מֵי זָהָב
𐤌𐤉 𐤆𐤄𐤁
Mey Zahav
H4314 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Mei Zahav is a personal name meaning 'Waters of Gold.' It is used as an epithet or identifier, specifically for an Edomite ancestor. The phrase literally denotes 'waters (belonging to or characterized by) gold,' which may refer to a geographic location noted for precious resources or suggest abundance and wealth, though the exact reference is unclear. In context, it serves as a proper name rather than a common noun.
Semantic Range
waters of gold, golden waters, proper name of an Edomite ancestor or possible locality name
Root / Etymology
A compound from מַיִם (mayim, 'water') and זָהָב (zahav, 'gold'); the form is the construct state, rendering 'waters of gold.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Mei Zahav appears only in genealogical contexts in Genesis 36:39 and 1 Chronicles 1:50 as the father of Matred and grandfather of Mehetabel, who were related to Edomite royalty. The name likely reflects a tradition associating the individual or his lineage with a location known for wealth, possibly gold-bearing streams or abundant resources typical in Edomite territory. There is no evidence that the term became a common descriptor or place name beyond this occurrence. English translations usually render the term as a proper name. The connection to gold should not be interpreted as a literal description unless archaeological or historical evidence can confirm such an association. There is no relation to later ethnonyms such as 'Jew.' The use remains fixed in the period of the patriarchal and early monarchic narratives, and no development of meaning is attested beyond the genealogical context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from מַיִם and זָהָב, water of gold; Me-Zahab, an Edomite; Mezahab.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been recorded for this word yet.
Root Family
מים, זהב (m-y-m; z-h-b) — flowing water, waters; gold, precious metal
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4314-02 |
זָהָֽב | zahav | HNp |
-zahab | gold | Mey Zahav | 2 |
H4314-01 |
מֵ֥י | mey | HNp |
Me-zahab | Waters of Gold | Mey Zahav | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4314-01 |
Genesis 36:39 | מֵ֥י | mey | HNp |
Me-zahab | Waters of Gold | Mey Zahav |
H4314-02 |
Genesis 36:39 | זָהָֽב | zahav | HNp |
zahab | gold | Mey Zahav |
H4314-01 |
1 Chronicles 1:50 | מֵ֥י | mey | HNp |
of Mei- | Waters of Gold | Mey Zahav |
H4314-02 |
1 Chronicles 1:50 | זָהָֽב | zahav | HNp |
-zahab | gold | Mey Zahav |