Lexical Summary Othni: Othni Original Word: עָתְנִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Othni From an unused root meaning to force; forcible; Othni, an Israelite -- Othni. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom atham Definition a Levite NASB Translation Othni (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עָתְנִי proper name, masculine Levite 1 Chronicles 26:7, Γοονει, (Γ)οθνι. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence and Immediate Context 1 Chronicles 26:7 places Othni among “the sons of Shemaiah,” within the detailed roster of Levitical gatekeepers David appointed for service at the house of God. The verse reads: “the sons of Shemaiah: Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad; his relatives, Elihu and Semachiah, were able men—all these were the descendants of Obed-Edom.” Family Lineage and Levitical Heritage • Othni’s grandfather, Obed-Edom, had housed the Ark of the Covenant and was specially “blessed by the LORD” (2 Samuel 6:11–12; 1 Chronicles 26:4–5). Role in Temple Ministry Gatekeepers controlled access to the sanctuary, guarded the storerooms, and oversaw the treasuries (1 Chronicles 9:23–27; 26:12–19). Their work protected holiness, preserved order, and ensured that worship remained God-centered. Othni’s inclusion among “able men” signals competence, courage, and spiritual reliability—traits indispensable for guarding the thresholds of God’s dwelling place. Character Reflected in the Name While Othni appears only once, the placement of his name in a list of “able men” suggests valor. His name’s association with strength mirrors the charge given to all gatekeepers: “Be strong and do it” (1 Chronicles 28:10). Thus the brief notice portrays a servant whose inner fortitude matched his sacred assignment. Historical Setting The roster in 1 Chronicles 26 belongs to David’s late-reign administrative reforms, anticipating Solomon’s Temple. Othni therefore lived during the transition from tent worship at Gibeon and Jerusalem to the permanent Temple on Mount Moriah. His service contributed to the continuity of worship from David to Solomon. Spiritual Themes and Lessons 1. Generational Discipleship – Blessing on Obed-Edom flowed naturally to Shemaiah and further to Othni, encouraging parents and grandparents to model wholehearted devotion. Related Passages and Connections • Other gatekeeper lists: 1 Chronicles 9:17–27; 2 Chronicles 23:4–7 Enduring Ministry Significance Though Scripture records no exploits beyond the roster, Othni represents the countless faithful who guard the sanctity of worship. His life reminds today’s believers that steadfast service—whether celebrated or hidden—sustains the corporate life of God’s people and upholds the honor of His house. Forms and Transliterations עָ֠תְנִי עתני ‘ā·ṯə·nî ‘āṯənî AteniLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 26:7 HEB: בְּנֵ֣י שְׁמַֽעְיָ֗ה עָ֠תְנִי וּרְפָאֵ֨ל וְעוֹבֵ֧ד NAS: of Shemaiah [were] Othni, Rephael, KJV: of Shemaiah; Othni, and Rephael, INT: the sons of Shemaiah Othni Rephael Obed 1 Occurrence |
    |