מֵרָב (me.rav)

me.rav

Merab

H4764 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

N:N-F-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 3 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-F-P

Word Overview

The name Merab, meaning "increase" or "multiplicity," belongs to the eldest daughter of King Saul and Ahinoam. She appears in the narratives of 1 Samuel as a member of the royal house of Benjamin, standing alongside her siblings Jonathan, Abinadab, Malchi-shua, and Michal.

Her story intersects with David’s rise when Saul promises her hand in marriage to the young warrior who defeats Goliath. However, this promise is not fulfilled; instead, she is given in marriage to Adriel the Meholathite. The texts note that she becomes the mother of five children, anchoring her identity within the broader family dynamics of the United Monarchy rather than through a personal relationship with David.

While her sister Michal captures attention for her complex interactions with David, Merab’s brief mentions highlight the political maneuvering and broken promises characteristic of Saul’s reign. The name itself may serve as an ironic counterpoint to her fate, as she does not experience the increase or honor initially promised through her royal lineage.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Merab means "increase," yet her story in Scripture is marked by a broken promise from King Saul. He offered her hand in marriage to David, hoping the Philistines would kill the rising warrior instead of him. When the plan failed, Merab was given to another man, Adriel. This detail shows how political maneuvering often disrupted the lives of those around the throne.

For us, this narrative reminds us that human plans are fragile. Saul’s deceit did not stop God’s purpose for David, nor did it erase Merab’s place in history as a mother of five. We can find comfort knowing that our worth is not defined by broken promises or political games, but by our standing with God.

Even when circumstances feel chaotic or unfair, God remains sovereign. Merab’s life, though brief in the text, is preserved in Scripture. This assures us that every person matters to Him, and His plans will ultimately prevail over human interference.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Merab2×
[was] Merab1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

מֵרַב֙1×
מֵרַ֥ב1×
מֵרַ֔ב1×

Key Verses

I Samuel 18:17
Saul said to David, “Behold, my elder daughter Merab. I will give her to you as wife. Only be valiant for me, and fight Yahweh’s battles.” For Saul said, “Don’t let my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.”

This verse reveals Saul’s hidden motive: he offered Merab not as a gift, but as a trap to have David killed by the Philistines.
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.

The text notes that Merab was given to Adriel instead of David, highlighting the fulfillment of Saul’s deceitful plan rather than a royal alliance.
I Samuel 14:49
Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua; and the names of his two daughters were these: the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal.

This genealogical note establishes Merab as the firstborn daughter, giving her a specific status within Saul’s family structure before the political drama unfolds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Merab in the Bible?

Merab was the eldest daughter of King Saul and Ahinoam. She is mentioned in 1 Samuel as part of Saul’s family, alongside her brothers Jonathan and Abinadab, and her younger sister Michal.

Why did Saul promise Merab to David?

Saul promised Merab to David to encourage him to fight the Philistines. However, Saul’s true intention was for David to be killed in battle, so he could remove a rival without using his own hand.

What happened to Merab after David refused Saul's offer?

When David completed the tasks Saul set, Merab was not given to him. Instead, she was married to Adriel the Meholathite, and they had five children, as recorded in 1 Samuel 18:19.

What does the name Merab mean?

The name Merab comes from a Hebrew root meaning "increase" or "multiplicity." This stands in ironic contrast to her story, as she did not receive the honor or increase Saul initially promised.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

I Samuel 3 verses

I Samuel 14:49

Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua; and the names of his two daughters were these: the name of…

I Samuel 18:17

Saul said to David, “Behold, my elder daughter Merab. I will give her to you as wife. Only be valiant for me, and fight…

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…