of Hebrew origin (מַהֲלַלְאֵל); Maleleel (i.e. Mahalalel), an antediluvian:--Maleleel.
Transliteration:Maleleḗl
Pronunciation:mal-el-eh-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G3121, *Maleleḗl* (Μαλελεήλ), is a proper noun, specifically a transliteration of the Hebrew name Mahalalel (`{{H4110}}`). The base definition correctly identifies its Hebrew origin. To understand its core meaning, one must delve into the etymology of its Hebrew root. The name Mahalalel is composed of two primary elements:
1. *Mahalal* (מַהֲלַל), derived from the root `{{H1984}}` *halal*, which signifies "to praise, to laud, to boast, to shine." This root is foundational to the concept of worship and adoration directed towards God.
2. *El* (אֵל), which is the common Hebrew word for "God" (`{{H410}}`).
Combining these elements, the name Mahalalel, and thus its Greek transliteration Maleleḗl, carries the profound meaning of "Praise of God" or "God is praise." It is not a verb or an adjective describing an action or quality, but rather a proper noun, serving as the personal name of an antediluvian patriarch. Its semantic range is therefore tightly confined to this specific individual and the theological implications embedded within his name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name *Maleleḗl* (G3121) appears in the New Testament exclusively within the genealogies, specifically in the Gospel of Luke. Its sole occurrence is in [[Luke 3:37]], where it lists an ancestor in the lineage of Jesus Christ: "the son of Maleleel, the son of Cainan, the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God."
Contextually, Maleleel is presented as one of the antediluvian patriarchs, a direct descendant of Adam, standing five generations removed from the first man (Adam -> Seth -> Enos -> Cainan -> Maleleel). His inclusion in Luke's genealogy underscores the historical continuity and divine preservation of the human lineage that culminates in the Messiah. Genealogies in the biblical narrative serve to establish legitimacy, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises, and trace the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through specific individuals and families. The brevity of his mention in the New Testament does not diminish his significance, as his very presence in the lineage affirms the historical reality and divine oversight of the generations leading to Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew original, Mahalalel (`{{H4110}}`), which is found in the Old Testament in [[Genesis 5:12-17]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:2]]. Understanding the Hebrew name is essential, as G3121 is merely its Greek phonetic representation.
Key concepts and related terms include:
* **Praise (`{{H1984}}` *halal*):** The root of Mahalalel, emphasizing the act of adoration and glorification of God. This concept permeates the entire biblical narrative, from the Psalms to the heavenly worship described in Revelation.
* **God (`{{H410}}` *El*):** The divine element in the name, signifying the object of praise and the ultimate source of all being.
* **Genealogy:** The structured record of descent, crucial for establishing identity and tracing the fulfillment of divine promises, particularly the Messianic line.
* **Patriarchs:** The early fathers of the human race, whose lives and names contribute to the unfolding narrative of salvation history.
* **Antediluvian Era:** The period before the Great Flood, a time characterized by longevity and the early development of human society, as recorded in Genesis.
* **Divine Providence:** The concept that God actively guides and oversees the course of history, including the preservation of specific lineages, to achieve His redemptive purposes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *Maleleḗl* (Mahalalel) lies primarily in the meaning of his name and his placement within the Messianic genealogy. "Praise of God" or "God is praise" is not merely a label but a profound theological statement embedded within the very fabric of the lineage leading to Christ.
1. **A Testament to God's Character:** The name itself declares that God is worthy of praise. Even in the early, pre-Flood world, amidst the burgeoning sinfulness described in Genesis, God raised up individuals whose very names bore witness to His glory and worthiness of adoration.
2. **A Prophetic Declaration:** The inclusion of "Praise of God" in the ancestral line of Jesus suggests a divine intention. The ultimate "Praise of God" would be fully realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ, through whom God's glory and redemptive power are supremely manifested. Christ's life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate expressions of God's praiseworthiness.
3. **Continuity of Faith:** The presence of such a name in the genealogy implies a continuity of faith or at least a divine acknowledgment of the importance of praise within the human story, even through generations that may have strayed. It serves as a reminder that God’s plan of salvation spans generations and is marked by His enduring faithfulness.
4. **Thematic Resonance:** The theme of praise runs throughout Scripture, culminating in the worship of God and the Lamb in Revelation. The name Maleleel foreshadows this pervasive biblical theme, suggesting that from the earliest times, humanity's proper response to God is one of praise and adoration.
### Summary
G3121, *Maleleḗl*, is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Mahalalel (`{{H4110}}`), meaning "Praise of God" or "God is praise." This proper noun refers to an antediluvian patriarch, a direct descendant of Adam, whose sole appearance in the New Testament is in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in [[Luke 3:37]]. His inclusion underscores the historical continuity and divine preservation of the lineage leading to the Messiah. The theological significance of Maleleel's name lies in its declaration of God's inherent praiseworthiness and its subtle foreshadowing of the ultimate praise that would be rendered to God through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The name serves as a testament to God's character and the enduring theme of praise throughout salvation history.
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