Meremoth

At a Glance

A Hebrew personal name shared by several Old Testament men, especially figures connected with priestly service and Jerusalem’s restoration after the exile.

Key Points

• Not a theological concept, but a personal name.
• Best known in Ezra-Nehemiah.
• Used for more than one individual, so passages must be distinguished by context.
• Associated with priestly, temple, or rebuilding activity.

Description

Meremoth is an Old Testament Hebrew personal name borne by more than one man, especially in the postexilic books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The name is associated with priestly or Levitical service, the handling of temple vessels, and participation in the repair and restoration of Jerusalem’s wall. These references belong to the historical record of Israel’s return from exile and the reestablishment of temple and civic life under Persian rule. Because the same name is used for multiple individuals, each occurrence should be read in its own literary and historical context rather than assumed to refer to one continuous biography.

Biblical Context

In Ezra-Nehemiah, Meremoth appears among those involved in restoration after the exile, including temple-related responsibilities and wall rebuilding. The name fits the broader biblical pattern of ordinary servants being used in the rebuilding of worship and community life.

Historical Context

The references come from the Persian-period restoration of Judah, when returnees organized temple service, handled sacred objects, and repaired Jerusalem’s defenses. Meremoth belongs to that postexilic setting.

Jewish and Ancient Context

In the ancient Jewish setting, personal names were often repeated across generations and among different families. A shared name does not identify one person unless the immediate context makes that clear.

Primary Key Texts

• Ezra 8:33
• Nehemiah 3:4, 21
• Nehemiah 10:5
• Nehemiah 12:3, 15

Secondary Key Texts

• Ezra-Nehemiah’s priestly and restoration lists
• compare other genealogical and service lists where the same name may appear in context.

Original Language Note

Hebrew personal name, transliterated Meremoth. The same name is used for more than one individual in the Old Testament.

Theological Significance

Meremoth is not a doctrinal term, but the references associated with this name highlight the importance of faithful service in the restoration of God’s people after exile.

Philosophical Explanation

This entry is a case of onomastic overlap: one Hebrew name is attached to more than one historical person. Sound interpretation requires distinguishing individuals by context rather than flattening the references into one figure.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not merge all Meremoth references into a single biography without checking the passage. The name is shared by multiple men, and Ezra-Nehemiah especially requires close contextual reading.

Major Views

Readers and commentators commonly distinguish the passages by context and treat Meremoth as a repeated personal name rather than as one central character.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry concerns a biblical personal name and historical figures, not a doctrine or theological term.

Practical Significance

The name Meremoth reminds readers that God’s work often advances through many lesser-known servants whose faithfulness is recorded briefly but meaningfully.

Related Entries

• Ezra
• Nehemiah
• Priest
• Levite
• Temple

See Also

• Postexilic period
• Jerusalem wall
• Temple vessels
• Genealogy