Who was Jimnah?

Jimnah (Hebrew: יִמְנָה, Yimnah, meaning “prosperity” or “right hand”) was a descendant of the patriarch Asher, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. He is listed as one of Asher‘s sons and a head of a family within the tribe of Asher. Jimnah is briefly mentioned in the genealogical records of Israel, primarily in the context of the migration of Jacob’s family to Egypt.

Biblical References

• Genesis 46:17 – “The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi and Beriah. Their sister was Serah. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malkiel.”

• Numbers 26:44 – “The descendants of Asher by their clans were: Through Imnah, the Imnite clan…”

• 1 Chronicles 7:30 – “The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi and Beriah. Their sister was Serah.”

The slight variation in spelling between “Jimnah” and “Imnah” is due to transliteration differences across English Bible versions, but both refer to the same person.

Jimnah in the Biblical Narrative

Jimnah is part of the genealogical list recorded in Genesis 46, which enumerates the seventy members of Jacob’s family who migrated to Egypt during the famine. He is noted as one of Asher’s sons, thus making him a grandson of Jacob and a great-grandson of Isaac and Abraham. His family line would later become one of the clans within the tribe of Asher.

Although the Bible does not provide personal stories or exploits about Jimnah himself, his inclusion in these genealogies is significant. The tribes and clans of Israel formed the structure of the nation, and each name listed played a role in the covenantal history of God‘s people.

The tribe of Asher, descended from Asher and his sons including Jimnah, would later be allotted territory in the Promised Land along the northern coast (Joshua 19:24-31). It was a fertile region rich in olive oil and produce, symbolizing blessing and abundance.

Relevance to Today’s Christians

Though Jimnah’s name appears only in genealogical records, his place in Scripture teaches believers that every member of God‘s covenant family matters. God records not only kings, prophets, and warriors, but also ordinary individuals whose faithful presence helped shape the foundation of a godly nation. Jimnah represents the many faithful who quietly fulfill their role in God’s redemptive plan.

For Christians today, this highlights the value of faithfulness even in seemingly unnoticed roles. God sees and remembers those who are His. In the church, each person—whether prominent or behind-the-scenes—plays a vital part in building up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12–27).

How Jimnah’s Line Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Jimnah’s connection to the larger tribe of Asher reminds us of God’s unfolding plan through the twelve tribes of Israel. Though the tribe of Asher is not as prominently featured in redemptive history, it is still part of the foundation through which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would ultimately come. Jesus was born from the tribe of Judah, but all the tribes are integral to the covenant community.

In Luke 2:36-38, we meet Anna the prophetess, who is described as being from the tribe of Asher. She worshiped continually in the temple and testified about Jesus as the Redeemer. This link between Asher and the arrival of Jesus connects Jimnah’s tribe to the gospel message—God’s salvation reaches through every tribe and background.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God Values the Faithful Remnant

Jimnah is not known for great exploits, yet his name is recorded. This reflects the biblical theme that God honors those who are part of His covenant people, even if their roles are quiet or hidden.

2. The Importance of Genealogy in God’s Plan

Genealogies in Scripture are not merely historical data—they are testimonies to God’s faithfulness across generations. They show that God works through family lines and individuals to accomplish His eternal purposes.

3. Unity in the Body of Christ

Jimnah’s inclusion emphasizes the theme of unity among the diverse members of God’s people. Just as each clan within the tribes of Israel had a role, so too does every believer have a calling and purpose in the church.

4. The Quiet Role of Righteousness

Jimnah’s name meaning “prosperity” or “right hand” may suggest that his lineage contributed positively to the nation’s life. This echoes Psalm 1:3, where the righteous are described as trees planted by streams of water, quietly bearing fruit in season.

Reflection Questions

1. Why do you think God included individuals like Jimnah in the biblical genealogies?

2. How can you find encouragement in knowing that God values even the less-known members of His covenant people?

3. Are there “behind-the-scenes” roles in your life or church that you can fulfill more joyfully, knowing they matter to God?

4. How does Jimnah’s inclusion in the story of Israel encourage your understanding of God’s long-term, multigenerational plan?

5. What does the mention of Anna from Asher’s tribe in Luke 2 tell you about God’s faithfulness to all tribes and families?

Jimnah may only briefly appear in Scripture, but his name stands as a quiet witness to the truth that God knows and remembers His people. His place in the tribe of Asher serves as a reminder that God‘s covenant is expansive, generational, and includes even the unnamed faithfulness of ordinary lives.