Who was Mezahab in the Bible?

Mezahab was the grandfather of Mehetabel, who became the wife of King Hadar (also called Hadad), a ruler of Edom. He is mentioned only in genealogical lists in Genesis 36:39 and 1 Chronicles 1:50.

Why is Mezahab mentioned in the Bible?

Mezahab is included to establish the royal lineage and family connections of the Edomite kings, showing the historical roots of nations neighboring Israel. His mention helps trace the genealogy from Esau (Edom) through his grandson's marriage into royalty.

What does the name Mezahab mean?

The name Mezahab likely means 'waters of gold' in Hebrew. While the Bible does not explain the meaning, names in genealogies often carried symbolic significance related to character, destiny, or circumstances.

Mezahab

Old TestamentPatriarchsMaleKingWife

Mezahab was the grandfather of Mehetabel, who was the wife of Hadar, an Edomite king (Gen.36.39; 1Ch.1.50).

Mezahab

Biography

Mezahab is a figure known from the Edomite genealogies recorded in Genesis 36:39 and 1 Chronicles 1:50. He was the father of Matred and grandfather of Mehetabel, who became the wife of Hadar (also called Hadad), the last of the Edomite kings listed before the establishment of Israelite monarchy. Mezahab's name, which may mean 'waters of gold,' suggests a connection to wealth or a notable geographic feature in Edomite territory. While Scripture provides no narrative about his personal life, his placement within the royal genealogy of Edom indicates that he belonged to a family of considerable standing. Through his granddaughter's marriage to Hadar, Mezahab's family became linked to the ruling dynasty of this neighboring nation descended from Esau.

Significance

Mezahab's presence in the Edomite king lists reflects Scripture's careful attention to the descendants of Esau alongside those of Jacob. Genesis 36 fulfills God's promise that Esau too would become a great nation, even as the covenant line passed through Jacob. The detailed recording of Edomite genealogies, including figures like Mezahab, demonstrates God's sovereign oversight of all nations, not only Israel. The Edomite dynasty's documentation also provides historical context for the complex relationship between Israel and Edom that would unfold across centuries. Mezahab's inclusion reminds readers that God's providential care extends beyond the elect people, ordering the affairs of surrounding nations within his broader redemptive purposes.

Verse Appearances (2)

Genesis

Genesis 36:39

1Chr

1Chr 1:50

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]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →

Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources