Unni עֻנִּי

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Levite musician during David's reign

Who is Unni in the Bible?

Unni was a Levite musician who served during King David's reign in ancient Israel. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 15:18 and 15:20 as one of the skilled harpists appointed to play during the solemn procession when the ark of the covenant was brought to Jerusalem. Unni was part of the second group of musicians led by Zechariah, who performed with lyres according to alamoth, a musical designation possibly referring to a high pitch. His inclusion among the select musicians chosen for this sacred task underscores the central role of worship and music in Israel's religious life and the careful organization of liturgical practices under David's leadership.

Biography

Unni is mentioned in 1Ch.15.18, 20 as one of the Levite musicians during the reign of King David. He was appointed, along with other skilled musicians, to play the harp during the procession when the ark of the covenant was brought to Jerusalem. Unni was part of the second group of musicians, led by Zechariah, who accompanied the ark with lyres according to alamoth, which may refer to a high pitch or a specific musical term. The inclusion of Unni in this list highlights the importance of music and worship in the transportation of the ark and the establishment of proper worship practices in Jerusalem.

In Scripture

1 biblical book
1 Chronicles 2 verses
  • 1 Chronicles 15:18

    "and with them their brothers next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers Obed-edom and Jeiel."

  • 1 Chronicles 15:20

    "Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to Alamoth."

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script
Named Hebrew עֻנִּי
Encyclopedia Article

Unni

ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)

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

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 1Ch 15:18, whence the King James V