מַחֲוִים (ma.cha.vim)
ma.cha.vim
Mahavite
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun machavim appears only once in the entire Bible, serving as a specific identifier for Eliel in 1 Chronicles 11:46. Listed among David’s mighty warriors, he is described not by his hometown but by this unique title, which links him to a figure or place named Mahav.
Lexical sources suggest the term likely denotes an inhabitant of Macheweh or perhaps signifies "propagators," though the exact etymology remains uncertain. Its singular occurrence highlights how ancient records preserved specific tribal or regional affiliations that have since faded from general historical memory, anchoring Eliel’s identity to a particular lineage or locale in Israel’s early military history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Eliel appears in a brief list of David’s mighty warriors, identified by the unusual title Mahavite. This single occurrence reminds us that God remembers individuals who might otherwise be lost to history. Even when our names are not widely known, they are recorded with care.
His inclusion among the brave men who supported David shows that faithfulness often happens in the background. We may never see our impact in grand displays, but we are valued by God just as Eliel was valued by his king and his people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Mahavite1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַֽ/מַּחֲוִ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 11:46
Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,
This verse uniquely identifies Eliel by the title Mahavite, linking his identity to a specific lineage or locale within David’s military ranks.