Lexical Summary Mekerathi: Mecherathite Original Word: מְכֵרָתִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Mecherathite Patrial from an unused name (the same as mkerah) of a place in Palestine: a Mekerathite, or inhabitant of Mekerah -- Mecherathite. see HEBREW mkerah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused name Definition a descriptive name for one of David's men NASB Translation Mecherathite (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְכֵרָתִי adjective, of a people 1 Chronicles 11:36. ᵐ5 Μοχορ, ᵐ5L ὁ Μεχωραθι. מִכְשׁוֺל, מִכְשֹׁל, מַכְשֵׁלָה see כשׁל. מִכְתָּב see כתב [מְכִתָּה] see כתת. מִכְתָּם see II. כתם. מַכְתֵּשׁ see כתשׁ. Topical Lexicon Name and Origin “Mecherathite” denotes a native or inhabitant of an otherwise unknown town called Mecherah (or Mekerah). The suffix “-ite” marks geographic identity, linking the bearer to his birthplace or family seat. Although Scripture gives no further description of the location, its mention affirms the diversity of backgrounds represented among the loyal warriors who rallied to David. Biblical Occurrence The title appears once, attached to a single individual: “Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite” (1 Chronicles 11:36). Hepher’s inclusion in the inspired roster of David’s elite forces secures Mecherah’s place—however briefly—in the biblical record. Geographical Considerations Mecherah’s exact site has not been recovered by archaeology or identified with certainty in later literature. Its obscurity reminds readers that the LORD’s redemptive work encompasses even the most remote places. The mention of an unknown town within a chapter celebrating Israel’s greatest military heroes underscores God’s impartial recognition of faithfulness, irrespective of fame or locale. Role within the Narrative of David’s Mighty Men 1 Chronicles 11 parallels 2 Samuel 23 in celebrating “The Thirty,” those who distinguished themselves through courage, loyalty, and skill. Hepher the Mecherathite stands shoulder to shoulder with men from Judah, Benjamin, Gad, Ammon, and other regions. The diversity of the list testifies to the unifying power of the covenant kingdom under David, foreshadowing the Messiah’s gathering of every tribe and tongue (compare Revelation 5:9). Mecherathite loyalty exemplifies the principle that devotion to the LORD and His anointed outweighs tribal or regional identity. Theological and Ministry Implications 1. God notices the obscure. A single line of Scripture immortalizes both soldier and hometown. Ministry carried out in unnoticed settings still receives heaven’s commendation (Hebrews 6:10). Applications for Today • Encourage believers in small or rural congregations: the Lord esteems faithful service regardless of platform size. Related Scriptures for Further Study 2 Samuel 23:8-39 – Parallel list of David’s mighty men Hebrews 11:32-38 – Celebration of unnamed heroes of faith 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 – God choosing the low and despised Colossians 3:23-24 – Working heartily as for the Lord Revelation 5:9 – People from every tribe and language gathered by the Lamb Forms and Transliterations הַמְּכֵ֣רָתִ֔י המכרתי ham·mə·ḵê·rā·ṯî hammeCheraTi hamməḵêrāṯîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 11:36 HEB: חֵ֚פֶר הַמְּכֵ֣רָתִ֔י אֲחִיָּ֖ה הַפְּלֹנִֽי׃ NAS: Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah KJV: Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah INT: Hepher the Mecherathite Ahijah the Pelonite 1 Occurrence |
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