מָעַי
𐤌𐤏𐤉
Maay
H4597 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Maai, a personal name referring to an Israelite individual returned from exile; the name likely derives from a root related to 'innards' or 'internal organs,' but in biblical context functions only as a proper noun without further lexical meaning.
Semantic Range
proper name (personal), possible literal sense 'my inward parts' (only as etymological background), no functional common noun usage
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew root מֵעֶה (mê'eh), meaning 'internal organs, bowels, innermost parts,' typically used to denote the inner body or, metaphorically, the seat of emotion. The formation מָעַי (Maʻay) uses the first-person singular possessive ending '-ay,' suggesting 'my innards' or 'my inward parts'; however, as a proper name, the literal sense is not emphasized. Actual etymological motivation may be uncertain due to personal naming conventions.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The name מָעַי (Maai) appears in Nehemiah 12:36, listed among the Levitical musicians during the time of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, indicating a post-exilic context and veteran Levitical families. It is unique to this passage and does not carry a functional lexical meaning outside the context of a proper noun. The usage of names derived from internal organs is attested elsewhere in ancient Semitic cultures, often as expressions of cherished value or deep affection, though in this instance, the name is simply a personal or family name. English translations sometimes render the name phonetically ('Maai') and may include parenthetical explanations or cross-references. The literal sense of the name is rarely foregrounded in biblical interpretation. There is no meaningful connection with ethnic, geographic, or religious identity shifts in this usage, as the context is strictly a post-exilic Levitical genealogy.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
xlit Mâʻai corrected to Mâʻay; probably from מֵעֶהxlit mêʻâh corrected to mêʻeh; sympathetic; Maai, an Israelite; Maai.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
מעה (m-ʿ-h) — internal organs, innermost parts, seat of emotion
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4597-01 |
מָעַ֞י | maay | HNp |
Maai | Maai | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4597-01 |
Nehemiah 12:36 | מָעַ֞י | maay | HNp |
Maai | Maai |