Topical Encyclopedia
Mehetabel is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament. Her name, which means "God makes happy" or "God benefits," reflects a theocentric worldview common in ancient Hebrew culture, where names often signified divine attributes or blessings.
Biblical References:Mehetabel is mentioned in the Book of Genesis, specifically in the genealogical records of the Edomite kings. The relevant passage is found in
Genesis 36:39:
"And when Baal-hanan son of Achbor died, Hadad reigned in his place. His city was named Pau, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab." (
Genesis 36:39)
This brief mention places Mehetabel within the context of the Edomite monarchy, a lineage descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob. The genealogies in
Genesis 36 provide insight into the political and familial structures of the Edomites, who were closely related to the Israelites yet often in conflict with them.
Genealogical Context:Mehetabel is noted as the wife of Hadad, one of the kings of Edom. Her father is Matred, and her grandfather is Me-zahab. The inclusion of her lineage highlights the importance of familial connections and heritage in the ancient Near Eastern context. The genealogical record serves to establish legitimacy and continuity of leadership among the Edomites.
Cultural and Historical Significance:The mention of Mehetabel, though brief, is significant in understanding the broader narrative of the Edomites and their interactions with the Israelites. The Edomites, as descendants of Esau, held a complex relationship with the Israelites, characterized by both kinship and rivalry. The genealogies in
Genesis 36, including the mention of Mehetabel, underscore the interconnectedness of these ancient peoples.
In the broader biblical narrative, genealogies serve not only as historical records but also as theological statements. They affirm God's sovereignty over nations and His involvement in the unfolding of human history. The inclusion of figures like Mehetabel in these records reflects the comprehensive nature of God's providence, encompassing all peoples and nations.
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, the mention of Mehetabel and other figures in the genealogies of Genesis highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham regarding the multitude of nations that would arise from his descendants. While the primary focus of the biblical narrative is on the line of Jacob, the inclusion of Esau's descendants, such as Mehetabel, demonstrates the expansive reach of God's covenantal promises.
In summary, Mehetabel's brief appearance in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the intricate tapestry of relationships and histories that form the backdrop of the biblical narrative. Her mention in the genealogies of Edom provides valuable insight into the cultural and familial dynamics of the time, while also affirming the overarching theme of God's sovereignty and faithfulness throughout the generations.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Mehetabelhow good is God
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Mehetabel(favored of God), the daughter of Matred, and wife of Hadad king of Edom. (Genesis 36:39)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Wife of Hadad, one of the kings of Edom (
Genesis 36:39).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MEHETABEL; MEHETABEELme-het'-a-bel, me-het'-a-bel (mehetah'el, "whom God makes happy"):
(1) Daughter of Matred, wife of Hadad or Hadar, the 8th and apparently last of the kings of Edom (Genesis 36:391 Chronicles 1:50).
(2) Grandfather of that Shemaiah who played a treacherous part against Nehemiah at the suggestion of Tobiah and Sanballat, by trying to persuade Nehemiah to commit sacrilege (Nehemiah 6:10-13).
Strong's Hebrew
4105.Mehetabel -- "God benefits," wife of an Edomite king, also...... 4104, 4105.
Mehetabel. 4106 . "God
... Shemaiah. Transliteration:
Mehetabel Phonetic
Spelling: (meh-hay-tab-ale') Short Definition:
Mehetabel.
...Library
Chapter xxxvi
... And Baal-Hanan, the son of Achbor, died and there ruled in his stead Hadar, and
the name of his city was Pau, and his wife's name wasMehetabel, the daughter...
Thesaurus
Mehetabel (3 Occurrences)... 39). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
MEHETABEL; MEHETABEEL. me-het
... 13).
Multi-Version Concordance
Mehetabel (3 Occurrences). Genesis 36
...Mezahab (2 Occurrences)
... Water of gold, the father of Matred (Genesis 36:39; 1 Chronicles 1:50), and grandfather
ofMehetabel, wife of Hadar, the last king of Edom. Int....
Mehet'abel (2 Occurrences)
Mehet'abel.Mehetabel, Mehet'abel. Mehida . Multi-Version Concordance
Mehet'abel (2 Occurrences).... (See RSV).Mehetabel, Mehet'abel. Mehida . Reference
Matred (2 Occurrences)
... MATRED. ma'-tred (maTredh, "expulsion"): The mother ofMehetabel, wife of Hadar,
one of the kings of Edom (Genesis 36:39 1 Chronicles 1:50, "Hadad")....
Me-zahab (2 Occurrences)
... mez'-a-hab, me-za'-hab (me zahabh, "waters of gold"; Codex Vaticanus Maizoob, Codex
Alexandrinus, Mezoob): Grandfather ofMehetabel, the wife of Hadar, the last...
Wife's (21 Occurrences)
... The name of his city was Pau. His wife's name wasMehetabel, the daughter of Matred,
the daughter of Mezahab. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Mehetabeel
... joined Sanballat against Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:10). Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia.MEHETABEL; MEHETABEEL. me-het'-a-bel, me-het'-a...
Me'zahab (2 Occurrences)
... place. The name of his city was Pau. His wife's name wasMehetabel, the
daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab. (See RSV). 1...
Pau (2 Occurrences)
... The name of his city was Pau. His wife's name wasMehetabel, the daughter of Matred,
the daughter of Mezahab. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Baalhanan (5 Occurrences)
... 36:39 And Baalhanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his stead: and
the name of his city was Pau; and his wife's name wasMehetabel, the daughter...
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