Topical Encyclopedia
Bunah is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. He is identified as one of the sons of Jerahmeel, who was the firstborn of Hezron, a descendant of Judah. The reference to Bunah is found in
1 Chronicles 2:25, which states: "The sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron: Ram his firstborn, Bunah, Oren, Ozem, and Ahijah" .
Genealogical ContextBunah's mention in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles places him within the broader context of the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The genealogies in Chronicles serve to establish the lineage and heritage of the tribes, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with His people through specific family lines. As a descendant of Judah, Bunah is part of the tribe from which King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ would come, highlighting the significance of Judah's lineage in biblical history.
Historical and Theological SignificanceWhile Bunah himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of family lineage and heritage in the biblical worldview. The genealogies in the Bible often serve to connect individuals to the larger account of God's redemptive plan. Each name, including Bunah's, represents a link in the chain of God's unfolding purposes for Israel and, by extension, for the world.
The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles, including the mention of Bunah, also reflect the chronicler's intent to affirm the identity and heritage of the post-exilic community of Israel. By tracing their ancestry back to the patriarchs and the tribes of Israel, the chronicler reinforces the continuity of God's promises and the enduring nature of His covenant with His people.
Cultural and Social ContextIn the ancient Near Eastern context, genealogies were crucial for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and social status. The mention of Bunah within the genealogical framework of 1 Chronicles would have served to affirm his family's place within the tribe of Judah and the broader community of Israel. This emphasis on lineage and descent was integral to maintaining tribal boundaries and ensuring the proper distribution of land and resources among the tribes.
ConclusionBunah's brief mention in the Bible, while not accompanied by detailed narratives or exploits, is nonetheless significant within the context of biblical genealogies. His inclusion in the lineage of Judah highlights the importance of family heritage in the biblical narrative and serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of God's people throughout history.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Bunahbuilding; understanding
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Bunah(understanding), a son of Jerahmeel, of the family of Pharez in Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:25)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BUNAHbu'-na (bunah); A son of Jerahmeel (1 Chronicles 2:25).
Strong's Hebrew
946.Bunah -- "intelligence," a man of Judah... 945, 946.
Bunah. 947 . "intelligence," a man of Judah. Transliteration:
Bunah Phonetic Spelling: (boo-naw') Short Definition:
Bunah.
...Thesaurus
Bunah (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BUNAH. bu'-na (
bunah); A son of Jerahmeel (1
Chronicles 2:25). Multi-Version Concordance
Bunah (1 Occurrence).
...Bunch (6 Occurrences)
Bulwarks (22 Occurrences)
Ozem (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:25 The sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron were Ram
the firstborn, andBunah, and Oren, and Ozem, Ahijah. (WEB...
Oren (1 Occurrence)
... Oren (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:25 The sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron
were Ram the firstborn, andBunah, and Oren, and Ozem, Ahijah....
Jerahmeel (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:25 The sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron were Ram
the firstborn, andBunah, and Oren, and Ozem, Ahijah. (WEB...
Jerah'meel (8 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 2:25 And the sons of Jerahmeel the first-born of Hezron
were Ram the first-born, andBunah, and Oren, and Ozem, Ahijah. (See RSV)....
Ahi'jah (22 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 2:25 And the sons of Jerahmeel the first-born of Hezron
were Ram the first-born, andBunah, and Oren, and Ozem, Ahijah. (See RSV)....
Hezron (19 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:25 The sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron were Ram
the firstborn, andBunah, and Oren, and Ozem, Ahijah. (WEB...
Oldest (58 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:25 And the sons of Jerahmeel, the oldest son of Hezron, were Ram,
the oldest, andBunah and Oren and Ozem and Ahijah. (BBE)....
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