מְרִיב בַּ֫עַל (me.riv ba.al)
me.riv ba.al
Merib-baal
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 Merib-baal, meaning "Baal is my advocate," belongs to a man of the tribe of Benjamin who was the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. He appears in only two verses, primarily within the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles (8:34; 9:40), where he is listed as the father of Micah.
Lexical sources identify him as an alternative name for Mephibosheth, the figure known for receiving David’s covenantal kindness. While "Mephibosheth" translates to "shame of Baal," likely reflecting a later theological sensitivity to the deity's name, Merib-baal retains the original theophoric element. This dual naming highlights how biblical traditions preserved different linguistic layers regarding the same individual.
His brief mention serves as a crucial link in the narrative of Saul’s lineage, connecting the former royal house to the next generation through Jonathan. The preservation of this name alongside Mephibosheth demonstrates the complex editorial history of the biblical text, where varying traditions about Saul’s family were woven together without erasing their distinct identities.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Merib-baal appears in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, marking a specific link in the family line of Saul and Jonathan. It serves as an alternative name for Mephibosheth, highlighting how biblical traditions preserved different linguistic layers regarding the same individual. This dual naming shows that the text valued preserving distinct identities rather than erasing them.
For your faith, this detail reminds us that God’s covenantal kindness extends beyond immediate circumstances. David showed mercy to Merib-baal despite his grandfather’s opposition, demonstrating a loyalty that transcended political rivalry. Your own family history and identity are known to God, even when they seem complex or fragmented.
These records assure us that every name in Scripture matters. They point to a God who remembers His promises across generations. You can find comfort in knowing that your place in God’s story is secure, regardless of past conflicts or family struggles.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- -baal3×
- [was] Merib-2×
- and/ Merib-1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְרִ֣יב2×
- בָּ֑עַל2×
- וּ/מְרִ֥יב1×
- בַּ֖עַל1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 8:34
The son of Jonathan was Merib-baal. Merib-baal became the father of Micah.
This verse establishes Merib-baal as the son of Jonathan and father of Micah, anchoring his identity within the tribal records.
-
I Chronicles 9:40
The son of Jonathan was Merib-baal. Merib-baal became the father of Micah.
The repetition in this chapter reinforces the continuity of Saul’s lineage through Merib-baal to the next generation.