the same as מְחִיר; price; Mechir, an Israelite; Mehir.
Transliteration:Mᵉchîyr
Pronunciation:mekh-eer'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4243}}` (מְחִיר, Mᵉchîyr) is primarily identified as a proper noun, designating an individual within the biblical genealogies. Its definition, as provided, explicitly includes "Mechir, an Israelite; Mehir." Crucially, the definition also states "the same as מְחִיר; price," indicating a direct semantic link or derivation from the root meaning "price" or "value," which is typically associated with the closely related word `{{H4242}}`. Thus, while `{{H4243}}` functions as a personal name, it carries an inherent etymological connection to the concept of cost, worth, or recompense. This dual aspect suggests that the name Mehir might have originally signified a person of "value" or one who was "purchased" or "redeemed" in some sense, reflecting a common practice in ancient Hebrew naming conventions where names often conveyed meaning or hope.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun `{{H4243}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah.
* **[[1 Chronicles 4:11]]**: "And Chelub the brother of Shuah begat Mehir, who was the father of Eshton."
In this context, Mehir is presented as a son of Chelub and the father of Eshton, establishing a specific lineage within the extensive genealogies of 1 Chronicles. These genealogies serve to trace the lineage of the tribes, particularly Judah, through whom the Davidic line and ultimately the Messiah would come. The inclusion of Mehir in this record signifies his historical existence and his place within the divinely preserved family trees of Israel. While the text offers no further narrative details about Mehir's life or deeds, his presence underscores the meticulous nature of biblical record-keeping and the importance of lineage in ancient Israelite society and divine covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to `{{H4243}}` is `{{H4242}}` (מְחִיר, Mᵉchîyr), which consistently means "price," "hire," or "reward" in various biblical contexts (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 23:18]], [[Job 6:22]], [[Proverbs 17:16]]). The explicit inclusion of "price" in the definition of `{{H4243}}` strongly links the proper name to this core semantic field.
Concepts related to `{{H4243}}` therefore extend beyond mere genealogy to include:
* **Value/Worth:** The underlying meaning of "price" suggests inherent value or worth, whether of an object, a service, or by extension, a person.
* **Redemption/Purchase:** The concept of "price" is foundational to redemption, where a cost is paid to secure freedom or ownership. While not directly applied to Mehir in the text, the etymological root evokes this idea.
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** As a name in a genealogical list, `{{H4243}}` is intrinsically tied to the concepts of family, heritage, and the transmission of identity through generations within the covenant community.
* **Divine Record-Keeping:** The inclusion of such detailed lineages in Scripture demonstrates God's meticulous attention to the history of His people and His sovereign plan unfolding through specific individuals and families.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4243}}`, Mehir, is primarily derived from its singular appearance within the inspired genealogies and its etymological connection to "price."
Firstly, Mehir's inclusion in the lineage of Judah, albeit brief, highlights the divine preservation of Israel's tribal records. These genealogies are not mere lists but are foundational to understanding God's covenant faithfulness, His selection of a people, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through specific families, culminating in the Messiah. Every name, no matter how obscure, testifies to God's meticulous oversight of history and His people. The very act of being named and recorded in God's Word confers a unique dignity and significance.
Secondly, considering the root meaning of "price" (as explicitly stated in the definition for `{{H4243}}`), we can draw broader theological implications. While Mehir himself is not depicted as paying or receiving a price, his name implicitly connects to the profound biblical theme of value and cost. This theme is central to understanding sin (the high "price" of disobedience), atonement (the "price" paid for sin), and redemption (the "price" by which humanity is bought back from bondage). The ultimate "price" was paid by Christ on the cross, demonstrating the infinite value God places on humanity and the immense cost of salvation ([[1 Corinthians 6:20]], [[1 Peter 1:18-19]]). In this sense, the name Mehir, even as a proper noun, serves as a subtle linguistic echo of profound theological truths concerning divine valuation and the economy of grace.
### Summary
`{{H4243}}` (מְחִיר, Mᵉchîyr) serves as a proper name, Mehir, appearing once in [[1 Chronicles 4:11]] as an individual within the genealogy of Judah. While primarily identifying a person, its definition explicitly links it to the meaning of "price," deriving from `{{H4242}}`. This connection suggests that the name itself may have conveyed a sense of "value" or "worth." The theological significance of Mehir lies not in any specific action attributed to him, but in his inclusion within the divinely preserved genealogies, underscoring God's meticulous oversight of His people's history and the importance of lineage in His redemptive plan. Furthermore, the name's etymological root subtly points to the broader biblical themes of divine valuation, the cost of sin, and the ultimate price of redemption paid by God for His people.
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