25 Bible Names Starting with the Letter 'M'' Quiz

Answer: Methuselah

Methuselah was the oldest person in the Bible, living for 969 years, according to Genesis 5:27. He was the son of Enoch and the grandfather of Noah. Holding down second spot for the oldest living person in the Bible is Jared, who lived for 962 years as per Genesis 5:20. Adam, who lived for 930 years, was the third oldest person in the Bible, as per Genesis 5:5. Methuselah's longevity has given birth to today's comical expression that someone or something is "as old as Methuselah".

Answer: Moses

According to Exodus 7:7, Moses was 80 years old when he and his 83-year-old brother Aaaron requested permission from the Pharaoh to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Meanwhile, in Exodus 4:10, Moses describes himself as "slow of speech and slow of tongue."

Moses and Aaron formed a dynamic duo and Scripture reports they were used by the LORD to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. After ten vicious plagues -- everything from the Nile River turning into blood and the deaths of the country's firstborn -- the brothers finally received the Pharaoh's permission to leave Egypt and to head to the Promised Land.

The two brothers were also assisted by their sister Miriam.

Answer: Miriam

Miriam was afflicted with leprosy, but ended up being cured and re-instated into the Israelite camp. According to the KJV and the NKJV, the grumbling about her brother Moses' selection of an Ethiopian woman as his wife caused serious problems for Miriam. (The NIV uses the word 'Cushite, rather than Ethiopian.) Numbers 12:5 tells of Miriam and Aaron stepping forward and the LORD coming down in a pillar of cloud. When the pillar of the cloud had disappeared, Aaron noticed his sister Miriam was leprous and "as white as snow". After Moses pleaded to God to cure Miriam of her leprosy, she was cleansed and reinstated into the Israelite camp after a seven-day absence.

The fact that Miriam's name appears before Aaron seems to indicate she was complaining much more than Aaron.

No one knows for certain, but many theologians believe Miriam was the one who watched from a distance when Moses was placed in a basket along the banks of the Nile River, as per Exodus 2:4. Miriam is known for leading a victory song by the women after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. According to Exodus 15:20, she took a tambourine in her hand and "all the women followed her with, tambourines and dancing."

Answer: Mephibosheth

Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul and Scripture reports he was "lame in both feet." David and Mephibosheth's father were the best of friends. This, even though Jonathan's father Saul devoted much of his latter life trying to kill David. 2 Samuel 9:7 states that David restored to Mephibosheth all the land that belonged to his grandfather Saul and he ensured he would "always dine at his table with him."

Answer: Melchizedek

According to Genesis 14:18, Melchizedek was the king of Salem and the priest of God Most High who blessed Abraham, who was known as Abram at the time. Scripture goes on to tell of Abraham giving "a tithe of all."

Although Melchizedek is largely a character connected with Genesis, his name also appears no less than nine times in the Book of Hebrews -- 5:6, 10, 6:20, 7:1, 10, 11 15, 17, 21.

The name can be also found in Psalm 110:4, which states in part in the NKJV Bible, "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."

In a nutshell, the writer of Hebrews makes a comparison between Melchizedek and Jesus, and states that Christ is far greater.

Answer: Manasseh

Manasseh became king at the tender age of twelve and, according to Scripture, ruled until he was sixty-seven. Scripture states Manasseh was extremely brutal. 2 Kings 21:16, states Manasseh "shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem from end to end." Scripture also reports he worshiped false gods and rebuilt high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed. According to Wikipedia, the name Manasseh means "causing to forget."

There is a second Manasseh in Scripture. The other Manasseh was the first-born son of Joseph and Asenath, as per Genesis 41:51.

Answer: Michal

Michal is the correct answer. According to Scripture, Saul, the father of Michal, ordered David to produce the foreskins from one hundred Philistines to win his daughter's hand, as he firmly believed David would be killed in the process and he would no longer have to contend with him. According to the 18th chapter of 1 Samuel, David killed twice as many Philistines as needed and easily won Michal's hand, much to the consternation of Saul.

Answer: Manoah

According to Scripture, Manoah's wife was unable to conceive for the longest time and the birth of Samson was foretold by an unnamed angel of the LORD. While foretelling of Samson's birth, the angel announced Samson would "begin to deliver Israel out of the hands of the Philistines." For details about Samson's birth, see Judges 13.

Samson, of course, would become a judge of Israel who was known for his super strength. He would rule over Israel for twenty years before being betrayed by his Philistine lover, Delilah.

According to Scripture, Manoah was from Zorah, of the family of the Danites.

Answer: Micah

Micah is the correct answer. The prophecy about the "One to be Ruler" coming from Bethlehem is found in Micah 5:2, with many Christians interpreting the verse to be in reference to the birth of Jesus Christ.

While many of the prophets in the Old Testament tell of Israel facing doom and gloom, Micah also tells of future blessings.

Little is known about the personal life of Micah. However, Micah 1:1 states that he came from Moresheth and prophesied in the days of Jothan, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. According to notes in the NKJV Study Bible, Moresheth was in the lowlands of Judah, near the region of Philistia.

Answer: Malachi

The name 'Malachi' means 'My Messenger', but little is known about him. Some modern day theologians even speculate Malachi is not the name of the author of the book.

Malachi prophesied God will send a "messenger" and many Christians believe this is in reference to John the Baptist, who served as a forerunner for Jesus Christ. For Malachi's prophecy, see Malachi 3.

The book consists of four chapters, making it one of the smaller books in the Bible.

Answer: Micaiah

Micaiah predicted the death of Ahab in a lengthy discourse that can be found in 1 Kings 22:8-28. In Verse 8, Ahab, king of Israel, is quoted as saying he hated Micaiah because "he never prophesies anything good about me." Micaiah was once again true to form when he delivered his prophesy. The death of Ahab is chronicled in 2 Kings 22:29-40.

Not much is known about Micaiah, but Scripture does state he was the son of Imlah. He was also a contemporary of Jeremiah, as per Jeremiah 36:11-13.

Answer: Maacah

According to 2 Samuel 3:3, Maacah was the mother of Absalom. The verse goes on to state she was the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. However, not much is known about her as she is mentioned in passing reference.

When it comes to Absalom, it's a bit of a long story. In a nutshell, he plunged the country into civil war when he attempted to oust David, his father, as king. It all came to an ignoble end when Absalom died a highly unusual death during a heated battle between forces loyal to the two men. 2 Samuel 18 states the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim and 20,000 men were killed. According to Scripture, Absalom had beautiful long hair that got caught in a tree branch while he was riding on a donkey. After Absalom was left hanging in mid-air, Joab, one of David's three military commanders, killed him. Even though Absalom was attempting to overthrow David and kill him in the process, Scripture reports that David was deeply shaken by the death.

Answer: Mara

The account of Naomi referring to herself as Mara can be found in Ruth 1:19-20 when she traveled to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law Ruth. The verses tell of Naomi informing her friends to no longer refer to her as Naomi, but as Mara. According to Scripture, Naomi stated she wanted to be called Mara because "the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me." Notes in the NIV Study Bible state Naomi means 'pleasant' while Mara means 'bitter'.

Scripture states Naomi lost her husband, Elimelek, and her two sons -- Mahlon and Chilion. (In the NIV, Chilion is referred to as Kilion.) However, there is no indication in Scripture as to how the three men died.

Answer: Mordecai

Mordecai figures prominently in the book of Esther. He teamed with Queen Esther to comprise a dynamic duo that saved the day for the Jewish people. In fact, had it not been for this duo, there's a very real possibility Haman would have had his way and arranged the execution of all the Jews in the vast region ruled over by the man known in the NKJV as King Ahasuerus. (In the NIV, the king is known as Xerxes.) After Haman was thwarted, he ended up being hanged on the gallows he had rigged for the intended execution of Mordecai.

The story of Esther, Mordecai and Haman is told in the book of Esther.

Answer: Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz

The name Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz appears in Isaiah 8:1 and notes in the NKJV Study Bible state the name means "Speed the Spoil, Hasten the Booty." (In the KJV, the name appears as Mahershalalhashbaz.)

According to Scripture, Isaiah was commanded to write the name in large characters on a tablet and afterwards to give as a symbolical name to his son. (See Isaiah 8:1-3)

The website Christiananswers.net states the name was in reference to a sudden attack on Damascus and Syria by the Assyrian army.

The three other names are not found in Scripture. They are simply a figment of my imagination.

Answer: Mahlon

Mahlon was the first husband of Ruth, the son of Elimelek and Naomi and the brother of Chilion. (In the NIV, Chilion's anme appears as Kilion.) According to Scripture, Nahlon died, as well as his father and his brother, leaving their wives as widows. However, Scripture does not indicate how the three men died.

Later, Ruth would marry Boaz and they would become the parents of Obed. Scripture goes on to state Obed was the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David. Ruth's name appears in the genealogy of Christ, as per Matthew 1:5.

Answer: Meshach

Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego were thrown into a fiery furnace after King Nebuchadnezzar learned the three Jewish men had refused to bow down and worship a gigantic image of gold he had made, according to the third chapter of Daniel. According to Scripture, the furnace was so hot the flames killed the soldiers who were attempting to take Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego to their doom. However, the trio was not harmed by the immense heat, and Nebuchadnezzar, after seeing a fourth men in the furnace who looked like "the Son of God", ordered their release. The story ends with the king singing the praises of "the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants!" The three men, according to Scripture, were subsequently promoted by the king.

Daniel, a friend of the three men, assumed the name Belteshazzar while Mishael became known as Meshach, Hananiah became known as Shadrach and Azariah as Abed-Nego, as per Daniel 1:7.

Answer: Manasseh

Manasseh is the correct answer. According to Genesis 41:51, Manasseh means "For God made me forget all my toil and all my father's house." Not much is known about Manasseh as he is largely mentioned in passing reference. Chapter 48 of Genesis tells of Manasseh being blessed by his grandfather Jacob.

Hezekiah also had a son called Manasseh who served as a wicked king of Judah, as per 2 King 21:1-18.

Answer: Mary

Mary, of course, is the correct answer. Tradition holds Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, was her cousin while Scripture states Mary was married to Joseph, a carpenter. (In the KJV, Elizabeth's name appears as Elisabeth.)

Incidentally, both the NKJV and the NIV don't use the word 'cousins' in describing the relationship of Mary and Elizabeth. The two versions of the Bible both substitute the word 'relatives' for cousins. The KJV, however, describes them as cousins in Luke 1:58.

Mary was the young teenage girl who gave birth to Jesus while she was still a virgin. Details about the miraculous birth can be found in the first chapter of Matthew and the first and second chapters of Luke. Scripture doesn't state her age, but many theologians believe she was fifteen years old or younger when she gave birth to Jesus, as it was the custom of the day for girls to marry extremely young.

Answer: Matthias

Judas Iscariot, one of the original Twelve Disciples, hanged himself after betraying Jesus prior to the crucifixion, and Matthias was selected to replace him. Judas Iscariot's suicide is reported in Matthew 27:5. Meanwhile, the selection of Matthias is reported in Acts 1:12-26.

He was selected over Joseph, called Barsabas, according to Scripture. This is the only time Matthias is mentioned in Scripture.

Answer: Martha

Martha is known as the busy one while her sister Mary is known for being attentive. Martha and Mary are the best known sisters in the New Testament. Details about Martha being busy while Mary was listening to the teachings of Jesus can be found in Luke 10:38-42. The story appears right after the famous parable known as The Good Samaritan.

Answer: Malchus

The account of Malchus having his ear severed by Peter can be found in Matthew 26:51, Mark 14:7, Luke 22:50 and John 18:10. (Peter is identified in only John 18:10. In the other references, it simply tells of the severing of Malchus' ear.)

I find it highly fascinating that Luke, the physician, is the only one to report about the healing of Malchus' severed ear. After the ear was cut, Jesus tells Peter to put away the sword. After Jesus touches Malchus in the area of the wound, his ear is restored to normal.

For details about the miraculous restoration of Malchus' ear, see Luke 22:49-51.
Malchus, however, is not identified by name in Luke's Gospel. He is identified only in John.

Answer: Mary Magdalene

The correct answer is Mary Magdalene. Mark 16:9, as well as Luke 8:2, state Jesus had driven seven demons out of Mary. However, no details are given, with the verses simply stating the demons had been driven out previously. There is no mention in the Gospels of Matthew and John about the demons being driven out of Mary.

Mary is distinguished from a number of other women in the New Testament who are also called Mary by having Magdalene follow her name. It is believed she got the moniker because she came from Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Answer: Mark

The Gospel of Mark is the second Gospel, appearing after Matthew, and before Luke and John. It is strongly believed, however, the Gospel of Mark was the first of four Gospels to be written. Theologians have come to this conclusion because a substantial amount of the accounts in Mark also appear in Matthew and Luke.

Although there is no conclusive proof, many theologians believe the writer of Mark was John Mark, a cousin of Barnabas. Similar to many people in the New Testament, John Mark often did not go by his full name and was simply referred to as Mark.

Answer: Matthew

Matthew, the writer of the first of the four Gospels in order of appearance, was also known as Levi. Tradition has it he is the same Matthew that wrote the first Gospel that bears the same name. According to Mark 2:14, Levi was the son of Alphaeus. The Web site Christiananswers.net states Matthew was a common name after the exile. Before becoming a disciple, he was a tax collector, as per Matthew 9:9.

It was common for people in Biblical times to have two names. For example, among the Twelve Disciples, Peter is also known as Simon, Nathanael is also known as Bartholomew and Thomas as Didymus. Then there's Saul who became Paul and Joses who was better known as Barnabas.