Lexical Summary Meronothi: Meronothite Original Word: מֵרֹנֹתִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Meronothite Patrial from an unused noun; a Meronothite, or inhabitant of some (otherwise unknown) Meronoth. -- Meronothite. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition inhab. of Meronoth NASB Translation Meronothite (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֵרֹנֹתִי adjective, of a people (derivation unknown) with article as substantive = the Merothonite 1 1 Chronicles 27:30; ᵐ5 ὁ ἐκ Μεραθων. 2 Nehemiah 3:7; ᵐ5L ὁ Μηρωναθαιος. Topical Lexicon Biblical profile “Meronothite” designates a native or inhabitant of Meronoth. Though the exact site is lost, its people are twice named in Scripture, demonstrating that even seemingly minor locales and individuals are recorded by the Spirit for edification. Occurrences in Scripture 1 Chronicles 27:30 and Nehemiah 3:7 contain the only two references. Centuries apart, they frame the breadth of Old Testament history—from the united monarchy under David to the post-exilic restoration—showing an enduring line of faithful service. Service during King David’s reign “Obil the Ishmaelite was in charge of the camels; Jehdiah the Meronothite was in charge of the donkeys” (1 Chronicles 27:30). In David’s well-organized royal administration, every resource was stewarded for the welfare of the kingdom. Jehdiah’s charge over the donkeys, beasts of burden essential for agriculture, transport, and military logistics, highlights the dignity Scripture places on practical, behind-the-scenes ministry. His inclusion alongside commanders over elite forces (1 Chronicles 27:1-15) signals that humble service, when rendered unto the Lord’s anointed, is no less valuable than more visible roles. Participation in the post-exilic rebuilding “Next to them Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite—the men of Gibeon and Mizpah—repaired the section under the authority of the governor of Trans-Euphrates” (Nehemiah 3:7). Roughly five centuries after Jehdiah, another Meronothite steps forward. Jadon labors on the wall of Jerusalem, cooperating with neighboring towns. The scene illustrates the unity of God’s people across tribal lines and the way prior generations’ devotion (as in David’s day) seeds later faithfulness. The Meronothite legacy moves from royal stables to covenant restoration, bridging monarchy and return. Geographical considerations Meronoth is likely situated in Benjaminite territory, near Gibeon and Mizpah (cf. Nehemiah 3:7). This placement aligns with David’s administrative districts and Nehemiah’s rebuilding teams. Though unlocated archaeologically, Meronoth’s proximity to these towns explains both the availability of animals for royal service and the ready supply of labor during Nehemiah’s project. Spiritual and theological insights 1. Divine remembrance: God preserves the names of servants whose tasks might appear insignificant, affirming that “your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (paralleling 1 Corinthians 15:58). Lessons for ministry today • No service is too small when done for the Lord. Faithful stewardship of mundane responsibilities furthers divine purposes. The Meronothites, though few in verse count, testify that Scripture’s detailed records call every believer to wholehearted, enduring, and cooperative service in the unfolding plan of God. Forms and Transliterations הַמֵּרֹ֣נֹתִ֔י הַמֵּרֹנֹתִֽי׃ המרנתי המרנתי׃ ham·mê·rō·nō·ṯî hammeronoTi hammêrōnōṯîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 27:30 HEB: הָ֣אֲתֹנ֔וֹת יֶחְדְּיָ֖הוּ הַמֵּרֹנֹתִֽי׃ ס NAS: and Jehdeiah the Meronothite had charge KJV: [was] Jehdeiah the Meronothite: INT: of the donkeys and Jehdeiah the Meronothite Nehemiah 3:7 2 Occurrences |
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