from שָׁלַם; reconciliation; Meshillemith, an Israelite; Meshillemith. Compare מְשִׁלֵּמוֹת.
Transliteration:Mᵉshillêmîyth
Pronunciation:mesh-il-lay-meeth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word Mᵉshillêmîyth (`{{H4921}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its meaning is directly derived from the root שָׁלַם (shalem, `{{H7999}}`), a verb rich in semantic breadth. The root שָׁלַם fundamentally conveys the idea of completeness, soundness, wholeness, and peace. From this root, Mᵉshillêmîyth takes on the meaning of "reconciliation" or "recompense." As a personal name, it likely signifies a characteristic or a hope associated with the individual or their lineage, perhaps "one who brings reconciliation," "one who is complete," or "one who has been repaid/restored." The feminine suffix "-ith" is present, but the biblical context clarifies its application to a male individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Mᵉshillêmîyth (`{{H4921}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 9:12]]: "And Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasai the son of Adaiah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah, and **Meshillemith** the son of Immer, and Zadok the son of Meraioth, and Shallum the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God."
In this sole occurrence, Mᵉshillêmîyth is identified as "Meshillemith the son of Immer," listed among the priests residing in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The context is purely genealogical, part of an enumeration of those who returned and settled in the holy city. While the text does not elaborate on the individual's character or actions, the placement within a priestly lineage is significant. The name's meaning, "reconciliation" or "recompense," would subtly resonate with the priestly function of mediating between God and humanity, a role inherently linked to restoration and making things whole. This name is closely related to מְשִׁלֵּמוֹת (Meshillemoth, `{{H4922}}`), which also means "recompenses" and appears in similar genealogical contexts ([[2 Chronicles 28:12]], [[Nehemiah 11:13]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary and most significant related word to Mᵉshillêmîyth (`{{H4921}}`) is its root, שָׁלַם (shalem, `{{H7999}}`). This root is foundational to many key biblical concepts:
* שָׁלָם (shalem, `{{H7999}}`): To be complete, sound, at peace, reconciled; to make whole, to repay, to finish.
* שָׁלוֹם (shalom, `{{H7965}}`): The most common derivative, meaning "peace," but encompassing far more than mere absence of conflict. It denotes wholeness, well-being, prosperity, health, security, and completeness, often in the context of a right relationship with God and others.
* שֶׁלֶם (shelem, `{{H8002}}`): Refers to the "peace offering" or "fellowship offering," a type of sacrifice in the Mosaic Law intended to restore or maintain communion and peace between God and the offerer.
* שִׁלּוּם (shillum, `{{H7966}}`): Signifies "recompense" or "retribution," emphasizing the idea of a completed transaction or a just repayment, whether positive or negative.
* מְשִׁלֵּמוֹת (Meshillemoth, `{{H4922}}`): A closely related proper name, also derived from שָׁלַם, found in other priestly lists.
These lexical connections highlight the rich semantic field from which Mᵉshillêmîyth emerges, linking it to core themes of peace, wholeness, and divine restoration.
### Theological Significance
While Mᵉshillêmîyth (`{{H4921}}`) itself is a proper noun with no direct theological discourse attached, its etymological root שָׁלָם (`{{H7999}}`) carries profound theological weight throughout Scripture. The name, meaning "reconciliation" or "recompense," resonates with several vital biblical doctrines:
* **Divine Peace (Shalom):** The concept of שָׁלוֹם (shalom, `{{H7965}}`) is central to God's character and His desire for humanity. God is the source of peace, and His ultimate plan involves restoring shalom to a broken world. A name like Mᵉshillêmîyth could subtly reflect this divine attribute or the hope for its manifestation.
* **Reconciliation with God:** The primary theological significance of "reconciliation" is the restoration of the relationship between God and humanity, broken by sin. Though Mᵉshillêmîyth is not explicitly tied to this redemptive act, the underlying meaning points to the divine initiative to bring alienated parties back into fellowship. The priestly role of the individual named Mᵉshillêmîyth in [[1 Chronicles 9:12]] further underscores this, as priests were instrumental in mediating the covenant relationship, offering sacrifices that symbolized atonement and restored communion.
* **Justice and Recompense:** The aspect of "recompense" within שָׁלָם speaks to God's perfect justice, where actions are met with appropriate consequences. This divine principle ensures that all things are brought to a complete and just conclusion. While the name itself does not carry a punitive connotation, it implicitly acknowledges God's righteous governance.
Thus, Mᵉshillêmîyth, though a simple personal name in a genealogical list, stands as a quiet testament to the pervasive biblical themes of peace, wholeness, and the restoration of right relationships, all stemming from the divine nature of God.
### Summary
Mᵉshillêmîyth (`{{H4921}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name meaning "reconciliation" or "recompense." It is directly derived from the foundational root שָׁלָם (shalem, `{{H7999}}`), which signifies completeness, soundness, peace, and repayment. This name appears singularly in the Old Testament, in [[1 Chronicles 9:12]], identifying a priest in the post-exilic lineage residing in Jerusalem. Despite its limited occurrence as a proper noun, its etymological connection to שָׁלָם imbues it with significant theological resonance. It points to core biblical concepts such as divine peace (שָׁלוֹם, `{{H7965}}`), the reconciliation between God and humanity, and God's just recompense. Within the context of a priestly lineage, the name may subtly underscore the sacred duty of the priesthood in mediating wholeness and restored relationship within the covenant community, reflecting God's ultimate desire for peace and completeness.
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