from מַיִם and זָהָב, water of gold; Me-Zahab, an Edomite; Mezahab.
Transliteration:Mêy Zâhâb
Pronunciation:may zaw-hawb'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma H4314 (מֵי זָהָב, *Mêy Zâhâb*) is a compound proper noun derived from two distinct Hebrew words: `{{H4325}}` (מַיִם, *mayim*), meaning "water," and `{{H2091}}` (זָהָב, *zahab*), meaning "gold." Thus, the literal and base definition of H4314 is "Water of Gold." As a proper personal name, its semantic range is primarily restricted to identifying the individual bearing this name. While the constituent elements carry rich symbolic value in the biblical lexicon, their combination here forms a unique identifier rather than a descriptor with broad applicability. The name itself suggests preciousness, rarity, or perhaps a connection to a source of great wealth or intrinsic value, reflecting the cultural understanding of gold as a highly esteemed commodity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name H4314 (Mezahab) appears twice in the Old Testament, exclusively within the genealogical records of Edomite kings and chieftains:
* [[Genesis 36:39]]: "And Hadar died, and Jobab reigned in his stead. The name of his city was Pau; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab." Here, Mezahab is identified as the father of Matred and the grandfather of Mehetabel, who was the wife of Hadar (also known as Hadad), the last king of Edom listed before the chiefs (alluphim) in this chapter. This places Mezahab within a significant royal lineage of Edom.
* [[1 Chronicles 1:50]]: "And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead. And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead. And when Hadad was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead. And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead. And when Husham was dead, Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead; and the name of his city was Avith. And when Hadad was dead, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead. And when Samlah was dead, Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead. And when Shaul was dead, Baalhanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead. And when Baalhanan was dead, Hadar reigned in his stead; and the name of his city was Pau; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab." This passage is a nearly verbatim repetition of the Edomite king list found in Genesis 36, confirming Mezahab's role as an ancestor within this prominent Edomite line. The context in both instances is purely genealogical, serving to document the succession of Edomite rulers and their family connections. The inclusion of such detail underscores the biblical narrative's meticulous attention to historical and familial records, even for nations outside the covenant line of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The individual components of H4314 connect to broader biblical themes:
* `{{H4325}}` (מַיִם, *mayim*, "water"): Water is a fundamental element throughout Scripture, symbolizing life, sustenance, purification, judgment, and divine provision. From the waters of creation [[Genesis 1:2]] to the living waters flowing from the temple [[Ezekiel 47:1-12]] and the throne of God [[Revelation 22:1]], its significance is profound.
* `{{H2091}}` (זָהָב, *zahab*, "gold"): Gold represents purity, preciousness, wealth, and divine glory. It was used extensively in the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple, symbolizing the sacredness and splendor of God's presence [[Exodus 25:11]], and is often associated with kingship and divine majesty. However, it also features prominently in narratives of idolatry, such as the golden calf [[Exodus 32:4]].
The combination "Water of Gold" is unusual and evocative. It could metaphorically suggest a source of immense value, a precious flow, or perhaps even a reference to a specific geographical feature known for its wealth (e.g., a river where gold was found). Given its context as an Edomite name, it might also reflect the prosperity or perceived worth of the lineage it represents. Other Edomite names in these genealogies also reflect characteristics or aspirations, though none quite as overtly suggestive of material wealth as Mezahab.
### Theological Significance
As a proper name in a non-Israelite genealogy, H4314 (Mezahab) does not carry direct theological doctrine. However, its inclusion within the biblical narrative offers several subtle insights:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Nations:** The meticulous recording of Edomite kings, including their lineages, demonstrates God's comprehensive oversight of all nations, not just Israel. It underscores that even the histories of peoples outside the direct covenant line are part of God's grand historical tapestry.
2. **Historical Veracity:** The detailed genealogies, including seemingly minor figures like Mezahab, attest to the biblical text's commitment to historical accuracy and its function as a reliable historical record.
3. **Cultural Reflection:** The name "Water of Gold" likely reflects the values and aspirations of the Edomite culture, where wealth and preciousness were highly esteemed. It provides a glimpse into the naming conventions and societal priorities of the time. While not directly theological, it enriches our understanding of the broader ancient Near Eastern context in which the biblical narrative unfolds.
4. **Fulfillment of Prophecy (Indirect):** The existence of the Edomite kingdom and its lineage, even as recorded in these early chapters, sets the stage for future interactions and prophecies concerning Edom, highlighting the unfolding of God's plan through various peoples.
### Summary
H4314 (מֵי זָהָב, *Mêy Zâhâb*), literally meaning "Water of Gold," is a proper personal name found exclusively in the genealogical records of the Edomite kings in [[Genesis 36:39]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:50]]. It identifies the father of Matred and grandfather of Mehetabel, the wife of the last Edomite king listed before the chiefs. While its literal meaning evokes images of preciousness and wealth, its primary function in the biblical text is to serve as a specific identifier within a historical lineage. The inclusion of this name, along with detailed Edomite genealogies, subtly underscores the Bible's historical meticulousness and God's overarching sovereignty over all nations, providing a glimpse into the cultural values of the ancient Near East.
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