Who was Mahlah in the Bible?

Mahlah was a descendant of Manasseh, mentioned as the daughter of Zelophehad's sister in 1 Chronicles 7:18. She is part of a genealogical record, and her name is also shared by one of the more famous daughters of Zelophehad from the Book of Numbers.

What is the significance of Mahlah in the Bible?

This Mahlah's significance is primarily genealogical, establishing the lineage within the tribe of Manasseh. Her mention helps trace family connections, which were crucial for understanding tribal inheritance and identity in ancient Israel.

Was Mahlah the daughter of Zelophehad?

No, this specific Mahlah was the daughter of Zelophehad's *sister* (1 Chronicles 7:18). A different, more prominent Mahlah was one of the five daughters *of* Zelophehad, who famously petitioned for inheritance rights in Numbers 27:1-11.

Mahlah

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyFemaleDaughterSister

Mahlah was the daughter of Zelophehad's sister (1Ch.7.18).

Mahlah

Biography

Mahlah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:18 as a figure within the genealogy of the tribe of Manasseh. The verse identifies Mahlah alongside Ishod and Abiezer as children born to Hammoleketh, the sister of Gilead (or Machir's descendant). This Mahlah is distinct from the more well-known Mahlah daughter of Zelophehad, though both belong to the broader Manassite tribal framework. The genealogical context of 1 Chronicles 7 traces the internal clan structures of the half-tribe of Manasseh, documenting the family lines that received territorial allotments in the Promised Land. Mahlah's inclusion in this record preserves the memory of Manassite family divisions that shaped the tribe's social and territorial organization during the period of settlement and beyond.

Significance

Mahlah's presence in the Manassite genealogy of 1 Chronicles 7 reflects the biblical writers' commitment to preserving complete tribal records, ensuring that every family's place within Israel's covenant community was documented. These genealogies served practical purposes, establishing inheritance rights and tribal identity, but also carried theological weight, affirming that God's promises to the patriarchs were being fulfilled through specific, named descendants. Mahlah's record reminds readers that God's faithfulness extends to every branch of his covenant people, not only to the prominent figures who dominate the narrative. Each name represents a family sustained by divine providence across generations.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherZelophehadSiblingMilcahSiblingHoglahSiblingTirzahSiblingNoa

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 7:18

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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