### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Mᵉrâyôwth**, represented by `{{H4812}}`, is defined as **rebellious** and is the name of two Israelites. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. The name functions exclusively within genealogical lists to establish ancestry, particularly within the priestly lines of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4812}}` is used consistently to mark a specific point in a lineage. The name appears in priestly genealogies that trace the heritage of important figures. For example, the lineage of Zerahiah leads to **Meraioth**, who in turn **begat** Amariah [[1 Chronicles 6:6-7]]. This establishes a clear father-son relationship. The name is also found in the ancestry of rulers of the **house of God** ([[1 Chronicles 9:11]], [[Nehemiah 11:11]]) and in the lineage of Ezra [[Ezra 7:3]]. In another context, **Meraioth** is listed as the head of a priestly family whose descendant during the time of Nehemiah was Helkai [[Nehemiah 12:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the role of **Meraioth** within these genealogies:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word is fundamental to the genealogies where **Meraioth** appears, defining the successive generations. It is used repeatedly to construct the lineage, as seen in the phrasing "the **son** of Amariah, the **son** of Azariah, the **son** of **Meraioth**" [[Ezra 7:3]].
* `{{H3205}}` **yâlad** (begat): This verb provides the active link in the ancestral chain, meaning "to show lineage." It is used to explicitly state that Uzzi **begat** Zerahiah, and Zerahiah **begat** **Meraioth** [[1 Chronicles 6:6]].
* `{{H285}}` **ʼĂchîyṭûwb** (Ahitub): This name, meaning "brother of goodness," appears in the priestly line connected to **Meraioth**. In one genealogy, **Meraioth** is listed as the **son** of **Ahitub** [[1 Chronicles 9:11]], while in another, he is the grandfather of a different **Ahitub** [[1 Chronicles 6:7]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H4812}}` is rooted in its genealogical function.
* **Priestly Continuity:** The name **Meraioth** is a key link in the chain of the priesthood. Its inclusion in lists in 1 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah serves to validate the priestly heritage of subsequent generations ([[Ezra 7:3]], [[1 Chronicles 9:11]]).
* **Ancestry of Leadership:** **Meraioth** is recorded as an ancestor of those who became the **ruler** `{{H5057}}` of the **house** `{{H1004}}` of **God** `{{H430}}`, connecting the name to the official leadership structure of worship in Israel [[Nehemiah 11:11]].
* **Name and Context:** Despite its definition as "rebellious," the name **Meraioth** is consistently found within the revered context of the priestly line, which was tasked with upholding the covenant and laws of God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4812}}` **Mᵉrâyôwth** is a proper name whose importance comes from its role in biblical genealogies. It functions as a vital marker in the priestly lineage, establishing the ancestry of key religious leaders, including Ezra and rulers of the temple. While its literal meaning is "rebellious," its usage in scripture exclusively points to the preservation of heritage and the continuity of the priesthood, underscoring the value placed on established lineage within the community of Israel.
TRV