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H1143 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בֵּנַיִם
Benayim
Noun, masculine dual
space between, interval

Definition

Benayim means the space between two things — an interval or middle ground. It is a dual form related to bayin or ben ("between"). In military contexts, it refers to the no-man's-land between two opposing armies where champions would meet for single combat.

Usage & Theological Significance

The word appears in one of the most dramatic scenes in all of Scripture: Goliath stepping into the benayim — the space between the Israelite and Philistine battle lines — to issue his challenge (1 Samuel 17). The "man of the between" (ish ha-benayim) was the champion who fought in the gap. David's willingness to enter that space, armed only with a sling and the name of the LORD, prefigures Christ who entered the ultimate space between God and humanity to fight on our behalf.

Key Bible Verses

1 Samuel 17:4 And a champion [man of the space between, ish ha-benayim] went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath of Gath.
1 Samuel 17:23 As he talked with them, behold, the champion [man of the space between, ish ha-benayim], Goliath the Philistine of Gath, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines.

Related Words

External Resources

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