Machir
ma.khir is a personal name borne chiefly by Manasseh’s firstborn, father of Gilead, and also by a man identified as Ammiel’s son.
The name chiefly identifies Machir, Manasseh’s firstborn and father of Gilead, in genealogies, land allotments, and references to his descendants; it also identifies Machir son of Ammiel at Lo-debar.
Senses in use
-
Manasseh’s firstborn and father of Gilead · dominant
The proper noun identifies the ancestor named as Manasseh’s firstborn and Gilead’s father in Joshua 17:1; the APB renders the clause “Machir the firstborn of Manasseh the father of Gilead.” In Numbers 32:39 his sons go to Gilead and capture it, while Numbers 32:40 records that Gilead’s land was given to Machir son of Manasseh. Genealogical notices likewise place Gilead as Machir’s son in Numbers 26:29 and 1 Chronicles 7:17.
-
Machir son of Ammiel at Lo-debar · occasional
The proper noun identifies a different named man by his father and location: in 2 Samuel 9:4 the APB renders “the house of Machir son of Ammiel at Lo-debar,” and 2 Samuel 9:5 says David brought the person from that house. In 2 Samuel 17:27 he is listed as “Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar” when David came to Mahanaim.
In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB consistently presents the term as the name “Machir,” often adding identifying relationships such as “son of Manasseh,” “father of Gilead,” or “son of Ammiel.” These added identifiers clarify the verse’s referent rather than define the Hebrew term itself.