מָכִי (ma.khi)
ma.khi
Machi
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Machi appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in Numbers 13:15 as the father of Geuel. In this brief genealogical note, he is identified as a Gadite, one of the twelve men chosen by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. The name itself carries the meaning "decrease," a concept that stands in stark contrast to the hope for expansion and inheritance that motivated the mission.
While the text offers no further details about his life or character, the etymology of his name provides a subtle theological layer. For a man sent to assess a land promised as abundant, bearing a name meaning "decrease" creates an interesting tension. It serves as a reminder that the journey ahead would involve significant loss and transition before any gain could be realized.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Machi appears only once in Scripture, tucked into a genealogy in Numbers 13:15. He is listed as the father of Geuel, one of the spies sent to explore Canaan. The meaning of his name, "decrease," offers a quiet reminder that growth often requires letting go of what we currently hold.
In our own lives, seasons of transition can feel like loss before they reveal new purpose. This brief mention invites us to trust that God is at work even when circumstances seem to shrink our prospects. His presence in the list reminds us that every name matters to Him, and every step of obedience is recorded.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Maki1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָכִֽי\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 13:15
Of the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.
This verse identifies Machi as the father of Geuel, placing him within the lineage of those chosen to scout the Promised Land.