The Hebrew word Mânachath, represented by H4506, primarily denotes rest, but is used in the Bible exclusively as a proper name. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses. In scripture, it functions as both the name of an Edomite individual and a geographic location, highlighting its role in biblical genealogies and historical records of settlement.
In its biblical occurrences, H4506 is first documented within a genealogical list. In the Edomite lineage, Manahath is named as one of the sons of Shobal Genesis 36:23. This record is repeated almost identically in 1 Chronicles, where Alian and Shephi are alternate transliterations for Alvan and Shepho, but Manahath remains unchanged as a son of Shobal 1 Chronicles 1:40. The third instance identifies Manahath as a place to which the sons of Ehud, who were the heads of the fathers of Geba, were removed 1 Chronicles 8:6.
Several related words provide context for the use of H4506:
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is fundamental to the genealogical contexts of H4506, establishing the direct lineage. In two accounts, Manahath is listed among the sons of Shobal (Genesis 36:23, 1 Chronicles 1:40).
- H7732 Shôwbâl (overflowing): This is the name of the father of the individual Manahath. The connection is explicit, as the texts state, "The sons of Shobal; Alian, and Manahath" 1 Chronicles 1:40.
- H1540 gâlâh (to denude... to exile): This verb describes the action taken against the inhabitants of Geba, who were moved to the location of Manahath. The verse specifies that "they removed them to Manahath" 1 Chronicles 8:6.
- H3427 yâshab (to sit down... to dwell): This word is used to describe the people connected to Manahath as a place, noting that they were "the inhabitants of Geba" before being removed 1 Chronicles 8:6.
The significance of H4506 is observed through its specific roles in the biblical narrative.
- Edomite Lineage: The name Manahath is preserved as part of the lineage of the Edomites through Shobal, the son of Seir the Horite Genesis 36:23. This underscores the scriptural importance of documenting the family lines of nations neighboring Israel.
- A Place of Removal: As a location, Manahath serves as the destination for a displaced population from Geba 1 Chronicles 8:6. This event marks a significant geographic and social shift for that particular family group.
- Genealogical Marker: The consistent inclusion of Manahath in parallel genealogies (Genesis 36:23 and 1 Chronicles 1:40) demonstrates its function as a stable marker for tracking ancestry and tribal relationships in the Old Testament.
In summary, H4506 is a term used exclusively as a proper noun in the biblical text. While its root definition is "rest," it functions to identify a specific person within the Edomite family tree and a geographical place of resettlement. Its few appearances are significant for their role in preserving the detailed genealogical and historical records that form a crucial part of the Old Testament narrative.
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