from יָטַב (augmented) and אֵל; bettered of God; Mehetabel, the name of an Edomitish man and woman; Mehetabeel, Mehetabel.
Transliteration:Mᵉhêyṭabʼêl
Pronunciation:meh-hay-tab-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun Mᵉhêyṭabʼêl (`{{H4105}}`) is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine element. Its etymology derives from two primary components: the verb root יָטַב (yatab, `{{H3190}}`), meaning "to be good," "to do well," or "to be pleasing," and the divine name אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`), a generic term for God. The prefix "Me-" suggests a causative or passive form, implying an action done *by* or *to* the subject. Therefore, the name Mᵉhêyṭabʼêl conveys the meaning "God makes good," "God does good," or "God causes to be good/better." The provided base definition, "bettered of God," captures this sense of divine beneficence and improvement. It signifies a state of being made good, or having good done to one, by God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Mᵉhêyṭabʼêl (`{{H4105}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible in two distinct contexts, referring to both a woman and a man.
1. **An Edomite Queen:** The name first appears in the genealogies of Edom, identifying the wife of Hadar (or Hadad), one of the kings of Edom: "And Hadar died. And the name of his wife was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab." [[Genesis 36:39]]. This same individual is mentioned again in the parallel genealogy: "And when Hadad was dead, Mehetabel the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab, was the wife of Hadad." [[1 Chronicles 1:50]]. Her presence in the royal lineage of Edom, a people descended from Esau, is notable. The use of a theophoric name incorporating אֵל (El) within an Edomite context suggests a recognition of a supreme deity, though not necessarily Yahweh specifically, as the source of blessing or "goodness." It highlights a common ancient Near Eastern practice of embedding divine names within personal names to express piety, hope, or a declaration of divine favor upon the individual or their family.
2. **An Ancestor of Shemaiah:** The name also appears in the post-exilic period, identifying the father of Delaiah and grandfather of Shemaiah, a prophet or priest who attempts to intimidate Nehemiah: "Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee." [[Nehemiah 6:10]]. In this Israelite context, the name Mᵉhêyṭabʼêl would undoubtedly refer to Yahweh as the אֵל (El) who "makes good." The irony here is subtle: a name affirming God's goodness is borne by the ancestor of a figure who gives Nehemiah counsel that appears to be driven by fear or even treachery, rather than divine wisdom. This instance underscores that while a name might carry a profound theological meaning, the character of the individual bearing or descended from such a name does not always perfectly embody its ideal.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connections for Mᵉhêyṭabʼêl (`{{H4105}}`) are its constituent elements:
* יָטַב (yatab, `{{H3190}}`): This verb is foundational to the name's meaning. It appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible and encompasses a wide range of meanings related to goodness, well-being, benefit, and doing what is right or pleasing. Examples include "it was good" [[Genesis 1:31]], "do good" [[Psalm 37:3]], or "it seemed good" [[Deuteronomy 6:18]].
* אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`): This is the generic Semitic term for God, often used to refer to the one true God of Israel, Yahweh, especially in theophoric names. Its usage in names like Israel ("he strives with God"), Gabriel ("God is my strength"), Michael ("who is like God"), and Daniel ("God is my judge") is widespread.
The concept embedded in Mᵉhêyṭabʼêl is closely related to divine providence, divine blessing, and the active role of God in human flourishing. It touches upon the broader biblical theme of God's character as inherently good and His desire to bestow goodness upon His creation and His people.
### Theological Significance
The name Mᵉhêyṭabʼêl (`{{H4105}}`) serves as a theological statement, articulating a fundamental truth about the nature of God. It declares that God is the ultimate source of all goodness, improvement, and well-being. Any "betterment" experienced by an individual or a community ultimately originates from divine action and favor.
In the Edomite context, the name suggests a universal recognition, even outside of covenant Israel, that a divine power is responsible for bestowing good. This aligns with the concept of general revelation, where God's attributes are discernible through creation and human experience, leading to an acknowledgment of a higher power's beneficence.
In the Israelite context, particularly with the ancestor of Shemaiah, the name reinforces the covenantal understanding of Yahweh as the God who actively works for the good of His people. Despite the potentially dubious character of Shemaiah, the name Mᵉhêyṭabʼêl stands as a testament to the enduring hope and belief in God's capacity to "make good" out of any situation. It points to a theology of divine sovereignty and benevolence, where God's goodness is not contingent on human perfection but is an intrinsic aspect of His being and His dealings with humanity. The name functions as a constant reminder that true betterment, whether spiritual, physical, or circumstantial, is a gift from the Almighty.
### Summary
Mᵉhêyṭabʼêl (`{{H4105}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "God makes good" or "bettered of God," formed from the verb יָטַב (to be good) and the divine name אֵל (God). It appears in the biblical record referring to both an Edomite queen in the royal lineage of Esau's descendants ([[Genesis 36:39]], [[1 Chronicles 1:50]]) and an Israelite man, the ancestor of Shemaiah in the time of Nehemiah ([[Nehemiah 6:10]]). In both contexts, the name functions as a theological affirmation, declaring God as the ultimate source of goodness, well-being, and improvement. It underscores the biblical truth of divine beneficence and providence, highlighting God's active role in bestowing good upon individuals and nations, whether within or outside the specific covenant community. The name is a profound testament to the inherent goodness of God and humanity's reliance upon His beneficent hand.
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