or יִמְלָה; from מָלֵא; full; Jimla or Jimlah, an Israelite; Imla, Imlah.
Transliteration:Yimlâʼ
Pronunciation:yeem-law'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3229, transliterated as *Yimlâʼ* (יִמְלָא), is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. It is derived from the Hebrew root `{{H4390}}` (mālēʼ), which carries the primary meaning "to be full," "to fill," "to complete," or "to be abundant." As a proper name, *Yimlâʼ* can be interpreted in several ways, all stemming from this core concept of "fullness." Possible meanings include "He will fill," "God fills," or simply "Fullness." Such names often convey an aspect of divine blessing, a characteristic of the individual, or a hope for their future. In the context of biblical names, the nuance often leans towards a theological declaration, suggesting the active role of God in bringing about completion or abundance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Imla (or Imlah) appears in two instances in the Old Testament, both referring to the same individual:
* [[1 Kings 22:8]]: "And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, 'There is still one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord, Micaiah the son of Imlah; but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.'"
* [[2 Chronicles 18:7]]: "But Jehoshaphat said, 'Is there not still a prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of him?' And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, 'There is still one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord, Micaiah the son of Imlah; but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.'"
In both parallel accounts, Imla is identified solely as the father of Micaiah, the prophet. The narrative unfolds during a critical moment in the reign of King Ahab of Israel, who, in alliance with King Jehoshaphat of Judah, plans to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead. While 400 court prophets deliver a uniformly positive message, Micaiah, son of Imla, stands alone in delivering a word of divine judgment predicting Ahab's defeat and death. The kings' reluctance to hear from Micaiah underscores the challenging nature of true prophecy when it contradicts human desires. The name Imla, meaning "fullness," subtly undergirds the narrative here. Though only a patronymic, it could suggest that Micaiah's lineage was one "full" of God's truth, or that his prophetic message was "full" of divine authority and uncompromised by human will, in stark contrast to the empty assurances of the false prophets.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to H3229 is its root, `{{H4390}}` (mālēʼ), which is a verb meaning "to be full," "to fill," or "to complete." This root is extensively used throughout the Hebrew Bible to describe:
* **Physical fullness:** e.g., a land "full" of violence ([[Genesis 6:11]]), a hand "full" of offerings ([[Exodus 28:41]]).
* **Emotional or spiritual fullness:** e.g., being "full" of the Spirit of God ([[Exodus 31:3]]), "full" of wisdom ([[Deuteronomy 34:9]]), or "full" of joy ([[Psalm 16:11]]).
* **Completion or fulfillment:** e.g., the "fullness" of time ([[Genesis 25:24]]), or fulfilling a period of service ([[Genesis 29:27]]).
* **Divine attributes:** God's "fullness" of glory ([[Isaiah 6:3]]), mercy, or truth.
While Imla is a proper name, its etymological connection to "fullness" draws it into this broader semantic field. It subtly connects the individual to the concept of being "filled" or "complete," potentially in a spiritual or divinely ordained sense, especially given the character of his son, Micaiah, whose prophecy was indeed "full" of God's unvarnished truth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the name Imla, though indirect due to its limited biblical appearance, lies primarily in its association with the prophet Micaiah. The name's meaning, "fullness," can be seen as a quiet testament to the integrity and authenticity of the prophetic word delivered by Micaiah. In a context where many prophets spoke "empty" words of flattery and falsehood, Micaiah, the son of "Fullness," delivered a message that was "full" of divine truth, judgment, and ultimately, prophetic fulfillment.
This highlights several theological truths:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Truth:** God's word is "full" and complete, not subject to human manipulation or preference. Micaiah's prophecy, though unwelcome, was the "full" and true counsel of the Lord.
2. **Prophetic Integrity:** The lineage of Imla producing a prophet like Micaiah underscores the importance of a prophetic voice that is "full" of God's Spirit and not compromised by worldly pressures. It suggests that true prophecy is rooted in a divine "fullness" rather than human ambition.
3. **The Nature of God's Revelation:** God's revelation, even when severe, is "full" and sufficient. It leaves no room for doubt or misinterpretation when faithfully delivered, as demonstrated by Micaiah's clear vision of Israel "scattered on the mountains, like sheep that have no shepherd" ([[1 Kings 22:17]]).
Thus, Imla's name, while seemingly minor, contributes to the narrative's theological depth by subtly emphasizing the divine "fullness" and authenticity of the true prophetic message in contrast to the emptiness of false prophecy.
### Summary
H3229, *Yimlâʼ*, is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name meaning "Fullness," "He will fill," or "God fills," derived from the root `{{H4390}}` (mālēʼ). This name appears in the Old Testament solely as the patronymic of Micaiah, the prophet who courageously delivered an unpopular but true word from the Lord to King Ahab and King Jehoshaphat in [[1 Kings 22:8-9]] and [[2 Chronicles 18:7-8]]. The subtle significance of Imla's name, "Fullness," lies in its connection to his son's prophetic ministry. It implicitly underscores the integrity, authenticity, and divine completeness of Micaiah's message, contrasting sharply with the empty words of the 400 false prophets. The name Imla thus serves as a quiet witness to the "fullness" of God's truth and the unwavering nature of His prophetic word, even when it leads to confrontation and judgment.
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