מַחְלִי
𐤌𐤇𐤋𐤉
Macheli
H4250 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A descendant or member of the clan of Machli, one of the sons of Merari (a son of Levi); specifically denotes an individual belonging to the Machli line within the tribe of Levi, or collectively, the group of such descendants. Used as a clan designation within priestly genealogical contexts.
Semantic Range
descendant of Machli, member of the Machli clan, Machli line within the Levites, Machlite
Root / Etymology
From the personal name מַחְלִי (Machli), which itself is a diminutive or derived form, possibly from a root meaning 'weakness' or 'illness' (חלה, 'to be weak, sick'), though the precise etymology is uncertain. The term מַחְלִי is formed as a patronymic adjective (with the suffix ־ִי), meaning 'of Machli' or 'Machli-ite.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term מַחְלִי occurs only a few times in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., Numbers 26:58; Numbers 3:33), always in genealogical or clan lists, referring to the descendants of Machli, one of Merari's sons. As such, it functions mainly as a marker of lineage and group identity within the Levitical tribe, distinct from other Merarite clans (such as Mushites, descendants of Mushi). This term is specific to the tribal organizational system of the Israelites during the period of the wilderness wanderings and early settlement. English translations sometimes render Machli as 'Mahlite' or use phrases like 'descendant of Mahli,' but these may obscure the nuanced clan identity conveyed in the Hebrew. In post-exilic and later descendants, this designation does not appear to be continued as a living identity. The word is not used in theological or narrative contexts outside of genealogical lists.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
patronymical from מַחְלִי; a Machlite or (collectively) descendants of Machli; Mahlites.
Bantu Hebrew
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מחל (m-ḥ-l) — to be weak, to be sick; by extension, clan identity from Machli
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4250-01 |
הַ/מַּחְלִ֔י | hamacheli | HTd/Ngmsa |
of the Mahlite | the Machli-clansman | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4250-01 |
Numbers 3:33 | הַ/מַּחְלִ֔י | hamacheli | HTd/Ngmsa |
of the Mahlite | the Machli-clansman |
H4250-01 |
Numbers 26:58 | הַ/מַּחְלִי֙ | hamacheli | HTd/Ngmsa |
the Mahlite | the Machli-clansman |