Meaning & History
Etymology
Mahlah is a name of Hebrew origin found in the Old Testament. It is derived from the Hebrew name מַחְלָה (Maḥla), which comes from the root ḥala, meaning "weak" or "sick." Despite this seemingly negative meaning, the name was used for notable biblical figures, both male and female.
Biblical References
In the Bible, Mahlah appears as a feminine name borne by one of the five daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 26:33, 27:1). These women famously petitioned Moses for the right to inherit their father’s land, leading to a legal precedent for inheritance rights in ancient Israel. The name also appears as a masculine name for a descendant of Manasseh (1 Chronicles 7:18). In some versions, the masculine name is spelled Mahalah.
Related Names
Variants include Mahalah. In other languages and cultures, the name appears as Maala (Biblical Latin), Machla and Machli (Biblical Hebrew), as well as Mahala and Mahalia in English.
Cultural Significance
Though rare, Mahlah has been used occasionally in English-speaking Christian communities, especially among those with a strong emphasis on biblical names. The story of Zelophehad’s daughters has been cited in discussions of women’s rights and property law in religious contexts.
- Meaning: "Weak, sick"
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: Feminine (also masculine in Bible)
- Usage: English Bible
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — List of minor Hebrew Bible figures, L–Z