### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Mᵉkêrâthîy**, represented by `{{H4382}}`, is a patrial term for a **Mecherathite**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The word signifies an inhabitant of a place named Mekerah; this patrial is derived from an unused name for a location in Palestine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H4382}}` is in a list of names found in [[1 Chronicles 11:36]]. The term is used to provide a specific identity for a man named Hepher. In the text, he is called "Hepher the **Mecherathite**," distinguishing him from other individuals in this historical record.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear alongside `{{H4382}}` in its only context, helping to clarify its function:
* `{{H2660}}` **Chêpher**: This is the proper name of the individual identified by the term **Mecherathite**. Hepher is also the name of a place in Palestine and other Israelites [[1 Chronicles 11:36]].
* `{{H281}}` **ʼĂchîyâh**: The name of another person listed in the same verse, identified as "Ahijah" [[1 Chronicles 11:36]].
* `{{H6397}}` **Pᵉlôwnîy**: A term that functions just like Mecherathite, this patrial identifies Ahijah as a **Pelonite**, or an inhabitant of an unknown place called Palon [[1 Chronicles 11:36]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H4382}}` is not theological but rather scribal and historical, highlighting the precision of the text.
* **Specific Identification:** The primary function of the word is to provide a unique identifier for Hepher. By linking him to the land of Mekerah, it distinguishes him with geographic specificity.
* **Illustrative of Patrial Use:** It serves as a clear example of a patrial, a common biblical method of identifying a person by their city or region of origin. This is reinforced by the use of "the Pelonite" `{{H6397}}` in the same verse.
* **Preservation of Detail:** The inclusion of such a rare term demonstrates the meticulous nature of the biblical record, preserving names and origins that would otherwise be lost to history.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4382}}` is a highly specific term whose importance lies in its function as a unique identifier. As the patrial **Mᵉkêrâthîy**, it provides the geographic origin for Hepher in the list recorded in [[1 Chronicles 11:36]]. Its singular use alongside other names and patrials underscores the detailed and precise nature of biblical genealogical records.
TRV