Mahli

Mahli is a male first name found in English Bibles, derived from the Hebrew מַחְלִי (Maḥli), which comes from the element ḥala meaning "weak, sick".

Etymology

The name is related to the root חלה (ḥalah), meaning "to be weak or sick." Despite its seemingly negative connotation, it was used as a personal name in ancient Hebrew tradition. Variants include Mahali (an English variant) and Biblical Hebrew Machla and Machli.

Biblical Bearers

Two individuals bear this name in the Old Testament. The most notable is the son of Merari and grandson of Levi (Exodus 6:19; Numbers 3:20), who became the founder of the Mahlite clan, one of the Levitical families responsible for the tabernacle's boards, bars, pillars, and bases (Numbers 4:29-33). A second Mahli is listed in the genealogies of the Levites, son of another Mahli and descendant of Merari (1 Chronicles 6:29; 23:23).

Cultural Significance

As a Biblical Hebrew name transmitted through the Greek and Latin Vulgate, Mahli entered English usage via the King James Version and similar translations. The name is also linked to the Mahali tribe of Chepesy, resulting from phonetic sharing rather than direct descent. The

• Meaning: "weak, sick" or "sickly"
• Biblical context: Levitical clan name
• Formal types: Biblical masculine, perhaps attributed very confined places \
• Usage regions: Predominantly included never