Original Word: מַחֲלַת
Part of Speech: Proper Name Feminine
Transliteration: Machalath
Pronunciation: mah-khah-lath'
Phonetic Spelling: (makh-al-ath')
Definition: Machalath
Meaning: Machalath

Mahalath

The same as machalath; sickness; Machalath, the name of an Ishmaelitess and of an Israelitess -- Mahalath.

see HEBREW machalath

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
daughter of Ishmael, also a granddaughter of David
NASB Translation
Mahalath (2).

II. מַחֲלַת proper name, feminine 1. daughter of Ishmael Genesis 28:9, ᵐ5 Μαελεθ.

2 granddaughter of David2Chronicles 11:18, ᵐ5 Μολλαθ; ᵐ5^L Μαελλεθ.

מְחֹלַת see מְחוֺלָה below I. חול.

Word Origin: Derived from the Hebrew root חָלַל (chalal), which can mean "to pierce" or "to play a pipe," often associated with profaning or defiling.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There are no direct Greek equivalents for the proper noun Machalath, as it is a specific Hebrew name and term. However, the concept of musical terms or titles in the Psalms can be related to Greek terms used in the Septuagint for psalm titles, though these are not direct translations of Machalath.

Usage: The term Machalath appears in the Hebrew Bible as a proper name and possibly as a musical term or title. It is used in the context of genealogies and musical notations.

Context: • Machalath as a Person: Machalath is mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. She is identified as a daughter of Ishmael and becomes a wife of Esau. This is noted in Genesis 28:9: "So Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Ishmael son of Abraham, in addition to the wives he already had." This marriage is significant as it reflects Esau's attempt to align himself with the Abrahamic lineage through Ishmael, despite his previous marriages to Canaanite women.

• Machalath as a Musical Term: The term Machalath also appears in the titles of Psalms, specifically Psalm 53 and Psalm 88, where it is thought to denote a particular style or tune for the psalm. The exact meaning of Machalath in this context is uncertain, but it is often interpreted as a musical or liturgical term, possibly indicating a type of melody or a mood of lamentation. The Berean Standard Bible titles these psalms as "For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath. A Maskil of David" (Psalm 53) and "A song. A psalm of the sons of Korah. For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath Leannoth. A Maskil of Heman the Ezrahite" (Psalm 88).

מָ֣חֲלַ֔ת מָחֲלַ֣ת ׀ מחלת machaLatInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts