MAHAVITE, THE [Heb hammaḥăwı̂m (הַמַּחֲוִים)]. A gentilic modifying Eliel, who is listed among David’s “mighty men” (1 Chr 11:46). See ELIEL #4. This listing of David’s military forces, beginning in 1 Chr 11:10, evidences the accumulating support that David received prior to his ascent of the throne.
Mahavite. Term used in 1 Chronicles 11:46 to designate Eliel, one of David’s mighty men. The word was probably added to indicate where he came from to distinguish him from the Eliel in verse 47. The meaning of the term is in doubt.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised
Mahavitemāʹhə-vīt [Heb. maḥawîm; Gk. Mawi; Vulg. Mahumites]. A name used to describe Eliel, one of David’s thirty chief men (1 Ch. 11:46). The MT is obscure here, and some scholars have suggested emending it to maḥanaymî, “of Mahanaim” (see BHS; KD; and other comms).
MAHAVAH, MAHAVITE* Term used in 1 Chronicles 11:46 to designate Eliel, one of David’s mighty men. The word was probably added to indicate where he came from so as to distinguish him from the Eliel in verse 47.
MAHAVITE. The designation given to Eliel, one of David’s mighty men (1 Chr 11:46), perhaps distinguish him from the Eliel in the following verse. The term is plural in Heb., and unknown in meaning.
Mahavite (Heb. hammaḥăwɩ̂m)A gentilic associated with Eliel, one of David’s Mighty Men (1 Chr. 11:46). The term makes little sense as it stands and has been emended to maḥănɩ̂ (“Mahanite”) or maḥănaymɩ̂ (“Mahanaimite”).
Mahavite [māˊə vīt] (Heb. maḥawîm). A gentilic associated with Eliel, one of David’s mighty men (1 Chr. 11:46). The term makes little sense as it stands and has been emended to maḥanî or maḥanaymî “Mahanaimite.”
MA´HAVITE (maʹha-vīt). Apparently a partial designation of Eliel, one of David’s guards (1 Chron. 11:46). Because no place or person called Mahavah, or Mahavai, is anywhere else alluded to from which the title could have been derived, a corruption in the text is supposed. Bertheaw suggests that it should
MAHAVITE<ma’-ha-vit> (מַחֲוִים [machawim], “villagers”): The description given to Eliel, one of David’s warrior guard (1 Ch 11:46), perhaps to distinguish him from the Eliel in the next verse. Massoretic Text is very obscure here.