Meholathite
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Meholathite in the Bible?
The gentilic 'Meholathite' identifies Adriel, son of Barzillai, who married Merab, daughter of King Saul, although textual criticism indicates the term is likely a scribal corruption of 'Gibeathite' in 2 Samuel 21:8.
SIGNIFICANCE
Distinguishing between the readings 'Meholathite' and 'Gibeathite' clarifies the geographical roots of Saul's kinship network and underscores the importance of cross-referencing parallel accounts, such as 1 Samuel 18:19, to accurately reconstruct biblical genealogies.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Meholathite reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Meholathite in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Meholathite clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
2 Samuel 21:81 Samuel 18:19
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Meholathite." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/meholathite/