of Hebrew origin (מֶלֶךְ with pronominal suffix, my king); Melchi (i.e. Malki), the name of two Israelites:--Melchi.
Transliteration:Melchí
Pronunciation:mel-khee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Μελχί (Melchí), Strong's G3197, derives directly from a Hebrew origin, specifically from the word מֶלֶךְ (melek), meaning "king" `{{H4428}}`, combined with a first-person pronominal suffix, yielding the meaning "my king." As a personal name, its semantic range is primarily restricted to identifying specific individuals within a lineage. However, the inherent meaning of the name itself carries significant theological weight, subtly pointing to divine sovereignty and the concept of kingship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Melchí appears exclusively in the Gospel of Luke's genealogy of Jesus Christ. It is found twice, referring to two distinct individuals within the lineage:
* [[Luke 3:24]]: "the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er..." Here, Melchi is listed as an ancestor of Jesus through Joseph (or possibly Mary, depending on the interpretation of Luke's genealogy), appearing many generations before Christ.
* [[Luke 3:28]]: "the son of Melchi, the son of Janna, the son of Joseph, the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos..." In this instance, another individual named Melchi is listed, further back in the lineage, preceding the Melchi mentioned in [[Luke 3:24]].
In both occurrences, Melchí functions purely as a genealogical marker, connecting Jesus to His ancestral heritage. The context is a straightforward enumeration of names, emphasizing the historical and lineal claim to the Davidic throne. No specific actions or narratives are associated with these individuals beyond their placement in the family tree.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew מֶלֶךְ (melek) `{{H4428}}`, which denotes "king" or "ruler." This root is foundational to understanding the meaning of Melchí. Other significant biblical names and concepts are also related:
* **Melchizedek (מַלְכִּי־צֶדֶק)** `{{H4442}}`: Meaning "my king is righteousness" or "king of righteousness," this figure from [[Genesis 14]] and [[Psalm 110]] is profoundly significant, especially in the Epistle to the Hebrews, where Jesus is identified as a high priest "after the order of Melchizedek" [[Hebrews 5:6]]. The structural similarity of the name (Malchi + component) highlights the theme of divine kingship.
* **Malkijah (מַלְכִּיָּה)** `{{H4436}}`: Another name incorporating "my king," often signifying "Yah is my king."
* **Kingship and Divine Sovereignty**: The very concept of "my king" points to the broader theological theme of God's sovereign rule over His people and the world.
* **Messianic Lineage**: The presence of names like Melchí in Jesus' genealogy underscores His royal heritage and His rightful claim as the promised King of Israel.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of "Melchí" (My King) in the genealogy of Jesus, though seemingly incidental, carries profound theological weight.
1. **Affirmation of Royal Lineage**: The name itself subtly reinforces the Davidic and royal heritage of Jesus. Even if the individuals bearing the name were not kings themselves, their very names declared a personal allegiance to or recognition of kingship. In the context of the Messiah's lineage, this points to Jesus' identity as the ultimate King.
2. **Anticipation of Christ's Kingship**: The name "My King" within the lineage of the Messiah serves as a quiet foreshadowing. Throughout the Old Testament, the expectation was for a kingly Messiah. The presence of this name in the ancestral line points to the culmination of God's plan in Jesus, who is indeed the King of kings and Lord of lords [[Revelation 19:16]].
3. **Divine Sovereignty in History**: The name Melchí, meaning "my king," can be seen as a testament to the ongoing recognition of God's sovereignty throughout generations. Even in the seemingly mundane act of listing ancestors, the names themselves can bear witness to the faith and understanding of those who named their children. It implies a personal devotion or acknowledgment of God as one's sovereign.
4. **God's Purpose in the Obscure**: The fact that these individuals are known only by their names in a list underscores God's meticulous and purposeful work through all generations, even through those who are not prominent figures. Each link in the chain, however obscure, serves God's overarching redemptive plan, culminating in Christ.
### Summary
Μελχί (Melchí) is a Greek proper noun, G3197, derived from the Hebrew "my king." It appears twice in the Gospel of Luke's genealogy of Jesus Christ, identifying two distinct ancestors. While serving primarily as a genealogical marker, the inherent meaning of the name "my king" carries significant theological resonance. It subtly affirms Jesus' royal lineage, anticipates His ultimate kingship, and points to the enduring recognition of God's sovereignty throughout the generations leading to the Messiah. The presence of such a name in the lineage underscores God's purposeful work through all individuals, however obscure, in His grand redemptive narrative.
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