תֵּימָנִי (te.ma.ni)
te.ma.ni
Temanite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The Hebrew word te ma ni identifies a person from Teman, a region located east of Idumea. It functions as a demonym, describing an inhabitant of that specific territory or a descendant of Teman, the grandson of Esau and a noted leader in Edom. The term appears eight times in Scripture, with significant usage in the books of Job and I Chronicles.
Its root connects to te man, meaning "southward," which aligns with the geographical location of Teman in the southern regions associated with Edom. This linguistic link helps clarify why figures described as Temanites are often portrayed as wise or knowledgeable, a reputation that carries into narratives such as those found in Job.
Translators typically render te ma ni simply as "Temanite" to preserve this specific ethnic and geographic identity. The word serves as a concise marker of lineage and place, distinguishing these individuals within the broader historical and theological landscape of the Old Testament without requiring further explanation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Temanite points to a specific people group from the southern regions, associated with wisdom and deep reflection. In the book of Job, Eliphaz carries this title, representing those who sought understanding through experience and tradition. It reminds us that seeking truth often begins with our community and the stories we inherit.
Yet the narrative shows that even well-intentioned wisdom can fall short if it lacks humility before God’s mystery. The Temanites engaged in serious dialogue, offering comfort and perspective during Job’s suffering. Their presence highlights the value of listening to others, while also reminding us that human insight must always submit to divine sovereignty.
When we face trials, we too may rely on familiar answers or the counsel of those around us. This word invites us to hold our convictions gently, recognizing that true wisdom comes not just from our heritage or reasoning, but from a heart willing to listen to God’s voice above all else.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Temanite6×
- the/ Temanite[s]2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַֽ/תֵּימָנִ֗י2×
- הַ/תֵּימָנִֽי\׃2×
- הַֽ/תֵּמָנִ֗י1×
- הַ/תֵּימָנִי֙1×
- הַ/תֵּֽימָנִ֜י1×
- הַ/תֵּֽימָנִ֗י1×
Key Verses
-
Job 2:11
Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come on him, they each came from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and to comfort him.
This verse introduces Eliphaz as the Temanite alongside his friends, establishing their role as companions who come to offer sympathy and comfort during Job’s suffering.
-
Job 4:1
Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,
Here Eliphaz begins his first speech, showing how the title identifies him as a speaker whose wisdom shapes the theological debate in the book.
-
Job 42:7
It was so, that after Yahweh had spoken these words to Job, Yahweh said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you, and against your two friends; for you have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job has.
God directly addresses Eliphaz by this title, correcting his understanding and highlighting that even respected wisdom must align with God’s truth.