### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4778}}` (Mered) is primarily a proper noun, designating a male Israelite. Its etymological root is derived from the more common Hebrew noun `{{H4775}}` (mered), which signifies "rebellion," "revolt," or "disobedience." While the name itself carries the semantic weight of insurrection, its application to an individual does not inherently imply personal rebellion on the part of the bearer. Instead, proper names in the ancient Near East often reflected circumstances of birth, familial hopes, or even a prophetic declaration, rather than a direct character assessment. Thus, Mered, as a name, points to the concept of rebellion, but its meaning in the context of an individual's identity is more nuanced, requiring contextual analysis.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The personal name Mered (`{{H4778}}`) appears exclusively within the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah in the book of Chronicles. Specifically, Mered is mentioned twice in [[1 Chronicles 4:17-18]]:
* [[1 Chronicles 4:17]]: "And the sons of Ezra: Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon; and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa."
* [[1 Chronicles 4:18]]: "And his wife Jehudijah bare Jered the father of Gedor, and Heber the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. And these are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered took."
From these verses, we learn that Mered was a son of Ezra (not the scribe Ezra, but another individual in the lineage of Judah) and a descendant of Caleb. The passage notably records his two wives: Jehudijah (also called Hodiah in some traditions, possibly a variant spelling or another name for the same person) and Bithiah, "the daughter of Pharaoh." This latter marriage is particularly striking, as it describes a union between an Israelite of Judah's prominent lineage and the daughter of the very monarch who enslaved Israel. This union would have been highly unusual and carries significant historical and theological implications, possibly indicating a unique alliance, a conversion of Bithiah to the God of Israel, or a reflection of the complex geopolitical landscape of the era. The chronicler's inclusion of this detail suggests its importance, though the precise reason remains a subject of scholarly discussion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the common noun `{{H4775}}` (mered), from which the personal name Mered is derived. This noun consistently denotes "rebellion" or "revolt" against authority, whether human or divine. Other related terms from the same root (מרד - maradh) include:
* `{{H4776}}` (mardut): "rebellion" or "rebellious," often used to describe a state of defiance.
* `{{H4777}}` (mered): Also meaning "rebellion," sometimes used in a more abstract sense or as part of a place name.
Conceptually, Mered stands in stark contrast to obedience, loyalty, and covenant faithfulness. It evokes themes of human sinfulness, defiance against God's will, and the historical pattern of Israel's straying from the covenant. However, the use of "Mered" as a personal name within a genealogy of God's chosen people introduces a fascinating paradox, linking the abstract concept of rebellion directly to a member of the covenant community.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Mered (`{{H4778}}`) is multi-layered, primarily stemming from the meaning of his name ("Rebellion") and his unique marital union.
1. **The Paradox of the Name:** That an Israelite, a member of God's covenant people, should bear a name meaning "Rebellion" is profoundly ironic. It could serve as a subtle, yet potent, reminder of the inherent human propensity towards sin and rebellion against God, even within the chosen lineage. It might also reflect the chronicler's keen awareness of Israel's own historical trajectory, marked by repeated acts of disobedience against Yahweh.
2. **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Contexts:** Despite the challenging connotation of his name, Mered is listed within the faithful lineage of Judah, a line that ultimately leads to King David and, messianically, to Jesus Christ. This underscores God's ability to work through and bless individuals regardless of their names' etymological meanings or the complex circumstances of their lives (such as the marriage to Pharaoh's daughter). God's redemptive plan is not thwarted by human sin or challenging origins.
3. **The Marriage to Bithiah:** Mered's marriage to Bithiah, Pharaoh's daughter, is highly significant. While intermarriage with foreign nations was generally discouraged in Israel for fear of idolatry, this specific union with a daughter of Egypt's oppressive ruler is particularly striking. Some rabbinic traditions identify Bithiah with the Pharaoh's daughter who rescued Moses, suggesting a righteous convert. If true, this would transform the name "Rebellion" (Mered) into a context of divine grace and redemption, where even a symbol of worldly power and rebellion against God (Pharaoh's house) yields a convert who joins the covenant people. This narrative, if accepted, highlights God's power to draw individuals from all nations into His fold, overcoming historical animosities and even the symbolic weight of names.
### Summary
`{{H4778}}` (Mered) is a proper Hebrew name meaning "Rebellion," found exclusively in the genealogies of [[1 Chronicles 4:17-18]]. As a descendant of Judah and Caleb, Mered is notably recorded as having married Bithiah, the daughter of Pharaoh. The name itself presents a theological paradox, as a member of God's covenant people bears a name signifying disobedience. This may subtly reflect the pervasive nature of human sin and Israel's historical rebellion against God. However, Mered's inclusion in the sacred lineage, coupled with the intriguing detail of his marriage to an Egyptian princess (potentially a convert), underscores the profound sovereignty of God. It illustrates His ability to work within and through complex human circumstances, even those bearing challenging names or originating from unexpected alliances, ultimately weaving them into His overarching redemptive plan. The life of Mered, though briefly mentioned, thus serves as a quiet testament to divine grace operating amidst the realities of human nature and history.
TRV