What and who is…
Maachah

also known as: Maacah, Maakah, Ma'akha, Maakath

Hebrew: מַעֲכָה‎ —transliteration: Ma`akah —possible meaning: oppression —derived from the root word Maakath (akah) meaning “to press” or “to squeeze”

This is the name of various biblical men, women, and a kingdom.

  1. Maachah, a small Syrian (Aramean) kingdom

    It was near Geshur, east of the Hauran, the district of Batanea (Joshua 13:13; 2 Samuel 10:6; 10:8; 1 Chronicles 19:7). It was known as the land of Maacah.

    It is located near the Golan Heights, Syria.

    People of this land are called Maachathites (Deuteronomy 3:14).

  2. Princess Maachah, a wife of King David

    She became one of David's wives, and was the mother of Prince Absalom (2 Samuel 3:3) and Princess Tamar.

    She is one of the daughters of King Talmai, ruler of the old native population of Geshur.

    Q & A

  3. Maachah, father of Hanan

    Maachah is the father of Hanan who was in King David’s army and was one of his bodyguards (1 Chronicles 11:43).

    Nothing else is known about this Maachah.

    Q & A

  4. Maacah, son of Nahor

    Nahor is the elder brother of Abraham. This Maacah is Nahor’s son by Reumah his concubine (Genesis 22:23-24).

    Relatives

    • Uncle: Abraham
    • Father: Nahor
    • Mother: Reumah
    • Maacah’s Brothers: Tebah, Gaham and Tahash
    Q & A

  5. Maachah, a daughter of Abishalom (aka Absalom)

    also known as: Michaiah

    She is the 3rd and most beloved wife of the polygamous King Rehoboam (1 Kings 15:2).

    …he took Maacah the daughter of Absalom, and she bore him Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith.

    And Rehoboam loved Maacah the daughter of Absalom more than all his other wives and concubines. For he had taken 18 wives and 60 concubines and became the father of 28 sons and 60 daughters. And Rehoboam set up Abijah the son of Maacah to be head and ruler among his brothers, for he intended to make him king. —2 Chronicles 11:20-22

    Maachah is alos called “Michaiah the daughter of Uriel,” who was the husband of Absalom's daughter Tamar (2 Chronicles 13:2).

    Her son Abijah (aka Abijam) was heir to the throne.

    Q & A

  6. Maachah, father of King Achish

    also known as: Maoch

    This man is the father of King Achish, the ruler of Gath (1 Kings 2:39). He is also called Maoch (1 Samuel 27:2).

  7. Maacah, a concubine of Caleb

    She bore 4 sons to Caleb son of Hezron: Sheber, Tirhanah, Shaaph, Sheva

    Q & A

More information

Article Version: January 21, 2026