Who is…
Bashemath

also known as: Basemath and Mahalath

Hebrew: בָּשְׂמַת —transliteration: Bashemath or Basemath —meaning: sweet-smelling or perfume —modern version: Basmat

This is the name of 2 biblical women.

1. Basemath, the 3rd wife of Esau

   She is a daughter of Ishmael and the last of Esau’s 3 wives (Genesis 36:3-4; 36:13).

   She bore a son named Reuel, the patriarch of 4 Edomite tribes.

   She is also called Mahalath (Genesis 28:9).

   It is noteworthy that Esau’s 3 wives receive different names in the genealogical table of the Edomites (Genesis 36) from those given to them in the history (Genesis 26:34; 28:9).

   Q & A

   • Who is Ishmael, and what is his significance?
   • Who is Esau?
   • Who are the Edomites?
   • Who is Reuel?
   • Who is Mahalath?
   • What is the meaning of Mahalath maschil (Mahalath maskil) in Psalms?
   • What is maskil (aka maschil)?
   • What is the meaning of mahalath leannoth maschil in Psalms?

2. Basemath, a princess

   She is a daughter of King Solomon and became the wife of Ahimaaz, one of Solomon’s trusted regional deputies (1 Kings 4:15).

   Q & A

   • Perfumes and sweet fragrances in the Bible
   • Who is Ahimaaz?
   • Who is King Solomon?
   • Answers about royalty in the Bible:
     —kings
     —queens
     —princes

More information

• Women of the Bible