Lexical Summary Bunni: Bunni Original Word: בֻּנִּי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Bunni Or (fuller) Buwniy {boo-nee'}; from banah; built; Bunni or Buni, an Israelite -- Bunni. see HEBREW banah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom banah Definition the name of several Isr. NASB Translation Bunni (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs בּוּנִּי proper name, masculine see בנה. בֻּנִּי proper name, masculine 1. Levites, a. Nehemiah 9:4, but read perhaps בִּנּוּי compare BeRy & see Nehemiah 10:10; Nehemiah 12:8; Ezra 8:33; b. בּוּנִּי (בֶּן) Nehemiah 11:15, but read perhaps מִן בְּנֵי etc. compare BeRy. 2 a chief of people Nehemiah 10:16, perhaps repetition of בָּנִי V:15 compare BeRy. Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture Bunni is named three times, all in the book of Nehemiah (9:4; 10:15; 11:15). Each reference situates him among the Levites who re-established worship and community life after the exile. Historical Context The setting is the mid-fifth century BC, when Nehemiah returned from Persia to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls and to restore covenant fidelity among the returned exiles. The community was fragile—socially, economically, and spiritually. Ezra’s public reading of the Law (Nehemiah 8) ignited conviction of sin and a renewed desire to live under the Mosaic covenant. Levites such as Bunni were essential in guiding Israel through confession, instruction, and ongoing temple service. Role in Corporate Worship and Repentance (Nehemiah 9:4) “Then the Levites—Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani—stood on the stairway of the Levites and cried out with a loud voice to the LORD their God”. Here Bunni joins seven other Levites in leading a day-long service of prayer and confession. Standing “on the stairway of the Levites” likely indicates an elevated platform by the temple court where Scripture was read. They model faithful priestly ministry: mediating between God and people, articulating Israel’s history of deliverance, sin, and mercy (9:5-37). Their loud cry underscores urgency; restored worship begins with heartfelt repentance. Participation in Covenant Renewal (Nehemiah 10:15) Bunni is listed among leaders who affixed their names to the sealed covenant that followed the national confession. The document bound the community to obey the Law concerning separation from idolatrous marriages, Sabbath observance, temple taxes, and support for priestly and Levitical service (10:30-39). By attaching his name, Bunni exemplified accountable leadership: public commitment to walk in obedience and to call others to the same. Ongoing Ministry in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:15) Bunni appears once more among Levites who were appointed to reside permanently in Jerusalem after the repopulation lottery. Their tasks included daily temple liturgy, maintenance of sacred music, and administration of offerings. Relocating to the city carried sacrifice—giving up rural inheritance for the sake of worship centrality. Bunni’s willingness highlights devotion to God’s dwelling place and concern for continual spiritual oversight of the nation. Theological Implications 1. Levite leadership: Bunni’s repeated presence demonstrates that godly leadership involves teaching, intercession, and tangible covenantal accountability. Lessons for Contemporary Believers • Spiritual leaders must combine proclamation of God’s word with personal accountability. Forms and Transliterations בֻּנִּ֥י בּוּנִּֽי׃ בוני׃ בני bun·nî būn·nî bunNi bunnî būnnîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 9:4 HEB: קַדְמִיאֵ֧ל שְׁבַנְיָ֛ה בֻּנִּ֥י שֵׁרֵבְיָ֖ה בָּנִ֣י NAS: Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, KJV: Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, INT: Kadmiel Shebaniah Bunni Sherebiah Bani Nehemiah 10:15 Nehemiah 11:15 3 Occurrences |
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