Topical Encyclopedia
Guni is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical records of the tribes of Israel. He is recognized as a descendant of Jacob, through his son Naphtali, and is associated with the tribe of Naphtali.
Genealogy and Tribal AffiliationGuni is first mentioned in the Book of Genesis as one of the sons of Naphtali. In
Genesis 46:24 , it states, "The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem." This passage places Guni among the early descendants of Jacob who went down to Egypt during the time of Joseph, thus becoming part of the foundational family units that would later form the twelve tribes of Israel.
The tribe of Naphtali, to which Guni belongs, is one of the northern tribes of Israel. It is known for its territory in the region of Galilee, which later becomes significant in the New Testament as the area where Jesus conducted much of His ministry.
Census and Military OrganizationGuni is also mentioned in the context of the census taken during the wilderness period. In
Numbers 26:48-49 , the descendants of Naphtali are listed: "The descendants of Naphtali by their clans were: The Jahzeelite clan from Jahzeel, the Gunite clan from Guni, the Jezerite clan from Jezer, the Shillemite clan from Shillem." Here, Guni is recognized as the progenitor of the Gunite clan, indicating his role in the organization and structure of the tribe of Naphtali during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land.
Historical and Theological SignificanceWhile Guni himself is not a prominent figure in terms of narrative or actions, his inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in the biblical narrative. The genealogies serve to connect the people of Israel to their patriarchal ancestors, affirming God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The tribe of Naphtali, and by extension the descendants of Guni, played a role in the history of Israel, particularly during the period of the Judges and the establishment of the monarchy. The region of Naphtali was known for its fertile land and strategic location, which contributed to its significance in Israel's history.
LegacyGuni's legacy, as with many of the lesser-known biblical figures, is primarily tied to his role in the continuity of the Israelite tribes. His mention in the genealogies serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises through successive generations. The tribe of Naphtali, including the Gunites, is a part of the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan for Israel and, ultimately, for all humanity through Jesus Christ, who ministered extensively in the region historically associated with Naphtali.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Gunia garden; a covering
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Guni(painted).
- A son of Naphtali, (Genesis 46:24;1 Chronicles 7:13) the founder of the family of the Gunites. (Numbers 26:48)
- A descendant of Gad. (1 Chronicles 5:15)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
GUNI; GUNITESgu'-ni, gu'-nits (guni):
(1) The name of a Naphtalite clan (Genesis 46:24Numbers 26:481 Chronicles 7:13). InNumbers 26:48 the gentilic "Gunites" is also found, having in Hebrew the same form, with the article.
(2) The head of a Gadite family (1 Chronicles 5:15).
Strong's Hebrew
1476.Guni -- two Israelites... 1475, 1476.
Guni. 1477 . two Israelites. Transliteration:
Guni Phonetic Spelling:
(goo-nee') Short Definition:
Guni.
... NASB Word Usage
Guni (4).
Guni.
...1477.Guni -- descendant ofGuni
...Guni. 1478 . descendant ofGuni. Transliteration:Guni Phonetic Spelling:
(goo-nee') Short Definition: Gunites. Word Origin fromGuni Definition desc....
Library
Chapter xlvi
... 23-25. And the sons of Dan: Hushim. And the sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, andGuni,
and Jezer, and Shillem.... Dan Naphtali Hushim Jahzeel.Guni. Jezer. Shillem....
The Removal of Joseph's Father with all his Family, to Him, on...
... He had besides by Bilhah, the handmaid of Rachel, Dan and Nephtliali; which last
had four sons that followed him"Jesel,Guni, Issari, and Sellim....
Thesaurus
Guni (4 Occurrences)...GUNI; GUNITES. gu'-ni, gu'-nits (
guni): (1) The name of a Naphtalite clan (Genesis
46:24 Numbers 26:48 1 Chronicles 7:13).
...Guni (4 Occurrences).
...Gunites (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible EncyclopediaGUNI; GUNITES. gu'-ni, gu'-nits (guni): (1) The
name of a Naphtalite clan (Genesis 46:24 Numbers 26:48 1 Chronicles 7:13)....
Naph'tali (47 Occurrences)
... and Naphtali; (See RSV). Genesis 46:24 And the sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel,
andGuni, and Jezer, and Shillem. (See RSV). Genesis 49:21...
Jahziel (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jahziel (2 Occurrences). Genesis 46:24 And the sons of
Naphtali: Jahzeel, andGuni, and Jezer, and Shillem. (See NIV)....
Jezer (3 Occurrences)
... Jezer (3 Occurrences). Genesis 46:24 The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel,Guni, Jezer,
and Shillem. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Jahzeel (2 Occurrences)
... Jahzeel (2 Occurrences). Genesis 46:24 The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel,Guni,
Jezer, and Shillem. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)....
Gunite (2 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:48 The sons of Naphtali after their families: of Jahzeel, the family
of the Jahzeelites; ofGuni, the family of the Gunites; (Root in WEB KJV JPS...
Shillem (3 Occurrences)
... Shillem (3 Occurrences). Genesis 46:24 The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel,Guni, Jezer,
and Shillem. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Gum (3 Occurrences)
Naphtali (51 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Genesis 46:24 The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel,
Guni, Jezer, and Shillem. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)....
Resources
Who was Naphtali in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Bilhah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
