4079. midyan

Lexicon

midyan: Midian

Original Word: מִדְיָן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: midyan
Pronunciation: MID-yahn
Phonetic Spelling: (mid-yawn')
Definition: Midian
Meaning: a contest, quarrel

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

brawling, contention

A variation for madown -- brawling, contention(-ous).

see HEBREW madown

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
the same as madon, q.v.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the root verb דִּין (din), meaning "to judge" or "to contend."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G3060 (Λωΐς, Lois): While not directly related in meaning, this entry is included for its phonetic similarity. Lois is a proper noun referring to the grandmother of Timothy in the New Testament.
• G5016 (τάραχος, tarachos): This Greek term means "trouble" or "disturbance," which aligns conceptually with the idea of contention or strife inherent in the Hebrew מִדְיָן.

The term מִדְיָן encapsulates both a historical people group and the broader theme of conflict, serving as a reminder of the spiritual and moral challenges faced by the Israelites throughout their history.

Usage: The word מִדְיָן appears in the Hebrew Bible both as a common noun indicating strife or contention and as a proper noun referring to the Midianites. The Midianites are frequently mentioned in the context of their interactions and conflicts with the Israelites.

Context: • Midian as a People: The Midianites were a nomadic tribe in the ancient Near East, often associated with the Arabian Peninsula. They are first mentioned in Genesis 25:1-2 as descendants of Abraham and Keturah. The Midianites played a significant role in the biblical narrative, particularly during the time of the Exodus and the period of the Judges.
• Biblical Narrative: The Midianites are most notably remembered for their conflict with the Israelites. In Numbers 25, the Israelites fell into idolatry and immorality with the Midianites, leading to divine judgment. Later, in Judges 6-8, the Midianites oppressed Israel until Gideon, empowered by God, delivered the Israelites from their control.
• Symbolic Meaning: The name Midian, meaning "strife" or "contention," is emblematic of the adversarial relationship between the Midianites and the Israelites. This enmity is reflective of the broader spiritual and moral struggles depicted in the biblical narrative.
• Cultural and Historical Context: The Midianites were known for their trade and commerce, often traveling in caravans. They are also associated with the worship of Baal-peor, which led to their moral and spiritual conflict with Israel.

Forms and Transliterations

מִ֝דְיָנִ֗ים מִ֭דְיָנִים מִדְיְנֵ֥י מדיני מדינים miḏ·yā·nîm miḏ·yə·nê Midyanim miḏyānîm miḏyənê midyeNei

Englishman's Concordance

Proverbs 18:18
HEB: מִ֭דְיָנִים יַשְׁבִּ֣ית הַגּוֹרָ֑ל
KJV: The lot causeth contentions to cease,
INT: contentions puts the lot

Proverbs 19:13
HEB: וְדֶ֥לֶף טֹ֝רֵ֗ד מִדְיְנֵ֥י אִשָּֽׁה׃
KJV: of his father: and the contentions of a wife
INT: dripping constant and the contentions of a wife

Proverbs 21:9
HEB: גָּ֑ג מֵאֵ֥שֶׁת מִ֝דְיָנִ֗ים וּבֵ֥ית חָֽבֶר׃
KJV: of the housetop, than with a brawling woman
INT: of a roof woman brawling A house shared

3 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 4079
3 Occurrences

miḏ·yā·nîm — 2 Occ.
miḏ·yə·nê — 1 Occ.