Who was Jaminite?

The Jaminite refers to a descendant or clan stemming from Jamin, a son of Simeon, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). The term is a patronymic designation, identifying a family or clan within the tribe of Simeon. In Hebrew, the name Jamin (יָמִין, Yamin) means “right hand” or “fortunate.” The suffix “-ite” denotes belonging or descent, so Jaminite (Hebrew: יַמִּינִי, Yamini) literally means “descendant of Jamin.”

Jamin is listed among the sons of Simeon in multiple genealogies, most notably in Genesis 46:10, Exodus 6:15, and Numbers 26:12. The specific reference to the Jaminite clan appears in Numbers 26:12, during the second census taken by Moses on the plains of Moab as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land.

Biblical References

• Genesis 46:10 – “The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman.”

• Exodus 6:15 – “The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin and Zohar; and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman. These were the clans of Simeon.”

• Numbers 26:12 – “The descendants of Simeon by their clans were: through Nemuel, the Nemuelite clan; through Jamin, the Jaminite clan…”

These references affirm Jamin as one of the foundational figures in the tribal structure of Israel and identify the Jaminite clan as a recognized sub-group within the tribe of Simeon.

What Happened in the Bible?

In Numbers 26, the second census was conducted to count the new generation of Israelites after the older generation had died in the wilderness due to their rebellion (cf. Numbers 14). This census was important for determining military strength and for dividing the land of Canaan among the tribes by lot.

The Jaminite clan, as a part of the tribe of Simeon, was counted in this census. Though no individual events are directly attributed to the Jaminite clan, their inclusion in the census underlines their significance as a recognized family unit within Israel’s national identity.

Later in Israel’s history, the tribe of Simeon would receive a portion of land within the territory of Judah (Joshua 19:1-9). However, Simeon’s influence and presence appear to diminish over time, likely due to assimilation into Judah and a lack of prominence among the twelve tribes.

Theological Significance

The mention of the Jaminite clan, though brief, is a reminder of God‘s covenantal faithfulness. Every name and clan recorded in Scripture, including the Jaminite clan, signifies that God remembers and preserves His people. The census was not merely a bureaucratic act—it was a sacred recognition that every family in Israel belonged to the people of God and had a share in His promises.

From a theological standpoint, the Jaminite entry underscores that God knows His people by name and includes them in His divine plan. This foreshadows the New Testament truth that believers are also counted by name and adopted into God’s family through faith in Christ (Luke 10:20; Revelation 3:5).

Connection to Jesus and the Gospel

Although the Jaminites themselves are not directly mentioned in the New Testament, they are part of the broader lineage of Israel, through which God brought forth the Messiah. Jesus, a descendant of Judah, came not only to fulfill promises made to Judah but to all the tribes of Israel, including Simeon and his descendants.

The inclusion of clans like the Jaminites in Scripture highlights that God’s redemptive plan encompasses all people, not just the prominent tribes or individuals. Through Jesus, salvation is extended to the least and the forgotten, demonstrating God‘s impartial grace.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Covenant Faithfulness

God made promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning their descendants. Even minor clans like the Jaminites are remembered in fulfillment of those promises.

2. Tribal Identity and Inheritance

The structure of Israel into tribes and clans shows God’s orderly design for His people. It also points to the spiritual inheritance believers have in Christ (1 Peter 1:4).

3. Every Life Counts in God’s Plan

The census in Numbers 26 underscores that no person or family is overlooked. This foreshadows the New Testament message that every believer is known and loved by God.

4. Continuity of God’s People

The Jaminites’ survival through the wilderness and inclusion in the Promised Land anticipates the endurance of God’s people through trials into eternal rest (Hebrews 4:9-11).

Reflection Questions

1. What does the inclusion of lesser-known clans like the Jaminites teach us about God’s attention to detail and care for all people?

2. How can we apply the truth that God knows each of His people by name in our personal faith journey?

3. In what ways does the structure and organization of God’s people in the Old Testament prepare us to understand the church today?

4. How does the preservation of each clan in Israel point us to the assurance we have in Christ for our eternal inheritance?

5. Are there ways we overlook people in our communities that God values and includes in His redemptive plan?

Even though the Jaminites are not prominent figures in the biblical narrative, their mention serves as a profound reminder that God’s kingdom is made up of many members, all known and counted by Him, each with a role to play in His unfolding story of redemption.