Maachah

Maachah is a variant form of Maacah, appearing in some versions of the Old Testament, notably the King James Version. The name derives from the Hebrew root maʿaḵ (מָעַך), meaning "to press, to crush" or "crushed." In the Bible, Maachah is used as a non-gender-specific personal name, borne by both male and female figures.

Notable Bearers

The most prominent Maachah is the wife of King David and daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur (1 Chronicles 3:2). She was the mother of Absalom and Tamar, and her story is intertwined with the tragic events of Absalom's rebellion. Other individuals named Maachah or Maacah in the Bible include: a child of Abraham's brother Nahor (Genesis 22:23-24); the wife of Machir, son of Manasseh (1 Chronicles 7:15-16); a wife of Caleb (1 Chronicles 2:48); a king of Gath (1 Kings 2:39); and the granddaughter of Absalom, also named Maacah, who was a wife of King Rehoboam and mother of Abijam (1 Kings 15:2).

Linguistic Notes

In the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), the name appears as Maacha, and the Latin Vulgate renders it as Maacha. The King James Version prefers the spelling Maachah, while modern translations often use Maacah. The underlying Hebrew form is מַעֲכָה (Maʿăḵā), related to the name of a small Aramean kingdom near Mount Hermon, whose inhabitants were known as Maacathites.

• Meaning: "to press, to crush"
• Origin: Hebrew
• Type: Feminine (usually, though also used as masculine)
• Usage: Biblical (Old Testament)