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Meaning, origin and etymology of the name Mahanaim


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Mahanaim Mahanaim

Manahaim is the name of a region that is mentioned from Genesis to 1 Kings. The site was named by Jacob, on his journey from Paddan Aram back to Canaan. Later it was assigned to the Levites, specifically the family of Merari (Josh 21:34-42). Mahanaim was briefly the capital of Israel during the momentary royalty of Ish-boseth, the son of Saul (2 Sam 2:8).

The name Mahanaim is a multiple form (or rather, a multiple form that means 'two of') of the word mahaneh (mananeh 690c), meaning camp. And that word comes from the verb hana (hana 690), decline, bend down, and perhaps via the idea of curvature to the figurative use of encamp, lay siege against.

Right before Jacob names the region Mahanaim, he is met by angels of God. That motivates him to say, God's camp ("This is God's camp"), using the word mahaneh (mananeh 690c).

The name Mahanaim means Two Camps.



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