מְעוּנִים (me.u.ni)
me.u.ni
Meunite
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The noun me’unim refers to a specific group of people mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, likely descendants of Meunit or Mehun. These individuals are first identified in 1 Chronicles 4:41 as a distinct lineage within the broader context of Judah’s tribal history. The name itself appears to derive from a root meaning "habitations," suggesting that this group may have been defined by their settled communities rather than nomadic life.
Historically, they are described as living south of Canaan, possibly in the southern regions or the Sinai peninsula area. This geographical placement distinguishes them from other neighboring groups and highlights their unique position within the ancient Near Eastern landscape. Their presence is noted both in early genealogical records and later during the post-exilic period.
In Ezra 2:50 and Nehemiah 7:52, the me’unim appear among the returning exiles who rebuilt Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. This inclusion underscores their integration into the restored community of Israel, reflecting a broader narrative of diverse peoples uniting under shared religious and cultural identity. Their story illustrates how even small groups played a role in the larger biblical account.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Meunites appears in the biblical record as a distinct group within ancient Judah’s history. They are mentioned alongside other tribes and families, showing that God’s people were never monolithic. From their early encounters with King Hezekiah to their later return from exile, these individuals remained part of the larger community of Israel.
For believers today, this detail offers comfort. It reminds us that our faith history includes many different backgrounds and lineages. Even small groups who lived in specific regions contributed to the restoration of Jerusalem. Their presence in Ezra and Nehemiah shows that diversity was woven into the fabric of God’s people from the very beginning.
When we read these genealogies, we see that every name matters. No lineage is too small or too obscure to be remembered by God. This inclusivity invites us to value our neighbors and recognize that we are all part of one great story of redemption and restoration.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Meunim2×
- the/ Meunites1×
- and/ the/ Meunites1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְעוּנִ֖ים2×
- וְ/הַ/מְּעוּנִֽים\׃1×
- הַ/מְּעוּנִ֨ים1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 2:50
the children of Asnah, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephisim,
Here the Meunites are listed among those returning from Babylon, demonstrating their full integration and participation in rebuilding the community after captivity.
-
Nehemiah 7:52
the children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephushesim,
This parallel list confirms their status as a recognized family unit within the post-exilic population, ensuring their place in the restored society of Jerusalem.