### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Machălath**, represented by `{{H4258}}`, is a proper name meaning **sickness**. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The name is used to identify two different women: an Ishmaelitess and an Israelitess, both named **Mahalath**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4258}}` marks women involved in significant marriages. The first Mahalath is identified as the **daughter** of Ishmael, Abraham's **son**, and the **sister** of Nebajoth. She was **taken** by Esau to be his **wife** [[Genesis 28:9]]. The second Mahalath is the **daughter** of Jerimoth, the **son** of David. She was **taken** by King Rehoboam to be his **wife** [[2 Chronicles 11:18]]. In both instances, the name is tied to a woman whose marriage connects prominent patriarchal families.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define Mahalath's identity and role within the narrative:
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (daughter): This word establishes her lineage. Both women are introduced primarily by their paternal connection, as "the **daughter** of Ishmael" [[Genesis 28:9]] and "the **daughter** of Jerimoth" [[2 Chronicles 11:18]].
* `{{H3947}}` **lâqach** (to take): This verb describes the act of marriage in both accounts. Esau **took** Mahalath [[Genesis 28:9]] and Rehoboam **took** Mahalath [[2 Chronicles 11:18]], signifying their incorporation into a new family line.
* `{{H802}}` **'ishshâh** (wife): This defines her ultimate role in both stories. Both women are taken "to be his **wife**" [[Genesis 28:9]] or "to **wife**" [[2 Chronicles 11:18]], cementing a familial alliance.
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This term is crucial for establishing the patriarchal context of her family. Her identity is linked to her father, who is himself identified as the **son** of a major biblical figure like Abraham [[Genesis 28:9]] or David [[2 Chronicles 11:18]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H4258}}` is tied to the establishment of lineage and alliances.
* **Genealogical Connections:** The name Mahalath marks points of union between important families. Esau's marriage to the **daughter** of Ishmael connects the two sons of Abraham [[Genesis 28:9]], while Rehoboam's marriage to a descendant of David reinforces the royal bloodline [[2 Chronicles 11:18]].
* **Identity Through Relationships:** Mahalath is not described through her own actions but through her relationships with men. She is defined as a **daughter**, **sister**, and **wife**, illustrating how a woman's identity was framed within the patriarchal structure of the time.
* **Marriage and Lineage:** The use of **lâqach** `{{H3947}}`, "to take," in both verses underscores marriage as a mechanism for building alliances and ensuring the continuation of a family name.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4258}}` is not a theological term but a personal name whose importance comes from its narrative context. The two women named **Mahalath** serve as key figures in biblical genealogies, linking powerful families through marriage. Her story, told in just two verses, highlights how an individual's identity in the Old Testament is often constructed through their place within the wider kinship network of fathers, brothers, and husbands.
TRV