Original Word: גִּינַת
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Giynath
Pronunciation: Ghee-nath
Phonetic Spelling: (ghee-nath')
KJV: Ginath
NASB: Ginath
Word Origin: [of uncertain derivation]

1. Ginath, an Israelite

Ginath

Of uncertain derivation; Ginath, an Israelite -- Ginath.

Word Origin
from ganan
Definition
an Isr.
NASB Translation
Ginath (2).

גִּינַ֑ת proper name, masculine father of Tibni 1 Kings 16:21,22.

Biblical Occurrences

The name Ginath appears twice, both in the narrative describing the chaotic transition of power in the Northern Kingdom after the death of King Elah.
• 1 Kings 16:21 – “Then the people of Israel were divided into two factions: half supported Tibni son of Ginath as king, and the other half supported Omri.”
• 1 Kings 16:22 – “But the followers of Omri proved stronger than those of Tibni son of Ginath. So Tibni died, and Omri became king.”

Historical Setting

These verses date to the middle of the ninth century B.C. during the reigns of Israel’s fifth and sixth kings. The backdrop is one of political instability that began with Jeroboam’s break from the house of David. After Zimri’s brief seven-day reign ended in flames, the armies of Israel split, each backing one contender: Omri, the general of the army, and Tibni, son of Ginath. The mention of Ginath situates his family within Israel’s aristocracy; his son amassed enough support to contest the throne against a seasoned commander. Ultimately Omri prevailed, laying the foundation for a dynasty that would include the infamous Ahab and the alliance with Jezebel of Sidon.

Role in Northern Kingdom Succession

Although Ginath himself never steps onto the stage, the text identifies Tibni through his father to lend legitimacy to Tibni’s claim. Patronymics in Scripture often function as shorthand for pedigree and political weight. By naming Ginath, the author implies that Tibni’s bid was not merely opportunistic but backed by a family of substance. Yet the episode underscores that lineage alone cannot secure God’s favor or guarantee political success when a nation has forsaken covenant faithfulness.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Sovereignty over Human Politics – The brief struggle between the camps of Omri and Tibni illustrates that, despite human scheming and civil strife, the Lord determines who ultimately occupies the throne. This theme harmonizes with Proverbs 21:1 and Romans 13:1.
2. The Cost of Division – Israel’s civil war echoes earlier fractures (Judges 12; 2 Samuel 20) and foreshadows the future exile. Ginath’s house becomes a footnote in a narrative of national disunity—an enduring warning against factions in the people of God (1 Corinthians 1:10-13).
3. Legacy and Influence – Ginath’s presence in the biblical record reminds readers that parental influence, for good or ill, can echo in the public actions of children (Deuteronomy 6:7; 2 Timothy 1:5). Tibni’s short-lived revolt shows how a family’s ambitions, severed from faithfulness, may collapse despite initial promise.

Ministry Applications

• Leadership Selection – Churches and ministries should weigh character and calling above pedigree. A respected surname or institutional backing, as with Ginath’s family, does not replace spiritual qualification (1 Timothy 3:1-7).
• Unity in Crisis – When congregations face division, leaders must pursue biblical reconciliation rather than polarizing coalitions, learning from Israel’s destructive factionalism.
• Parenting and Mentorship – Believers are reminded to model covenant loyalty, recognizing that the next generation’s effectiveness often grows out of today’s spiritual investment.

Reflection for Today

Ginath’s fleeting mention shows that every life, whether prominent or peripheral, is set within the larger drama of God’s redemptive history. Even obscure figures invite us to examine our own roles—are we quietly nurturing faith that strengthens the body of Christ, or are we cultivating ambitions that may fracture it? The Lord who authored Israel’s account continues to script His purposes through the lives of His people, calling each one to faithfulness that transcends personal or familial aspirations.

גִּינַ֑ת גִּינַת֙ גינת gî·naṯ giNat gînaṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts