### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Mᵉkônâh**, represented by `{{H4368}}`, is the name of **a place in Palestine**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, indicating its specific use as a geographical location in the biblical record. Its meaning is tied directly to its identity as a town.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H4368}}` is in a geographical list detailing the resettlement of Judah after the exile. It is cited as one of the towns where people lived, mentioned alongside Ziklag: "And at Ziklag, and at **Mekonah**, and in the villages thereof" [[Nehemiah 11:28]]. This context positions **Mekonah** as a specific settlement inhabited during the post-exilic period.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of its single appearance:
* `{{H6860}}` **Tsiqlag** (Ziklag): Defined as **Tsiklag or Tsikelag, a place in Palestine**. It is mentioned directly alongside Mekonah [[Nehemiah 11:28]]. Ziklag was a significant town in the history of Judah, known as a place David inhabited [[1 Samuel 27:6]] and that was later burned by invaders [[1 Samuel 30:1]].
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (villages): This word means **daughter**, but is used figuratively to refer to a **town** or **village**. In its context with Mekonah, it refers to the surrounding settlements ("in the villages thereof"). This demonstrates the word's wider application, which can also refer to a people, as in "daughter of Zion" [[Zechariah 9:9]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H4368}}` is primarily historical and geographical, rather than theological.
* **A Place of Resettlement:** The inclusion of `{{H4368}}` in the list in Nehemiah 11 signifies its role as a location for the returning exiles. It represents the re-establishment of community and the repopulation of the land of Judah.
* **Geographical Marker:** **Mekonah** serves as a specific geographical point, grounded in a historical record of towns. Its mention alongside the well-known city of Ziklag `{{H6860}}` helps to situate it within the territory of Judah.
* **Community Structure:** The phrase "and in the villages thereof" [[Nehemiah 11:28]] suggests that **Mekonah** was likely a central town with smaller, dependent settlements, illustrating the structure of community life during that period.
### Summary
In summary, **Mᵉkônâh** `{{H4368}}` is a specific place name appearing once in scripture. Its significance is not derived from major events, but from its inclusion in the list of towns resettled by the people of Judah [[Nehemiah 11:28]]. Mentioned with Ziklag and its dependent "villages," it represents the rebuilding of the nation on a local, community level, marking it as a tangible location in the historical geography of Israel.
TRV