מַ֫חַת (ma.chat)
ma.chat
Mahath
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Mahath, meaning "grasping," appears in the genealogies and administrative records of the Divided Monarchy. It identifies two distinct Kohathite Levites connected to the house of Korah. One figure is listed as the son of Amasai and father of Elkanah in the lineage of 1 Chronicles 6, while another Mahath served during the reign of King Hezekiah.
In 2 Chronicles 29:12, this Levite is named among those who assisted King Hezekiah in cleansing and restoring the temple. The same name appears again in 2 Chronicles 31:13 as one of the officials appointed to oversee the contributions brought to the house of God. These brief mentions highlight the structured role of Levites in supporting Judah’s religious reforms.
Some sources suggest this name may be an alternative form for Ahimoth, though the biblical text treats them as separate entries in different contexts. The meaning "grasping" offers a rare glimpse into personal naming conventions among the priestly class, reflecting characteristics or hopes rather than just lineage.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Mahath appears in the background of King Hezekiah’s great religious revival. It identifies a Levite who helped restore the temple and later managed the resources brought to God’s house. These brief mentions remind us that faithful service often happens behind the scenes, supporting the work of renewal in ways that may go unnoticed by the wider world.
In 2 Chronicles 31:13, Mahath is listed among the overseers appointed to handle contributions. This role required trustworthiness and diligence, ensuring that what was given for worship reached its proper destination. The name itself suggests a sense of holding fast or grasping, which fits well with someone entrusted to guard and manage sacred things.
For your own life, this word points to the value of steady, reliable service. Whether you are managing resources, supporting others, or simply staying faithful in small duties, your work matters in God’s eyes. He uses ordinary people to bring order and blessing to His community.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Mahath1×
- Mahath1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַ֣חַת1×
- וּ/מַ֖חַת1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 29:12
Then the Levites arose: Mahath, the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites; and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehallelel; and of the Gershonites, Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah;
This verse introduces Mahath as one of the Levites who actively participated in the initial cleansing of the temple under Hezekiah.
-
II Chronicles 31:13
Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei his brother, by the appointment of Hezekiah the king and Azariah the ruler of God’s house.
Here Mahath serves as an overseer for contributions, showing his continued role in maintaining the temple’s operations after the reforms began.