### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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.
TRV