מֵרֹנֹתִי (me.ro.no.ti)
me.ro.no.ti
Meronothite
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The term meronoti identifies an individual as a Meronothite, meaning a native of a place likely named Meronoth. Although the etymology is uncertain, some sources suggest a connection to the Hebrew root for shouting or joy, potentially translating to "joyful shouter." This linguistic link adds a layer of cultural color to what is otherwise a simple geographic designation.
In Scripture, this gentilic appears only twice, specifically in Nehemiah 7:4 and 1 Chronicles 9:3. In both instances, it functions as a marker of lineage or origin within lists of those who returned from exile or settled in Jerusalem. The word serves to distinguish these individuals by their hometown rather than describing a personal trait or action.
Because the references are sparse and confined to genealogical records, the term does not carry broad theological weight. Instead, it highlights the importance of tribal and geographic identity in post-exilic Judah. The brief appearance underscores how community membership was often defined by one’s place of origin in ancient Israelite society.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Meronothite appears in the Bible as a marker of origin, identifying someone from a specific place rather than describing a personal character trait. In Nehemiah 3:7, Jadon the Meronothite is listed among those who repaired the walls of Jerusalem. This detail reminds us that God values the contributions of ordinary people from every town and tribe.
These genealogical records show that community membership was often defined by one’s hometown in ancient Israel. Your own background and heritage are part of your story, just as they were for those who rebuilt their city after exile. You belong to a larger family of faith that includes many different backgrounds.
This word highlights the importance of place and identity in post-exilic Judah. It shows how God uses specific individuals from specific places to accomplish His purposes. Your unique history is not lost on Him, and He can use your distinct background for good.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Meronothite2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/מֵּרֹנֹתִֽי\׃\ \ס1×
- הַ/מֵּרֹ֣נֹתִ֔י1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 3:7
Next to them, Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, repaired the residence of the governor beyond the River.
This verse identifies Jadon as a Meronothite among those who repaired the walls of Jerusalem, showing how geographic origin marked community participation in rebuilding.
-
I Chronicles 27:30
Over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite. Over the donkeys was Jehdeiah the Meronothite. Over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagrite.
Here Jehdeiah is called the Meronothite in a list of officials, indicating that this term served as a standard identifier for administrative roles in Israel's governance.