מְחֹלָתִי (me.cho.la.ti)
me.cho.la.ti
Meholathite
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The term mecholati identifies a person from Meholath, a place name that likely derives from the Hebrew root for "dance." In the biblical narrative, this gentilic adjective serves as a geographical marker rather than describing a specific cultural practice. It appears in only two verses within the historical books, linking individuals to their hometown in the Jordan Valley.
These brief references highlight prominent figures in the court of King Saul. Michal, Saul’s daughter, is described as the daughter of Adriel the Meholathite (1 Samuel 18:19), while later genealogies note Barzillai the Meholathite among those who supported David during his flight from Absalom (2 Samuel 17:27). The word anchors these characters to a specific location, adding texture to the historical record without elaborating on the town’s significance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The term "Meholathite" connects us to a specific place in ancient Israel, likely linked to the idea of dancing or celebration. In Scripture, this label serves as a simple geographical marker, identifying individuals by their hometown rather than describing a cultural ritual. It grounds the biblical narrative in real locations and families, reminding us that God’s story unfolds through ordinary people with distinct backgrounds.
Two prominent figures are tied to this name: Adriel, who married Merab, Saul’s daughter, and Barzillai, whose family supported King David during a time of crisis. These brief mentions show how personal histories intersect with national events. Whether in times of royal politics or exile, these individuals played roles in God’s unfolding plan, illustrating that every person has a place in the broader story of faith.
Reflecting on this word encourages us to appreciate the richness of biblical history. It invites us to see how specific details in Scripture add depth to our understanding of God’s people. As we read these accounts, we are reminded that our own lives, too, are part of a larger narrative woven by God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Meholathite2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/מְּחֹלָתִֽי\׃1×
- הַ/מְּחֹלָתִ֖י1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 18:19
But at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as wife.
This verse identifies Adriel as the Meholathite, linking him to his hometown and marking his role in the royal family through marriage to Merab.
-
II Samuel 21:8
But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Merab the daughter of Saul, whom she bore to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite.
Here, Barzillai is called the Meholathite, connecting him to a lineage that provided crucial support to David during his flight from Absalom.