Lexical Summary Meonothay: Meonothay Original Word: מְעוֹנֹתַי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Meonothai Plural of m'ownah; habitative; Meonothai, an Israelite -- Meonothai. see HEBREW m'ownah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom un Definition a man of Judah NASB Translation Meonothai (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְעוֺנֹתַי proper name, masculine name in Judah 1 Chronicles 4:14, ᵐ5 Μα(ω)ναθει. Topical Lexicon Biblical SettingMeonothai appears once in the Hebrew Scriptures, in 1 Chronicles 4:14, situated within the Chronicler’s detailed record of the descendants of Judah. These genealogies, compiled after the exile, served to re-establish tribal identities and affirm the continuity of God’s covenant promises. By preserving even a single-generation link like Meonothai, the text underscores the value God places on every lineage that contributes to the unfolding plan of redemption. “Meonothai was the father of Ophrah. Seraiah was the father of Joab, the father of Ge-harashim, so called because they were craftsmen” (1 Chronicles 4:14). Genealogical Significance within Judah 1. Placement in the Pedigree 2. Affirmation of Post-Exilic Identity Historical Background Ge-harashim (“valley of craftsmen”) lay in Judah’s Shephelah. Skilled laborers, especially metal- and wood-workers, were essential for city defenses, agricultural tools, and eventually temple furnishings (compare 1 Kings 7:13–14; 2 Chronicles 2:7). A linkage between Meonothai’s lineage and this artisan center hints that his household contributed to Judah’s economic and religious infrastructure. Theological Reflections 1. Covenant Memory 2. Vocation and Worship 3. Hope for Obscure Servants Lessons for Ministry • Celebrate hidden faithfulness. Congregational life often hinges on believers whose names may never be widely known, yet their diligence advances God’s mission. Related Passages and Cross-References 1 Chronicles 4 (context of Judahite genealogy) 1 Chronicles 4:23 (potters and gardeners who “lived there and worked” for the king) 1 Kings 7:13–14 (Huram-Abi, the craftsman for Solomon’s temple) Exodus 31:1–6 (Bezalel and Oholiab, Spirit-empowered artisans) Ephesians 2:10 (created for good works prepared in advance) Contemporary Application While Meonothai’s biblical footprint is brief, his inclusion challenges the church to value every member’s role, record testimonies of God’s faithfulness, and encourage skilled laborers to view their work as worship. In a culture that prizes visibility, Scripture reminds believers that divine accounting differs from human applause—the Lord “will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name” (Hebrews 6:10). Forms and Transliterations וּמְעוֹנֹתַ֖י ומעונתי ū·mə·‘ō·w·nō·ṯay ūmə‘ōwnōṯay umeonoTaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 4:14 HEB: וּמְעוֹנֹתַ֖י הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־ NAS: Meonothai became the father KJV: And Meonothai begat Ophrah: INT: Meonothai became of Ophrah 1 Occurrence |
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