מַחְלִי

מַחְלִי

a Machlite or (collectively) descendants of Machli

Definition

מַחְלִי (Machlîy) is a patronymic noun meaning 'a Machlite,' referring to an individual descendant of Machli, or collectively to the clan or family group descended from him. In the biblical context, the Machlites were a Levitical clan within the tribe of Levi, specifically from the line of Merari (Numbers 3:33). The term is used exclusively to identify this familial and priestly lineage within Israel's religious structure. Its two occurrences both relate to the organization and census of the Levites for their tabernacle service.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times in the book of Numbers. It is used in administrative, genealogical contexts detailing the divisions of the Levites. In Numbers 3:33, it identifies the Machlite clan within the broader family of Merari during a census of Levitical males. In Numbers 26:58, it appears again in a later census, listing the clans of Levi. The usage is consistently technical and genealogical, with no narrative or poetic occurrences.

Etymology

The word is a straightforward patronymic formation, derived directly from the proper name מַחְלִי (Machlî, H4249), meaning 'sickly' or 'weak.' The '-î' suffix indicates 'belonging to' or 'descended from.' Thus, מַחְלִי means 'of/from Machli.' There is no significant semantic development; it functions purely as a family or clan designation.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is a simple genealogical marker, its context contributes to the theology of Israel's priesthood. The precise listing of Levitical clans like the Machlites underscores God's orderly design for worship and the importance of lineage in the Old Covenant system. Understanding these tribal divisions enriches reading by highlighting how God appointed specific families for specific tabernacle duties (Numbers 3-4), pointing to a God of order who cares about the details of worship. In ancient Israelite society, clan and family identity were paramount for social structure, inheritance, and religious duty. Being identified as a 'Machlite' was not just a name but a designation of one's role and responsibility within the community, specifically for handling and transporting parts of the tabernacle (Numbers 4:29-33). This differs from modern individualism, where such familial titles carry less functional weight. מְרָרִי (Merârîy, H4847) — The broader Levitical family to which the Machlites belonged. מַחְלִי (Machlî, H4249) — The personal name of the ancestor, not the clan. לֵוִי (Lêvîy, H3878) — The overarching tribal name encompassing all Levitical families, including the Machlites.

Word Details