שׁוּנִי (shu.ni)
shu.ni
Shunite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The Hebrew term shûnî functions as a gentilic adjective meaning "Shunite," identifying a member of a specific family line within the tribe of Gad. It derives from the proper noun Shuni, whose name carries the sense of good fortune or happiness. This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, serving as a precise label for this clan in genealogical records.
The sole occurrence is found in Numbers 26:15, where the text lists the descendants of Gad during the census taken on the plains of Moab before the Israelites entered Canaan. Here, the Shunites are counted alongside other sons of Gad, such as Ziphion and Haggi. The term distinguishes this particular branch of the tribe for historical record-keeping purposes.
While the word itself has no theological weight or moral instruction, it highlights the biblical emphasis on lineage and tribal identity. By preserving these names, the text maintains the integrity of Israel’s social structure during the wilderness wanderings. The Shunites are remembered not for a specific deed, but simply as part of the larger community chosen by God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shuni appears in a list that might seem dry at first glance, yet it carries a quiet warmth. Derived from a root meaning happiness or good fortune, it reminds us that every individual family line within Israel was valued by God. Even in genealogical records, no one is overlooked; each branch of the tribe of Gad is named and counted with care.
This single mention in Numbers 26:15 shows how God preserves the identity of His people during their journey. The Shunites are not remembered for a specific miracle or moral lesson, but simply as part of the community chosen by God. It suggests that our place in God’s story is often found in faithful presence within the larger body, rather than in individual fame.
For your life today, this word offers comfort in belonging. You are part of a lineage that stretches back through history, known and remembered by God. Just as these families were preserved in the wilderness, your own place in the community of faith is secure and significant to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Shunite[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/שּׁוּנִֽי\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 26:15
The sons of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites; of Haggi, the family of the Haggites; of Shuni, the family of the Shunites;
This verse identifies Shuni as the patriarch of a specific family within the tribe of Gad, preserving their name in the census before entering Canaan.