Mephaath
LocationsGeographical Setting
Mephaath was an ancient Israelite settlement located in the Transjordanian plateau, identified with the modern archaeological site of Khirbet el-Mudayna.
What is the meaning of Mephaath in the Bible?
Mephaath was a city in the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben, situated near Kedemoth and Kiriathaim, and assigned to the Merarite Levites.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Mephaath clarifies the specific territorial boundaries of the tribe of Reuben and illustrates the administrative distribution of Levitical cities within the broader tribal allotments described in the Book of Joshua.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Mephaath (located near modern Wadi al-Mujib, Jordan) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Mephaath in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Mephaath clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Mephaath." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/mephaath/