Topical Encyclopedia
Meraioth is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the priestly line of Aaron, appearing in the Old Testament. His name, which may mean "rebellious" or "bitter," is found in several passages that outline the lineage of the priests, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a pure and unbroken line of descent from Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel.
Genealogical References:1.
1 Chronicles 6:6-7 : Meraioth is listed in the genealogical records of the Levites, specifically within the lineage of the high priests. The passage states, "Ahitub was the father of Zadok, Zadok was the father of Ahimaaz, Ahimaaz was the father of Azariah, Azariah was the father of Johanan, Johanan was the father of Azariah (it was he who served as priest in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem), Azariah was the father of Amariah, Amariah was the father of Ahitub, Ahitub was the father of Zadok, Zadok was the father of Shallum, Shallum was the father of Hilkiah, Hilkiah was the father of Azariah, Azariah was the father of Seraiah, and Seraiah was the father of Jehozadak."
2.
Ezra 7:3 : In the book of Ezra, Meraioth is again mentioned in the priestly genealogy, which traces the ancestry of Ezra, a scribe and priest who played a significant role in the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon. The text reads, "the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth."
Priestly Lineage:Meraioth's inclusion in these genealogies underscores the continuity and sanctity of the priestly line, which was crucial for the religious and social structure of ancient Israel. The priests were responsible for performing sacrifices, maintaining the temple, and teaching the Law to the people. As such, their lineage was meticulously recorded and preserved.
Historical Context:The genealogies in which Meraioth appears serve not only as historical records but also as theological affirmations of God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. By ensuring that the priestly line remained intact, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to upholding the divine ordinances given to them through Moses.
Theological Significance:From a theological perspective, the mention of Meraioth and his descendants highlights the importance of heritage and tradition in the worship of Yahweh. The priests were seen as mediators between God and His people, and their genealogical purity was a reflection of the holiness required in their service.
Conclusion:While Meraioth himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his role in the genealogical records of the priestly line is significant. His mention in the Scriptures serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Levitical priesthood and its central role in the spiritual life of Israel.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Meraiothbitterness; rebellious; changing
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Meraioth(rebellious).
- A descendant of Eleazar the son of Aaron and head of a priestly house. (1 Chronicles 6:61;7:62) It is apparently another Meraioth who comes in between Zadok and Ahitub in the genealogy of Azariah. (1 Chronicles 9:11;Nehemiah 11:11)
- The head of one of the houses of priests, which in the time of Joiakim the son of Jeshua was represented by helkai. (Nehemiah 12:15)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Rebellions.
(1.) Father of Amariah, a high priest of the line of Eleazar (1 Chronicles 6:6, 7, 52).
(2.)Nehemiah 12:15, a priest who went to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. He is called Meremoth inNehemiah 12:3.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MERAIOTHme-ra'-yoth, me-ri'-oth (merayoth): The name varies much in the Greek.
(1) A Levite, a descendant of Aaron (1 Chronicles 6:6Ezra 7:3), called "Memeroth" in 1 Esdras 8:2; and "Marimoth" in 2 Esdras 1:2.
(2) The son of Ahitub and father of Zadok (1 Chronicles 9:11).
(3) A priestly house of which, in the days of Joiakim, Helkai was head (Nehemiah 12:15). InNehemiah 12:3 the name is given as "Meremoth."
Strong's Hebrew
4812. Merayoth -- descendant of Aaron, also a priestly family... descendant of Aaron, also a priestly family. Transliteration: Merayoth Phonetic
Spelling: (mer-aw-yohth') Short Definition:
Meraioth. Word Origin pl.
...Meraioth.
...Library
How Solomon, when He had Received the Kingdom Took Off His
... the first that received it,]were these that follow: Bukki, the son of Abishua the
high priest; his son was Joatham; Joatham's son wasMeraioth;Meraioth's son...
Thesaurus
Meraioth (7 Occurrences)... Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
MERAIOTH. me-ra'-yoth, me-ri'-oth (merayoth): The name
varies much in the Greek.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Meraioth (7 Occurrences).
...Merai'oth (7 Occurrences)
Merai'oth.Meraioth, Merai'oth. Meran .... Merai'oth (7 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles
6:6 and Uzzi begot Zerahiah, and Zerahiah begotMeraioth; (See RSV)....
Ahi'tub (15 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 6:7Meraioth begot Amariah, and Amariah begot Ahitub; (See RSV).... 1
Chronicles 6:52Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son; (See RSV)....
Amariah (14 Occurrences)
... (1) A Levite in the line of Aaron-Eleazar; a son ofMeraioth and grandfather
of Zadok (1 Chronicles 6:7, 52) who lived in David's time....
Ahitub (16 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 6:7Meraioth became the father of Amariah, and Amariah became the
father of Ahitub, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)....
Amari'ah (13 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 6:7Meraioth begot Amariah, and Amariah begot Ahitub; (See RSV).... 1
Chronicles 6:52Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son; (See RSV)....
Meshul'lam (23 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 9:11 and Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son
of Zadok, the son ofMeraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God...
Azari'ah (46 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 9:11 and Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son
of Zadok, the son ofMeraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God...
Ezra (28 Occurrences)
... of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah, the son of Shallum, the son
of Ahitub, the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son ofMeraioth, the son...
Meshullam (25 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 9:11 and Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son
of Zadok, the son ofMeraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God...
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