community. The variation Miniamin (H4509I) found in Nehemiah 12:17 suggests slight phonetic shifts in transmission but refers to the same priestly role.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Mijamin carries a simple yet powerful meaning: "from the right hand." In biblical language, the right side often symbolizes strength, honor, and favor. This name appears in lists of priests during the restoration of Jerusalem, reminding us that God values every individual who serves Him faithfully, even when their names are recorded only in genealogies.

These men were part of a community working to rebuild their spiritual identity after exile. Their service was not about personal fame but about maintaining the sacred order of worship and staying true to their covenant with God. It shows that faithful obedience in small, everyday roles contributes to the larger work of God's kingdom.

When we read these names today, we are invited to see ourselves in them. Each person listed had a specific duty, yet each was known by God. Your service, no matter how quiet or unseen, is held in His hands. We find comfort in knowing that God remembers every act of faithfulness and honors those who serve Him with sincerity.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • to/ Mijamin1×
  • and/ Mijamin1×
  • Mijamin1×

Forms in the text

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

  • מִיָּמִ֥ין1×
  • לְ/מִיָּמִ֖ן1×
  • וּ/מִיָּמִ֣ן1×

Key Verses

  • Ezra 10:25
    Of Israel: Of the sons of Parosh: Ramiah, Izziah, Malchijah, Mijamin, Eleazar, Malchijah, and Benaiah.

    Here Mijamin is listed among those who confessed to marrying foreign wives, highlighting the serious struggle for religious purity after the exile.

  • Nehemiah 12:5
    Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah,

    This occurrence connects Mijamin to the priestly leaders involved in the dedication of Jerusalem's walls, linking worship with communal restoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Mijamin mean?

Mijamin is a Hebrew name that means "from the right hand." The right hand in biblical culture often represents strength, honor, and God's favor. This name appears only three times in the Old Testament as a proper noun for priests.

Who was Mijamin in the Bible?

Mijamin was a priest active during the post-exilic period when Jerusalem was being restored. He is mentioned as head of a priestly course in 1 Chronicles 24:9, and other individuals with this name appear in Ezra 10:25 and Nehemiah 12:5 among those involved in religious reforms.

Why is Mijamin important to understand?

His name appears in lists that show how the restored community organized worship and maintained covenant faithfulness. These records remind us that God values faithful service in every role, even when individuals are not widely known.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 3 books)

I Chronicles 1 verse
Ezra 1 verse
Nehemiah 1 verse