בִּמְהָל
Bimhal, an Israelite
Definition
Bimhal is a proper name of an Israelite man, mentioned only once in the Old Testament. The name appears in a genealogical list of the tribe of Asher, where Bimhal is identified as one of the sons of Japhlet (1 Chronicles 7:33). As a personal name, it does not have multiple senses or meanings in different biblical passages. Its significance is primarily genealogical, serving to trace the lineage and descendants within the tribe of Asher.
Biblical Usage
The word is used exclusively in 1 Chronicles 7:33 within a genealogical record. It functions solely as a proper noun, identifying an individual within the lineage of the tribe of Asher. There are no other occurrences or contextual patterns, as it appears only in this list of names documenting the descendants of Asher.
Etymology
The name Bimhal (בִּמְהָל) is likely derived from the Hebrew root מָהַל (mâhal, H4107), which means 'to circumcise' or 'to cut.' It is prefixed with the preposition בְּ (be), meaning 'in' or 'with.' Thus, the name can be interpreted as 'in circumcision' or 'with pruning.' This suggests a name with a symbolic or ritual significance, possibly related to covenant identity or cultivation.
Semantic Range
While Bimhal itself is a minor genealogical figure, his inclusion underscores the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises through specific family lines. The preservation of such names in Scripture highlights the value of every individual within God's plan for Israel. Understanding the name's likely meaning ('in circumcision') can subtly connect this individual to the covenant sign given to Abraham, emphasizing lineage and identity within the people of God.
In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried meaningful connotations, reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or attributes of God. A name like Bimhal, potentially meaning 'in circumcision,' would directly associate the individual with the foundational covenant practice that set Israel apart (Genesis 17:10-14). This differs from modern naming conventions, where names are often chosen for sound or family tradition rather than explicit semantic meaning.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →