Lexical Summary Yaanay: Yaanay Original Word: יַעֲנַי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jaanai From the same as ya'en; responsive; Jaanai, an Israelite -- Jaanai. see HEBREW ya'en NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anah Definition an Isr. NASB Translation Janai (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs יעני proper name see below ענה. יְעֹעֵ֫רוּ Isaiah 15:5 see I. [עוּר] Pilpel. Topical Lexicon Biblical Context “Joel was the chief, Shapham the second, then Janai and Shaphat in Bashan.” (1 Chronicles 5:12). The name יַעֲנַי (Janai/Yaanai) appears only here, embedded in the register of the tribe of Gad. The brief reference places him among the heads of families who settled in the fertile highlands of Bashan east of the Jordan. Placement within Gadite Genealogy The larger genealogy of 1 Chronicles 5 traces Gad’s descendants from the patriarch through the time of Israel’s monarchy and into the Assyrian exile. The order—Joel, Shapham, Janai, Shaphat—suggests a hierarchy of clan leaders. While the Chronicler does not assign Janai a specific title, positioning alongside named chiefs implies recognized authority within the tribal structure. His inclusion testifies to the Chronicler’s concern to preserve every legitimate Gadite lineage, underscoring God’s faithfulness to all the tribes, including those whose territories lay outside the traditional borders of the land of Canaan. Historical and Geographical Setting Bashan, stretching from the Yarmuk River to Mount Hermon, was renowned for rich pastures and fortified cities (Deuteronomy 3:4-5; Amos 4:1). After the conquest under Moses (Numbers 21:33-35), Gad and Reuben chose this region for their vast herds (Numbers 32:1-5). Centuries later, the Gadites, Janai included, maintained a semi-autonomous frontier existence, defending Israel’s eastern flank. Their strategic position made them first to encounter regional upheavals, culminating in Tiglath-Pileser III’s campaigns (1 Chronicles 5:26). Though Janai lived prior to the exile, his line would have felt the growing Assyrian pressure that eventually scattered the Northern tribes. Theological Observations 1. Covenant Inclusion: By listing Janai’s name, Scripture affirms that even a single, otherwise unknown clan head shares in the Abrahamic promises (Genesis 12:2-3). No descendant is forgotten before God (Psalm 87:6). Lessons for Ministry Today • Unsung servants matter. Congregational life often depends on those whose names rarely surface in public reports yet are inscribed in God’s book. Related Biblical Themes and Passages Numbers 32:33-42 – allocation of Bashan to Gad; Deuteronomy 3:13 – Moses’ description of the region; 1 Chronicles 5:18-22 – valor of the eastern tribes; Psalm 68:15 – Bashan’s prominence; Hebrews 11:32-40 – celebration of unnamed faithful. Summary Janai stands as a quiet yet significant link in Israel’s covenant chain. His solitary appearance signals that every tribe, territory, and leader—however obscure—contributes to the unfolding redemptive story, encouraging believers to faithful stewardship until the final roll is called. Forms and Transliterations וְיַעְנַ֥י ויעני veyaNai wə·ya‘·nay wəya‘nayLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 5:12 HEB: וְשָׁפָ֖ם הַמִּשְׁנֶ֑ה וְיַעְנַ֥י וְשָׁפָ֖ט בַּבָּשָֽׁן׃ NAS: the second, then Janai and Shaphat KJV: the next, and Jaanai, and Shaphat INT: and Shapham the second Janai and Shaphat Bashan 1 Occurrence |
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