The Hebrew name Mahălalʼêl, represented by H4111, means praise of God. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible. This name is used to identify two individuals in the scriptures: an antediluvian patriarch and a later Israelite who was an ancestor of a resident of Jerusalem.
In the biblical narrative, H4111 is used to identify two separate individuals. Primarily, it refers to an antediluvian patriarch. This Mahalaleel is the son of Cainan H7018 and the father of Jared H3382 (Genesis 5:12, 1 Chronicles 1:2). Scripture records that he lived H2421 sixty and five years H8141 and begat H3205 Jared Genesis 5:15. He then lived H2421 another eight hundred and thirty years H8141, begetting other sons H1121 and daughters H1323 Genesis 5:16. His full lifespan was eight hundred ninety and five years H8141 before he died H4191 Genesis 5:17. A second Mahalaleel is mentioned as an ancestor of Athaiah H6265, one of the children H1121 of Judah H3063 who dwelt H3427 in Jerusalem H3389 among the descendants of Perez H6557 Nehemiah 11:4.
Several related words clarify the genealogical and narrative context of Mahalaleel:
- H7018 Qêynân (fixed; Kenan, an antediluvian; Cainan, Kenan): As the father of the first Mahalaleel H4111, this name establishes the direct patriarchal succession in the Genesis account Genesis 5:12.
- H3382 Yered (a descent; Jered, the name of an antediluvian, and of an Israelite; Jared): As the son H1121 whom Mahalaleel H4111 begat H3205, his name marks the continuation of the lineage Genesis 5:15.
- H3205 yâlad (to bear young; causatively, to beget): This foundational verb establishes the entire genealogical structure of the early chapters of Genesis, defining the relationships between figures like Cainan H7018, Mahalaleel H4111, and Jared H3382.
- H6557 Perets (Perets, the name of two Israelites; Perez, Pharez): The mention of this name connects the second Mahalaleel H4111 to a significant line within the tribe of Judah H3063, establishing his heritage among those who returned to Jerusalem H3389 Nehemiah 11:4.
The name Mahalaleel carries significance primarily through its placement within key biblical genealogies.
- Antediluvian Link: The first Mahalaleel H4111 serves as a critical link in the patriarchal line recorded in Genesis, connecting Cainan H7018 to Jared H3382 (Genesis 5:12, Genesis 5:15). This demonstrates the continuity of the chosen lineage from creation.
- Pattern of Longevity: His recorded lifespan of eight hundred ninety-five years H8141 is consistent with the extraordinary ages of the patriarchs before the flood, a defining characteristic of the era described in Genesis 5 Genesis 5:17.
- Post-Exilic Heritage: The second Mahalaleel H4111 is significant for his place in the post-exilic community. His name appears in the lineage of Athaiah H6265, a descendant of Perez H6557 who dwelt H3427 in Jerusalem H3389, affirming the preservation of the tribe of Judah H3063 after the captivity Nehemiah 11:4.
In summary, Mahălalʼêl H4111, meaning praise of God, is a name that marks two distinct individuals whose significance is rooted in their genealogical placement. The first is an antediluvian patriarch, a vital link in the early history of humanity whose long life is recorded in Genesis. The second is an ancestor in the tribe of Judah, whose mention affirms the continuity of the Israelite people in Jerusalem after the exile. Through these two figures, the name Mahalaleel serves the crucial biblical function of tracing lineage and demonstrating historical continuity across vast spans of time.
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