Meonothai is a relatively obscure figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. His name appears in the context of the lineage of Judah, specifically within the family of Caleb, a prominent figure among the descendants of Judah. The name Meonothai is found in 1 Chronicles 4:14, which provides insight into the familial connections and the heritage of the tribe of Judah.

Biblical Reference:

1 Chronicles 4:13-14 : "The sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah. The sons of Othniel: Hathath and Meonothai. Meonothai was the father of Ophrah. Seraiah was the father of Joab, the father of Ge Harashim, so called because they were craftsmen."

In this passage, Meonothai is identified as a descendant of Kenaz, who is associated with the Calebite lineage. Kenaz is noted as the father of Othniel, a significant judge of Israel, and Seraiah. Meonothai is listed as one of the sons of Othniel, making him a part of a family known for its leadership and contributions to the Israelite community.

Genealogical Significance:

The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the historical and tribal identities of the Israelites, particularly emphasizing the importance of the tribe of Judah. Meonothai's inclusion in this genealogy highlights the continuity of the Calebite line and its integration into the broader narrative of Judah's descendants. His mention, though brief, underscores the interconnectedness of the families within the tribe and their roles in the unfolding history of Israel.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The genealogical records in Chronicles were compiled during the post-exilic period, a time when the Jewish community was re-establishing its identity and heritage after the Babylonian exile. The chronicler's emphasis on lineage and tribal affiliations served to reinforce the community's connection to its ancestral roots and the promises made to the patriarchs.

Meonothai's mention, while limited in detail, contributes to the broader tapestry of Israel's history, illustrating the diverse and multifaceted nature of the tribe of Judah. His lineage, through Othniel, connects him to a legacy of leadership and faithfulness, as Othniel is recognized as the first judge of Israel after the conquest of Canaan (Judges 3:9-11).

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the genealogies in the Bible, including the mention of figures like Meonothai, serve to demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His covenant promises. Each name, though sometimes only briefly mentioned, represents a link in the chain of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the coming of the Messiah through the line of Judah.

Meonothai's place in the genealogy of Judah reflects the broader biblical theme of God's providence and the unfolding of His divine purposes through ordinary individuals and families. The chronicler's record serves as a reminder of the importance of heritage and the role of each generation in the continuation of God's covenantal promises.Meonothai

(my habitations), one of the sons of Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb. (1 Chronicles 4:14)

MEONOTHAI

me-on'-o-thi, me-o'-no-thi, me-o-no'-thi (me`onothai, "my dwellings"): A son of Othniel, nephew of Caleb (1 Chronicles 4:14). Possibly, as the King James Version margin suggests, and the Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) and Complutensian Septuagint say, 1 Chronicles 4:13, 14 should read "the sons of Othniel, Hathath and Meonothai; and Meonothai begat Ophrah," etc. The latter may be founder of the town of that name.

4587. Meonothay -- a man of Judah
... 4586, 4587. Meonothay. 4588 . a man of Judah. Transliteration: Meonothay Phonetic
Spelling: (meh-o-no-thah'-ee) Short Definition: Meonothai. ... Meonothai. ...
/hebrew/4587.htm - 6kMeonothai (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MEONOTHAI. ... Multi-Version Concordance Meonothai
(2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 4:13 The sons of Kenaz: Othniel, and Seraiah. ...
/m/meonothai.htm - 7k

Meo'nothai (2 Occurrences)
... Meonothai, Meo'nothai. Mephaath . ... 1 Chronicles 4:14 And Meonothai begot Ophrah;
and Seraiah begot Joab the father of Ge-harashim; for they were craftsmen. ...
/m/meo'nothai.htm - 6k

Ophrah (9 Occurrences)
... (3) A man of the tribe of Judah, son of Meonothai (1 Chronicles 4:14). W.
Ewing. Multi-Version Concordance Ophrah (9 Occurrences). ...
/o/ophrah.htm - 13k

Othniel (7 Occurrences)
... He had a son named Hathath (1 Chronicles 4:13) and probably another named Meonothai
(compare recensio Luciana of Septuagint, at the place). ...
/o/othniel.htm - 10k

Ge-har'ashim (1 Occurrence)
... Ge-har'ashim (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 4:14 And Meonothai begot Ophrah; and Seraiah
begot Joab the father of Ge-harashim; for they were craftsmen. (See RSV). ...
/g/ge-har'ashim.htm - 6k

Ge-harashim (2 Occurrences)
... Ge-harashim (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 4:14 And Meonothai begat Ophrah: and Seraiah
begat Joab the father of Ge-harashim; for they were craftsmen. ...
/g/ge-harashim.htm - 7k

Ge (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 4:14 Meonothai became the father of Ophrah: and Seraiah became the
father of Joab the father of Ge Harashim; for they were craftsmen. ...
/g/ge.htm - 6k

Meonenim (1 Occurrence)

/m/meonenim.htm - 8k

Craftsmen (22 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 4:14 Meonothai became the father of Ophrah: and Seraiah became the
father of Joab the father of Ge Harashim; for they were craftsmen. ...
/c/craftsmen.htm - 14k

Charashim (1 Occurrence)
... Charashim (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 4:14 And Meonothai begat Ophrah: and Seraiah
begat Joab, the father of the valley of Charashim; for they were craftsmen. ...
/c/charashim.htm - 7k

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