Unni is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Levitical genealogies and the organization of temple worship during the time of King David. The name "Unni" is of Hebrew origin, and while its exact meaning is uncertain, it is often associated with the concept of "afflicted" or "poor."

Biblical References:

1. 1 Chronicles 15:18 · Unni is listed among the Levites appointed by King David to be singers and musicians in the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The verse states: "and with them their relatives of the second rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel, the gatekeepers."

2. 1 Chronicles 15:20 · Unni is again mentioned as part of the group of musicians who played harps tuned to alamoth, a musical term possibly indicating a high pitch or a specific style of performance. The verse reads: "Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to alamoth."

3. Nehemiah 12:9 · In the post-exilic period, Unni is mentioned as one of the Levites who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This passage highlights the continuity of Levitical service and worship practices after the Babylonian exile. The verse states: "Bakbukiah and Unni, their associates, stood opposite them in the services."

Role and Significance:

Unni's role as a Levite and musician underscores the importance of music and worship in the religious life of Israel. The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties, and their involvement in music was integral to the worship practices of the temple. Unni's inclusion in the lists of musicians and gatekeepers reflects the organized and communal nature of worship during King David's reign and the restoration period under Nehemiah.

The mention of Unni in both the pre-exilic and post-exilic contexts suggests a legacy of faithfulness and dedication to the service of God, despite the challenges faced by the Israelites, such as exile and the rebuilding of their community. The continuity of Levitical service, as seen in Unni's participation, highlights the enduring commitment to worship and the preservation of religious traditions throughout Israel's history.

Theological Implications:

Unni's presence in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the vital role of worship and music in the life of God's people. The Levites, including Unni, were instrumental in leading the congregation in praise and adoration of the Lord. This emphasis on worship reflects the biblical principle that God is to be glorified through song and music, a theme that resonates throughout the Psalms and other scriptural passages.

Furthermore, Unni's involvement in the restoration efforts under Nehemiah illustrates the theme of renewal and hope. The return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple and its services symbolize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and the restoration of His people. Unni's participation in these events highlights the importance of continuity in worship and the role of the community in maintaining a vibrant spiritual life.

In summary, Unni's mention in the Bible, though brief, contributes to the broader narrative of worship, service, and faithfulness that characterizes the Levitical tradition and the history of Israel.Unni

poor; afflicted; that answers

Unni

(depressed).

1. One of the Levite doorkeepers in the time of David. (1 Chronicles 15:18,20) (B.C. 1043.)
2. A second Levite (unless the family of the foregoing be intended) concerned in the sacred office after the return from Babylon. (Nehemiah 12:9) (B.C. 535.)

Afficted.

(1.) A Levite whom David appointed to take part in bringing the ark up to Jerusalem from the house of Obed-edom by playing the psaltery on that occasion (1 Chronicles 15:18, 20).

(2.) A Levite who returned with Zerubbabel from the Captivity (Nehemiah 12:9).

UNNI

un'-i (`unni, meaning unknown): (1) One of "the twelve brethren" (so Curtis for the Revised Version (British and American) "brethren of the second degree") appointed as singers (1 Chronicles 15:18, 20).

(2) In Nehemiah 12:9 (Kethibh `unno) = the Revised Version (British and American) UNNO (which see).

6042. Unni -- two Levites
... 6041, 6042. Unni. 6043 . two Levites. Transliteration: Unni Phonetic
Spelling: (oon-nee') Short Definition: Unni. Word Origin of ...
/hebrew/6042.htm - 6kUnni (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. UNNI. un'-i (`unni, meaning ... which see).
Multi-Version Concordance Unni (3 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles ...
/u/unni.htm - 8k

Unno (1 Occurrence)
... UNNO. un'-o (`unno; the Septuagint omits the name, but in Codex Sinaiticus, a later
hand has added Iana; the Qere of the Massoretic Text has `unni, as in 1 ...
/u/unno.htm - 7k

Zechari'ah (51 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 15:18 and with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah,
Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah ...
/z/zechari'ah.htm - 20k

Jehi'el (12 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 15:18 and with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah,
Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah ...
/j/jehi'el.htm - 9k

Jehiel (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 15:18 and with them their brothers of the second degree, Zechariah,
Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah ...
/j/jehiel.htm - 16k

Eli'ab (19 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 15:18 and with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah,
Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah ...
/e/eli'ab.htm - 11k

Ma-asei'ah (23 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 15:18 and with them their brothers of the second degree, Zechariah,
Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah ...
/m/ma-asei'ah.htm - 13k

Maaseiah (25 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 15:18 and with them their brothers of the second degree, Zechariah,
Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah ...
/m/maaseiah.htm - 19k

Shemi'ramoth (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 15:18 and with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah,
Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah ...
/s/shemi'ramoth.htm - 7k

Shemiramoth (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 15:18 and with them their brothers of the second degree, Zechariah,
Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah ...
/s/shemiramoth.htm - 9k

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