Mered's wife is a figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, specifically in 1 Chronicles 4:17-18. The passage provides a brief but intriguing glimpse into her identity and significance within the lineage of Judah. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. And Mered’s wife bore Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. (His Judean wife bore Jered the father of Gedor, Heber the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah.) These were the sons of Bithiah, daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered had married."

From this passage, we learn that Mered had two wives, one of whom was Bithiah, the daughter of Pharaoh. This connection to Egyptian royalty is noteworthy, as it suggests a significant alliance or relationship between the Israelites and the Egyptians during this period. Bithiah's inclusion in the genealogy highlights her importance and the recognition of her offspring within the tribe of Judah.

Mered's wife, Bithiah, is credited with bearing several children, including Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah. The mention of Miriam is particularly interesting, as it is a name shared with the sister of Moses and Aaron, though there is no direct indication that they are the same person. The children of Mered and Bithiah are associated with various locations and roles within the tribe, such as Ishbah being the father of Eshtemoa, a town in the territory of Judah.

The passage also distinguishes between the children of Bithiah and those of Mered's "Judean wife," who bore Jered, Heber, and Jekuthiel. This distinction underscores the presence of multiple familial lines within Mered's household, each contributing to the broader narrative of Judah's descendants.

The inclusion of Bithiah, an Egyptian princess, in the genealogy of Judah reflects the complex interactions and relationships between the Israelites and their neighboring cultures. It also emphasizes the diverse heritage and backgrounds that contributed to the formation of the Israelite identity. The mention of Mered's wife in the genealogical record serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the biblical narrative and the various influences that shaped the history of God's chosen people.