מַעַץ
Maats, an Israelite
Definition
Maats is a proper noun referring to an individual in the genealogy of Judah. He is listed as a son of Ram, the firstborn of Jerahmeel, within the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:27). As a genealogical entry, the name serves to establish lineage and tribal identity. The name itself, derived from a root meaning 'to be strong' or 'to be firm,' may have been intended to convey a positive attribute about the individual or his family line.
Biblical Usage
The word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 2:27. Its usage is strictly genealogical, appearing in a list that traces the descendants of Judah through the line of Jerahmeel. There are no other contexts or patterns of usage, as it is a single-instance personal name.
Etymology
The name Maats (מַעַץ) is derived from the Hebrew root עָצָה (ʿāṣâ, H6095), which carries the core meaning 'to be strong, firm, or decisive.' It is related to words implying counsel or resolve. The name is likely a shortened or nominal form meaning 'strength' or 'firmness,' reflecting a common practice of giving children names with positive or aspirational meanings.
Semantic Range
While the individual Maats is not a major biblical figure, his inclusion in the genealogy of Judah is theologically significant. It underscores the biblical emphasis on God's faithfulness to His covenant promises through specific family lines, particularly the line of Judah which would eventually produce King David and, according to the New Testament, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3-6). Understanding such names reinforces the historical reliability and intentional design of biblical genealogies.
In ancient Israelite culture, personal names were often meaningful, reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or character traits. A name like Maats, suggesting strength, was likely chosen to bestow a blessing or declare an identity upon the child. Genealogies were crucial for establishing tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, and priestly lineage, making the preservation of such names vital for social and religious structure.
Azaz (עֲזָז, H5811) — Another name derived from a root (עזז) meaning 'to be strong.' Uzziel (עֻזִּיאֵל, H5816) — A compound name meaning 'my strength is God,' sharing the 'strength' concept.
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.
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