### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Mᵉhêyṭabʼêl**, represented by `{{H4105}}`, is a proper name meaning **bettered of God**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, where it is used as the name of an Edomitish woman (**Mehetabel**) and a man (**Mehetabeel**).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4105}}` is used to identify two separate individuals in different historical contexts. In both Genesis and 1 Chronicles, **Mehetabel** is named as the wife of Hadar (or Hadad), an Edomite king who **reigned** `{{H4427}}` after the death of Baalhanan ([[Genesis 36:39]], [[1 Chronicles 1:50]]). Her lineage is specified as the daughter of Matred and granddaughter of Mezahab. The name also appears as **Mehetabeel**, identifying a man who was the grandfather of Shemaiah. Nehemiah consulted with Shemaiah during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls [[Nehemiah 6:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the individuals named **Mehetabel** or **Mehetabeel**:
* `{{H1177}}` **Baʻal Chânân** (possessor of grace): The name of the Edomite king, **Baal-hanan**, whose death is recorded just before Mehetabel's husband began to reign ([[Genesis 36:38]], [[1 Chronicles 1:49]]).
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign): This primitive root is used to describe the royal authority of Mehetabel's husband, who **reigned** in Edom [[Genesis 36:39]].
* `{{H4314}}` **Mêy Zâhâb** (water of gold): The name of an Edomite, **Mezahab**, who is identified as Mehetabel's grandfather, establishing her lineage ([[Genesis 36:39]], [[1 Chronicles 1:50]]).
* `{{H8034}}` **shêm** (an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality): This word for **name** is used to introduce Mehetabel in the royal genealogy and to identify Mehetabeel as an ancestor ([[Genesis 36:39]], [[Nehemiah 6:10]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4105}}` is primarily derived from its definition and the contexts in which it appears:
* **A Name Declaring Divine Action:** The meaning of **Mᵉhêyṭabʼêl**, "**bettered of God**," serves as a personal declaration of divine favor or improvement, illustrating how a **name** `{{H8034}}` can be a memorial.
* **Inclusion in Sacred Genealogy:** The inclusion of Mehetabel in the royal lineage of Edom [[Genesis 36:39]] and Mehetabeel in the ancestry of a key figure in Nehemiah's time [[Nehemiah 6:10]] demonstrates the value placed on individual identities within the broader scriptural record.
* **Context of Authority:** The name is associated with people of influence. Mehetabel was the wife of a king who would **reign** `{{H4427}}` over a nation [[1 Chronicles 1:50]], while Mehetabeel was the ancestor of a man whom Nehemiah sought for counsel [[Nehemiah 6:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4105}}` is a proper name, **Mᵉhêyṭabʼêl**, used for both a man and a woman in the Old Testament. While appearing only three times, its meaning, "**bettered of God**," gives it a distinct significance. The name is found within the royal Edomite genealogy as **Mehetabel** [[Genesis 36:39]] and in the ancestry of an associate of Nehemiah as **Mehetabeel** [[Nehemiah 6:10]]. Its presence underscores the biblical practice of using names to convey a relationship with God and highlights the detailed recording of individuals within the historical narrative of scripture.
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