מִתְנִי (mit.ni)
mit.ni
Mithnite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The word mitni is a rare Hebrew term appearing only once in Scripture, in the list of David’s mighty warriors at 1 Chronicles 11:43. It functions as an adjective describing Joshaphat, one of the men who stood with David. The exact origin of the word remains unknown to scholars, making its precise definition a subject of historical curiosity rather than theological debate.
Lexical sources often translate mitni as "athlete" or associate it with physical prowess, suggesting that Joshaphat was known for his strength or martial skill. This interpretation aligns with the context of the passage, which highlights men of exceptional capability in battle. While the etymology is lost, the usage points to a specific quality of physical excellence within David’s inner circle.
Because it occurs just once, mitni does not develop a broader semantic range across the biblical text. Its value lies in preserving the memory of a specific individual’s reputation. The term serves as a linguistic snapshot of how ancient Israelites might have described military readiness and personal vigor, even if the word itself faded from common usage.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mitni appears only once in the Bible, tucked into a list of names in 1 Chronicles 11:43. It describes Joshaphat as one of David’s mighty warriors. While scholars debate its exact origin, most agree it points to physical strength or martial skill. This rare term reminds us that God values the specific gifts He gives each person.
Joshaphat was not a famous king or a prophet, yet his name is preserved in Scripture. His reputation for strength mattered to the community he served. In your own life, you may feel like just one name on a long list. Yet God sees your unique contributions and uses them for His purposes.
Whether your gifts are visible like physical prowess or hidden in quiet service, they are part of God’s plan. Trust that He has placed you where you are needed. Your faithful presence, however small it seems, is recorded in heaven and valued by the King.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Mithnite1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/מִּתְנִֽי\׃\ \ס1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 11:43
Hanan the son of Maacah, Joshaphat the Mithnite,
This verse identifies Joshaphat as 'the Mithnite,' using the term to highlight his physical prowess among David's elite warriors.