492. almoni
Lexical Summary
almoni: Someone, a certain one, anonymous, or unnamed.

Original Word: אַלְמֹנִי
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: almoniy
Pronunciation: al-mo-NEE
Phonetic Spelling: (al-mo-nee')
KJV: one, and such
NASB: such
Word Origin: [from H489 (אַלמוֹן - widowhood) in the sense of concealment]

1. some one (i.e. so and so, without giving the name of the person or place)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
one, and such

From 'almon in the sense of concealment; some one (i.e. So and so, without giving the name of the person or place) -- one, and such.

see HEBREW 'almon

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from alam
Definition
someone, a certain (one)
NASB Translation
certain* (1), friend* (1), such (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
אַלְמֹנִי adjective some one, a certain (name unspoken); ׳מְקוֺם מְּלֹנִי א 1 Samuel 21:3; 2 Kings 6:8; ׳א ׳פ alone, of person, = such-an-one, so-and-so Ruth 4:1.

Topical Lexicon
Definition and Thematic Essence

אַלְמֹנִי designates an unnamed or unspecified person, place, or matter—“so-and-so,” or “such-and-such.” The term deliberately withholds identification, creating narrative anonymity that serves moral, legal, and theological purposes.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. Ruth 4:1 – Boaz summons the nearer kinsman: “Come over here and sit down, friend”, literally “such-a-one.”
2. 1 Samuel 21:3 – David tells Ahimelech he has directed his men “to such and such a place.”
3. 2 Kings 6:8 – The King of Aram plots, “My camp will be in such and such a place.”

Narrative Function and Literary Device

The inspired writers employ אַלְמֹנִי to shift attention from the identity of a human actor to the providential actions of God. By withholding a name, Scripture invites readers to focus on covenant faithfulness (Boaz), divine protection (David), and prophetic insight (Elisha) rather than on the anonymous figures resisting or opposing God’s purposes.

Covenantal and Legal Implications (Ruth 4:1)

Under Levirate and kinsman-redeemer statutes, the unnamed relative possessed the first right to redeem Naomi’s land and marry Ruth (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). His choice to decline is recorded publicly yet anonymously. The omission of his name underscores the lasting honor granted to Boaz—and ultimately to Davidic and Messianic lineage—while allowing the kinsman to fade from covenant history. The scene highlights the seriousness of redemption responsibilities: favoring self-interest over covenant duty leads to obscurity.

Strategic Concealment and Divine Protection (1 Samuel 21:3)

David’s use of אַלְמֹנִי cloaks the location of his men during Saul’s persecution. The anonymity protects the innocent and aligns with wise concealment commended elsewhere (Proverbs 12:23). Yet David still relies on priestly provision and ultimately on God for preservation, illustrating a balance between prudent secrecy and divine trust.

Human Secrecy Versus Divine Revelation (2 Kings 6:8)

The Aramean king’s “such-and-such” scheme aims at covert ambush, but the Lord discloses every hidden plan to Elisha. The repeated frustration of the king’s plots testifies that no strategy, however concealed, escapes divine omniscience (Psalm 139:1-12). The episode contrasts human attempts at anonymity with God’s all-seeing sovereignty.

Ethical and Pastoral Lessons

• God remembers faithful obedience; the names of the obedient endure, while willful neglect may lead to historical silence (cf. Proverbs 10:7).
• Anonymity may serve righteousness when protecting others, but it can also mask selfishness or opposition to God’s will. Believers must discern motives when withholding information.
• Nothing ultimately remains hidden: “Nothing is concealed that will not be disclosed” (Luke 8:17). Human anonymity cannot thwart divine justice or grace.

Christological and Redemptive Echoes

The anonymous kinsman contrasts with the ultimate Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who openly identifies with humanity to secure redemption (Hebrews 2:14-15). Where the unnamed relative shirks cost, Christ embraces it, purchasing a name “above every name” (Philippians 2:9). The literary device thus magnifies the glory of the revealed Redeemer.

Practical Ministry Application

Pastoral care must honor confidentiality when appropriate, yet also encourage accountability and transparency. Leaders should beware the temptation to avoid costly obedience; failing to act redemptively risks spiritual insignificance. Teaching on אַלְמֹנִי can challenge congregations to move from anonymity in the pews to active participation in God’s redemptive work.

Summary

אַלְמֹנִי punctuates Scripture with purposeful anonymity, calling attention to God’s sovereignty, human responsibility, and the everlasting contrast between hidden sin and revealed righteousness. Its sparse appearances underscore a timeless truth: the unnamed may fade, but those who act in covenant faith endure, their names written “in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27).

Forms and Transliterations
אַלְמֹנִ֑י אַלְמֹנִ֖י אַלְמוֹנִֽי׃ אלמוני׃ אלמני ’al·mō·nî ’al·mō·w·nî ’almōnî ’almōwnî almoNi
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Ruth 4:1
HEB: פֹּ֖ה פְּלֹנִ֣י אַלְמֹנִ֑י וַיָּ֖סַר וַיֵּשֵֽׁב׃
KJV: Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down
INT: here such A one aside sit

1 Samuel 21:3
HEB: מְק֥וֹם פְּלֹנִ֖י אַלְמוֹנִֽי׃
INT: country such one

2 Kings 6:8
HEB: מְק֛וֹם פְּלֹנִ֥י אַלְמֹנִ֖י תַּחֲנֹתִֽי׃
NAS: In such and such a place
KJV: In such and such a place
INT: A place such and such shall be my camp

3 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 492
3 Occurrences


’al·mō·nî — 3 Occ.

491
Top of Page
Top of Page