מְחִידָא
𐤌𐤇𐤉𐤃𐤀
Mechida
H4240 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Mechida is a personal name, used specifically in lists of temple servants (Nethinim) who returned from exile. The lexical meaning points toward a 'junction' or 'joining point,' but the word functions exclusively as a proper noun in the biblical text, designating an individual or clan associated with the post-exilic restoration community.
Semantic Range
proper name for a Nethinim clan or individual; etymologically 'junction, joining'; used only as a name in the biblical record
Root / Etymology
The noun מְחִידָא (Mechida) is derived from the root חוד, which conveys the idea of joining, connecting, or uniting. The formation appears to be a noun of place or a personal name formed from the root, with the mem-prefix suggesting instrumentality or place in some Hebrew formations, but here likely is just a conventional nominal form for a personal or clan name. Its exact morphological construction is rare or unique in the Hebrew Bible. It does not function as a common noun in biblical usage.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Mechida appears only in post-exilic genealogical lists (Ezra 2:52; Nehemiah 7:54) among the Nethinim, a group assigned to temple service by the returning Israelite community. The name is non-theophoric and is one of several similarly constructed post-exilic names apparently reflecting Aramaic influence or tendencies toward abstract nominal formations in this period. English translations generally transliterate the name directly; however, associating the name with 'junction' is etymologically correct but contextually speculative, as the text provides no narrative or descriptive information. Later Jewish tradition does not assign particular narrative significance to this figure or group, and the name should not be confused with later community identities.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from חוּד; junction; Mechida, one of the Nethinim; Mehida.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חוד (ḥ-w-d) — to join, to connect, to unite
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4240-01 |
מְחִידָ֖א | mechida | HNp |
Mehida | Mechida | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4240-01 |
Ezra 2:52 | מְחִידָ֖א | mechida | HNp |
Mehida | Mechida |
H4240-01 |
Nehemiah 7:54 | מְחִידָ֖א | mechida | HNp |
Mehida | Mechida |