4587. Meonothay
Lexical Summary
Meonothay: Meonothay

Original Word: מְעוֹנֹתַי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: M`ownothay
Pronunciation: meh-oh-no-THAI
Phonetic Spelling: (meh-o-no-thah'-ee)
KJV: Meonothai
NASB: Meonothai
Word Origin: [plural of H4585 (מְעוֹנָה מְעוֹנָה - dens)]

1. habitative
2. Meonothai, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Meonothai

Plural of m'ownah; habitative; Meonothai, an Israelite -- Meonothai.

see HEBREW m'ownah

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from 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 Setting

Meonothai 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
• Meonothai stands in the Judahite line that includes Hur (v. 11) and Caleb’s descendants (vv. 15–20).
• His son Ophrah suggests either a personal name or a clan later associated with a locality (compare Judges 6:11).

2. Affirmation of Post-Exilic Identity
• Chronicles frequently highlights otherwise obscure figures to remind returning exiles that their ancestors had roles—however small—in the covenant community.
• By tracing craftsmanship (Ge-harashim, “valley of craftsmen”) back to this family, the writer ties vocational skills to specific households, reinforcing God’s distribution of gifts within His people.

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
• The Spirit-inspired Chronicler records Meonothai to show that God’s knowledge of His people extends beyond prominent leaders to lesser-known fathers whose faithfulness ripples through generations.

2. Vocation and Worship
• By connecting his descendants to craftsmanship, the text elevates skilled labor as a legitimate avenue of service to God, foreshadowing New Testament teaching that “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).

3. Hope for Obscure Servants
• The single mention of Meonothai assures believers that God notices every contribution to His purposes, even when history gives only a footnote.

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.
• Encourage vocational stewardship. Just as descendants of Meonothai applied their craftsmanship for the community’s good, modern trades and professions can be avenues of kingdom service.
• Preserve spiritual heritage. Chronicling family testimonies nurtures identity and gratitude, strengthening future generations against identity drift.

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 umeonoTai
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman'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

Strong's Hebrew 4587
1 Occurrence


ū·mə·‘ō·w·nō·ṯay — 1 Occ.

4586
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