מֵיפַ֫עַת (mo.pha.at)

The name Mephaath identifies a specific Levitical city assigned to the Merarite clans within the territory of Reuben. Situated in the Mishor, or plateau region near Moab, this location served as a residential center for those tasked with religious duties rather than agricultural production. Its inclusion in the land distribution highlights the organized provision made for the priestly and Levitical families throughout Israel’s settled regions.

Etymologically, the name derives from a root meaning "to shine" or "to be splendid," suggesting a translation of "splendour" or potentially "height." This linguistic connection adds a layer of symbolic resonance to a place defined by its administrative and religious function. The sources note that while the city appears in genealogical lists in Joshua, it is also mentioned in Jeremiah, linking this physical location to broader historical narratives of the nation.

With only three occurrences in Scripture, Mephaath remains a minor but distinct entry in biblical geography. Its brief mentions anchor the Levitical allotments in tangible reality, reminding readers that the spiritual leadership of Israel was embedded within specific, named communities across the land.