מִנְיָמִין (min.ya.min)
min.ya.min
Miniamin
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Miniamin, meaning "from the right hand," appears in only three verses, linking two distinct periods of Israel’s history. In 2 Chronicles 31:15, a Levite by this name serves under King Hezekiah, helping to organize the temple offerings during a time of religious restoration.
Centuries later, the name resurfaces in Nehemiah as Miniamin, a priest involved in the dedication of Jerusalem’s rebuilt wall (Nehemiah 12:41). Some scholars identify this figure with Mijamin mentioned in Nehemiah 10:7, suggesting a continuity of priestly service across generations. The phrase "from the right hand" likely alludes to strength or favor, reflecting how God’s people viewed divine support.
Though brief, these mentions highlight the steady presence of faithful individuals within Israel’s worship community, even when their names are rarely recorded elsewhere in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Miniamin means "from the right hand," a phrase that in ancient Israel signified strength, favor, and active support. When we encounter this name in Scripture, it reminds us that God often works through ordinary people placed in specific roles to sustain His community. It is not always the leaders who make the headlines; sometimes it is those behind the scenes who ensure the work continues faithfully.
In 2 Chronicles 31:15, Miniamin serves alongside other Levites to distribute offerings during King Hezekiah’s religious reforms. This was a time of restoration for Judah, and Miniamin’s role was practical and vital: ensuring that those serving in the temple received what they needed. His presence shows that spiritual renewal requires both vision and steady, reliable service.
Centuries later, the name appears again in Nehemiah 12 during the dedication of Jerusalem’s rebuilt wall. Whether this is the same individual or a descendant, the continuity of the name suggests a family committed to worship across generations. For us, this highlights that faithfulness is often a quiet, persistent act. God values those who show up consistently, whether in times of crisis or celebration, trusting that their small contributions matter to His larger story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of/ Miniamin1×
- and/ Miniamin1×
- Miniamin1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִ֠נְיָמִין1×
- לְ/מִ֨נְיָמִ֔ין1×
- וּ֠/מִנְיָמִן1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 31:15
Under him were Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their office of trust, to give to their brothers by divisions, to the great as well as to the small;
This verse establishes Miniamin’s role as a Levite responsible for distributing temple offerings, highlighting the importance of organized service in Hezekiah’s religious restoration.
-
Nehemiah 12:41
and the priests, Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;
Here Miniamin is listed among priests blowing trumpets during the dedication of Jerusalem’s wall, symbolizing joy and communal worship after a period of rebuilding.
-
Nehemiah 12:17
of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai;
This mention places Miniamin in a list of leaders overseeing music and prayer, suggesting his involvement in the liturgical life of the restored community.