patrial from an unused noun; a Meronothite, or inhabitant of some (otherwise unknown) Meronoth.; Meronothite.
Transliteration:Mêrônôthîy
Pronunciation:may-ro-no-thee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4824}}` (Mêrônôthîy) is a patrial noun, meaning it designates an individual by their place of origin. Its base definition indicates it derives from an "unused noun," implying that the place name "Meronoth" itself does not appear independently in the biblical text, or its root is not otherwise attested as a common noun. Thus, the primary and singular semantic range of `{{H4824}}` is "an inhabitant of Meronoth." The geographical location of Meronoth remains unknown to modern scholarship, making the term purely an identifier of an individual's obscure hometown or region.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Despite the obscurity of its geographical referent, `{{H4824}}` appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance serving to identify a specific individual:
1. [[1 Chronicles 27:30]]: "And over the donkeys was Jehdeiah the Meronothite." Here, Jehdeiah is listed among the officials responsible for King David's extensive royal properties. His designation as "the Meronothite" simply specifies his place of origin, providing a unique identifier within the detailed administrative roster. There is no further information provided about Jehdeiah himself or the significance of his hometown beyond this identification.
2. [[Nehemiah 3:7]]: "Next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, who belonged to the throne of the governor of the region beyond the River." In this passage, Jadon the Meronothite is noted as one of the individuals participating in the crucial work of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership. Similar to the Chronicler's account, the designation "the Meronothite" serves purely as a geographical descriptor, placing Jadon among the diverse group of people who contributed to this vital national effort. His association with "the throne of the governor" might suggest some official capacity or connection, but the "Meronothite" aspect remains solely a place of origin.
In both contexts, the term functions as a simple, unembellished identifier, underscoring the meticulous record-keeping of the biblical authors even for figures from seemingly minor or unknown locales.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a patrial noun, `{{H4824}}` belongs to a common category of Hebrew words formed by adding the nisbeh suffix "-î" (ִי) to a place name, indicating "one from" or "belonging to" that place. Examples abound throughout Scripture, such as:
* "Jebusite" (`{{H2983}}`, from Jebus)
* "Gibeonite" (`{{H1393}}`, from Gibeon)
* "Bethlehemite" (`{{H1022}}`, from Bethlehem)
* "Nazarene" (`{{G3478}}`, from Nazareth in the New Testament)
While the root "Meronoth" is an "unused noun," the *concept* of identifying individuals by their regional or tribal affiliation is fundamental to biblical genealogy and historical narrative. This practice highlights the importance of lineage and geographical identity within ancient Israelite society, even when the specific location itself remains obscure.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4824}}` is not found in the word itself, but rather in its presence within the divinely inspired text.
1. **Divine Meticulousness:** The inclusion of such specific, albeit obscure, geographical identifiers like "Meronothite" testifies to the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and detailed record-keeping. It suggests a God who is concerned with the particulars of human existence, even the origins of seemingly minor figures in His grand narrative.
2. **Inclusivity in Service:** Both Jehdeiah and Jadon, despite hailing from an unknown place, were involved in significant national endeavors—administrating royal resources and rebuilding Jerusalem's wall. This implicitly demonstrates that God's work involves individuals from diverse, and sometimes unassuming, backgrounds. It underscores the principle that one's origin, however obscure, does not preclude their participation in God's redemptive plan or their contribution to the community of faith.
3. **Historical Veracity:** The specificity of such terms, even without external corroboration of the place name, lends an air of historical authenticity to the biblical narrative, grounding its accounts in concrete, identifiable (even if now lost) realities.
### Summary
`{{H4824}}` (Mêrônôthîy) is a Hebrew patrial noun meaning "an inhabitant of Meronoth," an otherwise unknown geographical location. It appears twice in the Bible, identifying Jehdeiah, an official under King David, and Jadon, a builder during the reconstruction of Jerusalem's wall under Nehemiah. The term's primary function is a simple geographical identifier, placing these individuals within the historical fabric of ancient Israel. While lacking inherent theological weight, its presence in Scripture underscores the Bible's meticulous attention to historical detail, the divine use of individuals from diverse and sometimes obscure origins in His service, and the grounded reality of the biblical narrative.
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