מַחֲוִים
𐤌𐤇𐤅𐤉𐤌
Machavim
H4233 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A gentilic noun referring to a person (or people) from a location named Machaveh, whose precise identification is uncertain. It functions in the Hebrew Bible as an ethnic or geographic marker, indicating origin or association with an otherwise unknown settlement or region.
Semantic Range
inhabitant or native of Machaveh; person from an unknown or unattested locality; member of an unidentified group or region
Root / Etymology
Formed as a gentilice from an unlocated place name מַחֲוָה (Machaveh or Machavah); root and meaning of the underlying toponym are uncertain. The morphological structure follows standard Hebrew patterns for forming gentilic demonyms (using masc. pl. -ִים ending). Etymology uncertain; root may be unrelated to attested common roots.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, the form מַחֲוִים appears only in 1 Chronicles 11:47 as part of a genealogical list, identifying one of David’s mighty men (Ithmah) as a 'Machavite.' No location named Machaveh or Machavah is preserved elsewhere in biblical or extrabiblical sources, and attempts at identification remain entirely speculative. The plural ending is a typical Hebrew pattern for gentilics, sometimes used in reference to one person, especially in genealogical or list contexts. Standard English translations (such as 'Mahavite') are transliterations rather than translations and do not convey geographic or ethnic specificity. Unlike more familiar gentilics (e.g., 'Bethlehemite'), the underlying location here is unattested, limiting the term’s interpretive context and making its historical referent obscure.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently a patrial, but from an unknown place (in the plural only for a singular); a Machavite or inhabitant of some place named Machaveh; Mahavite.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
מַחֲוָה (uncertain) (machavah (uncertain)) — geographic origin, ethnic designation, place-based identity
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4233-01 |
הַֽ/מַּחֲוִ֔ים | hamachavim | HTd/Ngmpa |
the Mahavite | the Machaveh-men | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4233-01 |
1 Chronicles 11:46 | הַֽ/מַּחֲוִ֔ים | hamachavim | HTd/Ngmpa |
the Mahavite | the Machaveh-men |