Lexical Summary Mithni: Mithni Original Word: מִתְנִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Mithnite Probably patrial from an unused noun meaning slenderness; a Mithnite, or inhabitant of Methen -- Mithnite. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a descriptive title for one of David's men NASB Translation Mithnite (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִתְנִי adjective, of a people (derivation unknown); — only ׳יוֺשָׁפָט הַמּ 1 Chronicles 11:43. ᵐ5 ὁ Βαιθανει, A Μαθθανει, ᵐ5L Ματθανι. I, II. מַתָּן, I, II. מַתָּנָה, מַתְּנַי, מַתַּנְיָה(וּׅ see נתן. Topical Lexicon Scriptural Occurrence 1 Chronicles 11:43 names “Joshaphat the Mithnite” among the elite warriors who rallied to David: “Hanan son of Maacah, Joshaphat the Mithnite”. The Hebrew adjective translated “Mithnite” (מִתְנִי) marks Joshaphat’s place of origin or clan identity. Historical Setting The single reference falls within the catalogue of “the mighty men” (Hebrew, gibborim) who supported David from his wilderness years through the establishment of his throne (1 Chronicles 11:10–47; compare 2 Samuel 23:8–39). These warriors form a bridge between the chaotic period of the judges and the united monarchy. Their exploits, loyalty, and covenantal faithfulness to the anointed king reflect Israel’s transition from tribal confederation to centralized kingdom under David. Geographic Considerations Because מִתְנִי appears only once, the exact location of “Mitni” remains uncertain. Several proposals have been offered: Although the physical site awaits discovery, the notation preserves a real locality known to the original audience, reminding readers that Scripture’s history is rooted in verifiable places. Role among David’s Mighty Men The Chronicler divides the warriors into three concentric circles: “the Three,” “the Thirty,” and additional valiant men. Joshaphat appears in the final roster yet still bears the title gibbor, a term associated with courage empowered by God (Joshua 1:14; 2 Samuel 10:7). His inclusion testifies that faithful service, rather than rank, secures a place in God’s record. Intertextual Observations 1 Chronicles supplies several names absent from the Samuel parallel, and vice versa. The presence of Joshaphat the Mithnite in Chronicles but not in Samuel illustrates the complementary nature of the two historical witnesses. Rather than contradictions, the differences broaden the lens, offering a fuller tapestry of those whom God used to consolidate the kingdom. Theological Reflections 1. God remembers individual servants. Even a single mention, such as מִתְנִי, assures believers that “your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Lessons for Ministry Today • Celebrate hidden faithfulness. Congregational life must honor quiet servants whose steadfast commitment sustains the body. Conclusion Although מִתְנִי surfaces only once in Scripture, it anchors a flesh-and-blood disciple to a definite place and moment in redemption history. That solitary appearance reinforces a central biblical theme: God’s unfolding kingdom is advanced not merely by famous leaders but by countless faithful individuals whose names are eternally written in His book (Revelation 20:12). Forms and Transliterations הַמִּתְנִֽי׃ המתני׃ ham·miṯ·nî hammitNi hammiṯnîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 11:43 HEB: מַעֲכָ֔ה וְיוֹשָׁפָ֖ט הַמִּתְנִֽי׃ ס NAS: of Maacah and Joshaphat the Mithnite, KJV: and Joshaphat the Mithnite, INT: of Maacah and Joshaphat the Mithnite 1 Occurrence |
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