מְרָיוֹת (me.ra.vot)
me.ra.vot
Meraioth
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
מְרָיוֹת (Meraioth) is a proper name appearing four times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within genealogical lists in Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. The term translates to "rebellious" or "stubborn," a striking contrast for a figure associated with the priestly lineage of Aaron. In these texts, it identifies either an ancestor of the high priest Zadok or a specific family leader involved in the post-exilic restoration.
The sources distinguish between two main bearers of this name. One is a significant ancestor in the line of Eleazar, serving as the grandfather of Ahitub and great-grandfather of Zadok (1 Chronicles 6:6). Another instance appears in Ezra 8:33 and Nehemiah 12:15, where Meraioth is listed among the leaders returning from exile, sometimes identified with Meremoth. Despite its etymological sense of defiance, the name marks a lineage dedicated to temple service.
This word highlights how biblical genealogies preserve names that may seem ironic in hindsight. The persistence of "Meraioth" in records of priestly succession underscores the continuity of the Levitical house through periods of national instability and return from Babylon. It serves as a historical marker rather than a theological statement about character.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Meraioth appears in the Bible as a proper noun within genealogies, carrying the sense of rebellion or contention. It is found four times in Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah, marking individuals in the priestly line of Aaron. Though the meaning might suggest defiance, these figures were part of the sacred service that restored worship after exile.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God works through real people with complex histories. The persistence of such names in Scripture shows that God preserves His people through generations of change. It invites us to trust that He remains faithful even when circumstances feel unstable or uncertain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Meraioth3×
- of/ Meraioth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְרָיוֹת֙2×
- מְרָיֽוֹת\׃1×
- לִ/מְרָי֖וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 7:3
the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,
Here Meraioth is listed among the ancestors of Ezra, showing how this name connects to the leadership that guided the return from Babylon.
-
Nehemiah 12:15
of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai;
This occurrence identifies Meraioth as a family leader during the post-exilic period, specifically noting Helkai as his descendant in the temple service.