the same as מַחֲלַת; sickness; Machalath, the name of an Ishmaelitess and of an Israelitess; Mahalath.
Transliteration:Machălath
Pronunciation:makh-al-ath'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4258}}` (Machălath) functions primarily as a proper noun, designating a personal name. Its etymological root is closely tied to `{{H4246}}` (machalah), meaning "sickness," "disease," or "infirmity." This connection is explicitly noted in the Strong's definition for `{{H4258}}`, stating it is "the same as מַחֲלַת; sickness." The underlying verbal root is `{{H2470}}` (chalah), which conveys the sense of being sick, weak, or ill. While the name itself is a proper noun, its semantic range points to a state of physical or perhaps even spiritual unwellness. It is distinct from `{{H4245}}` (machalath), which refers to a musical instrument or instruction, though sharing a similar phonetic structure. For `{{H4258}}`, the emphasis is firmly on the concept of "sickness."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Mahalath `{{H4258}}` appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, identifying two distinct women:
1. **Mahalath, daughter of Ishmael:** She is introduced in [[Genesis 28:9]] as one of Esau's wives. After witnessing his father Isaac's disapproval of his Canaanite wives and Jacob's obedience in seeking a wife from Laban's family, Esau "went to Ishmael and took Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, the sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife in addition to the wives he had." This marriage appears to be an attempt by Esau to gain parental favor by marrying within the extended Abrahamic lineage, albeit through Ishmael. The narrative does not elaborate on her character or the implications of her name's meaning within this context. Her inclusion primarily serves to highlight Esau's continued complex marital choices and his relationship with his parents.
2. **Mahalath, daughter of Jerimoth:** She is mentioned in [[2 Chronicles 11:18]] as one of the wives of King Rehoboam, son of Solomon. The text states, "Rehoboam took as his wife Mahalath the daughter of Jerimoth the son of David and Abihail the daughter of Eliab the son of Jesse." This Mahalath is thus a granddaughter of King David, linking her to the royal line. She is listed among Rehoboam's many wives and concubines, through whom he fathered numerous children. As with Esau's wife, the text provides no further details about her personal life or any connection between her name's meaning and her role or character. Her inclusion is part of a genealogical record detailing Rehoboam's family and the establishment of his kingdom.
In both instances, Mahalath is a proper name, and the literal meaning of "sickness" does not appear to directly inform the narrative or characterization of these women. It is possible that the name was given due to circumstances surrounding their birth (e.g., parental illness, difficult birth), or it may have been a common name whose etymological root was not consciously considered by those who used it.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is `{{H4246}}` (machalah), which directly translates to "sickness," "disease," or "illness." This noun is derived from the verbal root `{{H2470}}` (chalah), meaning "to be sick," "to be weak," "to be diseased," or "to be faint." This root is also used in the sense of "to entreat" or "to be grieved," highlighting a broader semantic field related to distress or vulnerability.
The concept of names and their meanings is a significant aspect of biblical scholarship. Hebrew names often carry prophetic, descriptive, or commemorative significance (e.g., Isaac, "he laughs"; Jacob, "supplanter"; Samuel, "heard by God"). While the meaning of "sickness" for Mahalath does not appear to have an explicit narrative function for the individuals bearing the name, it underscores the reality that names, even those seemingly negative, were part of the human experience recorded in Scripture.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the name Mahalath `{{H4258}}` is primarily indirect, residing more in the broader biblical theology of names than in a specific revelation concerning "sickness."
1. **Divine Sovereignty over All Life:** The fact that names like Mahalath, rooted in "sickness," are included in the sacred text reminds us that God's narrative encompasses all aspects of human existence, including vulnerability, weakness, and suffering. Even seemingly unfortunate names are part of the divine record of human lives.
2. **Names as Markers of Identity:** In the biblical worldview, names are more than mere labels; they often reflect identity, destiny, or circumstances. While the text does not explicitly connect the "sickness" meaning to the lives of Esau's wife or Rehoboam's wife, the name itself stands as a testament to the diverse tapestry of human experience. It could subtly hint at a family's history, a birth circumstance, or even a hope for divine healing if the child was born frail.
3. **Absence of Explicit Judgment:** The Bible records these names without casting judgment on the individuals based on the name's etymology. This demonstrates that personal worth or divine favor is not necessarily tied to the semantic meaning of one's given name.
### Summary
`{{H4258}}` (Machălath) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name for two women in the Old Testament. Its core meaning is derived from `{{H4246}}` (machalah), signifying "sickness" or "disease." The first Mahalath was a daughter of Ishmael and a wife of Esau, mentioned in [[Genesis 28:9]]. The second Mahalath was a granddaughter of King David and a wife of King Rehoboam, noted in [[2 Chronicles 11:18]]. While the name's etymology points to "sickness," the biblical narratives do not explicitly connect this meaning to the character or fate of the individuals bearing the name. Its theological significance lies in the broader biblical understanding of names as integral to identity and the comprehensive nature of the divine record, which includes all facets of human experience, even those related to vulnerability and infirmity.
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