### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Mêy Zâhâb**, represented by `{{H4314}}`, is an Edomite personal name meaning **water of gold**. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within genealogical records. Its function is to identify a specific ancestor in the Edomite royal line.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H4314}}` is used to establish the lineage of Mehetabel `{{H4105}}`, the wife of an Edomite ruler. The scriptures in both Genesis and 1 Chronicles describe her as "the daughter `{{H1323}}` of Matred `{{H4308}}`, the daughter `{{H1323}}` of Mezahab `{{H4314}}`" ([[Genesis 36:39]]; [[1 Chronicles 1:50]]). This places Mezahab as the grandparent of Mehetabel, whose husband Hadar `{{H1924}}` reigned `{{H4427}}` in Edom. The name is thus part of a formal record of royal succession.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of Mezahab is defined by the individuals in its genealogical record:
* `{{H4308}}` **Maṭrêd** (propulsive): Matred is identified as the daughter of Mezahab and the mother of Mehetabel, forming the direct link between the two [[Genesis 36:39]].
* `{{H4105}}` **Mᵉhêyṭabʼêl** (bettered of God): As the granddaughter of Mezahab, her marriage to the ruler Hadar connects Mezahab’s lineage to the Edomite throne [[1 Chronicles 1:50]].
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (a daughter): This word is the relational term used to construct the three-generation lineage of Mezahab, Matred, and Mehetabel [[Genesis 36:39]].
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign): This word establishes the royal context of the genealogy, noting that Hadar reigned after the death of his predecessor, Baalhanan `{{H1177}}` [[1 Chronicles 1:50]].
### Theological Significance
Though mentioned only in passing, the context of `{{H4314}}` connects to broader biblical themes of lineage and sovereignty.
* **Genealogical Integrity:** The specific inclusion of Mezahab, along with her daughter Matred `{{H4308}}` and granddaughter Mehetabel `{{H4105}}`, underscores the importance of recording family lines, including maternal ancestry, in the historical narratives of Scripture [[Genesis 36:39]].
* **Significance of a Name:** The name `{{H8034}}` Mezahab is part of a detailed list where names identify individuals in history. This aligns with the biblical principle that a name `{{H8034}}` carries significance, reflecting identity, character, and one's role in a larger story, ultimately pointing to the importance of being called by God's name [[2 Chronicles 7:14]].
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The account is centered on who "reigned" `{{H4427}}` in Edom. While the text chronicles the succession of human kings, the wider scriptural witness affirms that it is the LORD who truly reigns [[Psalms 99:1]] and oversees the rise and fall of all earthly rulers.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4314}}` is the proper name Mezahab, meaning "water of gold." It appears solely to identify an Edomite ancestor within a royal genealogy. While a minor detail, its inclusion highlights the biblical emphasis on precise historical records and connects to the larger theological themes of lineage, identity through names, and God’s ultimate sovereignty over the history of all nations and their rulers.
TRV