Topical Encyclopedia
Etymology and MeaningThe name "Jamin" is derived from the Hebrew root "yamin," meaning "right hand" or "south." In biblical contexts, the right hand often symbolizes strength, power, and favor. Thus, Jamin can be interpreted as "right-handed" or "favored."
Biblical ReferencesJamin is a name that appears several times in the Old Testament, associated with different individuals across various tribes of Israel.
1.
Jamin, Son of SimeonJamin is first mentioned as one of the sons of Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah. In
Genesis 46:10, the Bible records, "The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman." This genealogy is reiterated in
Exodus 6:15 and
1 Chronicles 4:24, establishing Jamin as a patriarchal figure within the tribe of Simeon.
2.
Jamin, Descendant of JudahAnother Jamin is noted as a descendant of Judah. In
1 Chronicles 2:27, the text states, "The sons of Ram the firstborn of Jerahmeel: Maaz, Jamin, and Eker." This Jamin is part of the genealogical record of the tribe of Judah, which holds significant importance as the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended.
3.
Jamin, the LeviteA third mention of Jamin is found in the context of the Levites. In
Nehemiah 8:7, during the public reading of the Law by Ezra, Jamin is listed among the Levites who helped the people understand the Law: "The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places." This Jamin played a role in the spiritual revival and education of the Israelites after their return from Babylonian exile.
Theological SignificanceThe individuals named Jamin, though not central figures in biblical narratives, contribute to the broader understanding of Israel's tribal and familial structures. The presence of Jamin in the genealogies of both Simeon and Judah highlights the interconnectedness of the tribes of Israel. Furthermore, the role of Jamin the Levite in Nehemiah underscores the importance of teaching and understanding God's Law, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.
Cultural and Historical ContextThe genealogical records in which Jamin appears serve to affirm the historical and cultural continuity of the Israelite people. These records were crucial for maintaining tribal identities and inheritance rights, especially during periods of exile and return. The Levites, including Jamin, were instrumental in preserving the religious and cultural heritage of Israel, emphasizing the centrality of the Law in Jewish life.
ConclusionWhile Jamin may not be a prominent biblical character, his inclusion in the Scriptures reflects the importance of every individual within God's covenant community. Each mention of Jamin, whether as a son of Simeon, a descendant of Judah, or a teaching Levite, contributes to the rich tapestry of Israel's history and God's unfolding plan of redemption.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Jaminright hand; south wind
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Jamin(right hand).
- Second son of Simeon, (Genesis46:10; Exod 6:15; 1Chr 4:24 Founder of the family of the Jaminites. (Numbers 26:12) (B.C. 1706.)
- A man of Judah, second son of Ram the Jerahmeelite. (1 Chronicles 2:27)
- One of the Levites who expounded the law to the people. (Nehemiah 8:7) (B.C. 410.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
JAMINja'-min (yamin, "right hand"):
(1) InGenesis 46:10Exodus 6:15Numbers 26:121 Chronicles 4:24, a "son" (clan) of Simeon.
(2) In1 Chronicles 2:27, a Judahite, "son" of Ram and grandson of Jerahmeel.
(3) InNehemiah 8:7, a Levite (?), one of those who "caused the people to understand" the Torah when Ezra enforced it = "Iadinus" in 1 Esdras 9:48.
Strong's Hebrew
3228. Yamini -- descendant ofJamin... Yamini. 3229 . descendant of
Jamin. Transliteration: Yamini Phonetic Spelling:
(yem-ee-nee') Short Definition: Benjamite. Word Origin from Yamin Definition desc
...3226. Yamin -- three Israelites
... 3225, 3226. Yamin. 3227 . three Israelites. Transliteration: Yamin Phonetic
Spelling: (yaw-meen') Short Definition:Jamin.... NASB Word UsageJamin (6).Jamin....
Library
The Removal of Joseph's Father with all his Family, to Him, on...
... Reuben had four sons"Anoch, Phallu, Assaron, Charmi. Simeon had six"Jamuel,Jamin,
Avod, Jachin, Soar, Saul. Levi had three sons"Gersom, Caath, Merari....
Chapter xlvi
... and Carmi. And the sons of Simeon: Jemuel andJamin and Ohad and Jachin
and Zohar and Shaul, the son of the Canaanitish woman. And...
Thesaurus
Jamin (6 Occurrences)...JAMIN. ja'-min (yamin, "right hand"): (1) In Genesis 46:10 Exodus 6:15 Numbers
26:12 1 Chronicles 4:24, a "son" (clan) of Simeon.
...Jamin (6 Occurrences).
...Mi'jamin (3 Occurrences)
Mi'jamin. Mijamin, Mi'jamin. Mij'amin . Multi-Version Concordance
Mi'jamin (3 Occurrences). Ezra 10:25 Of Israel: Of...
Jachin (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jachin (8 Occurrences). Genesis 46:10 The sons of Simeon:
Jemuel,Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman....
Jakin (8 Occurrences)
... Jakin (8 Occurrences). Genesis 46:10 The sons of Simeon: Jemuel,Jamin, Ohad, Jachin,
Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman. (See NIV)....
Shaul (10 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 46:10 The sons of Simeon: Jemuel,Jamin,
Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman....
Zohar (5 Occurrences)
... Genesis 46:10 The sons of Simeon: Jemuel,Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul
the son of a Canaanite woman. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Nemuel (3 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:12 The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of
the Nemuelites; ofJamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of...
Ohad (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ohad (2 Occurrences). Genesis 46:10 The sons of Simeon:
Jemuel,Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman....
Jamim (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jamim (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 4:24 The sons
of Simeon: Nemuel, andJamin, Jarib, Zerah, Shaul; (See JPS)....
Jemu'el (2 Occurrences)
... Jemu'el (2 Occurrences). Genesis 46:10 And the sons of Simeon: Jemuel, andJamin,
and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman....
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