from מָלַךְ; he will make king; Jamlek, an Israelite; Jamlech.
Transliteration:Yamlêk
Pronunciation:yam-lake'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term יַמְלֵךְ (Yamlêk, `{{H3230}}`) is a proper noun, a personal name. Its core meaning is derived from the verbal root מָלַךְ (malakh, `{{H4427}}`), which signifies "to reign," "to be king," or "to rule." The prefix 'יַ' (ya-) indicates a third-person masculine singular imperfect form of the verb, leading to the meaning "he will make king" or "he will cause to reign." This implies an active role in the establishment of kingship or authority. As a proper name, its semantic range is limited to identifying a specific individual, yet the inherent meaning of the name carries a profound theological statement regarding the source of authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יַמְלֵךְ (Yamlêk, `{{H3230}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* [[1 Chronicles 4:34]]: "And Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah the son of Amaziah,"
In this sole occurrence, Yamlêk is listed as one of the heads of families or prominent individuals within the tribe of Simeon. The context is a genealogical record, specifically detailing the descendants of Simeon and their expansion into new territories during the reign of King Hezekiah. The passage [[1 Chronicles 4:31-43]] describes how these Simeonite leaders, including Yamlêk, successfully conquered new lands and settled there. While the text provides no further narrative details about Yamlêk himself, his inclusion in this list of significant figures suggests he was a leader of some standing, perhaps instrumental in the territorial expansion. The meaning of his name, "He will make king," would have been particularly fitting for a leader or one who held authority within his clan or tribe, subtly implying divine appointment or empowerment for his role in their success.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root מָלַךְ (malakh, `{{H4427}}`), meaning "to reign, to be king, to rule." From this root, numerous other significant Hebrew words are derived, including:
* מֶלֶךְ (melek, `{{H4428}}`): "king."
* מַלְכוּת (malkuth, `{{H4438}}`): "kingdom, dominion, royal power."
* מַמְלָכָה (mamlakah, `{{H4467}}`): "kingdom, reign, dominion."
These terms collectively form a rich vocabulary for discussing kingship, sovereignty, and governance in the biblical worldview. The concept of divine appointment of kings is also closely related, as seen in the establishment of Saul and David as kings by Yahweh (e.g., [[1 Samuel 9:16]], [[2 Samuel 7:12]]). This highlights the theological understanding that all legitimate authority ultimately stems from God.
### Theological Significance
Despite its single occurrence as a proper noun, the etymology of יַמְלֵךְ (Yamlêk, `{{H3230}}`) carries significant theological weight. The name "He will make king" reflects a fundamental biblical truth: that all true authority and leadership originate from God. It underscores the divine prerogative in establishing rulers and empowering individuals for positions of influence. This concept is pervasive throughout Scripture, from the anointing of kings in Israel to the broader understanding of God's sovereign rule over all nations (e.g., [[Daniel 2:21]], [[Psalm 22:28]]). The name Yamlêk, therefore, serves as a quiet yet powerful theological statement embedded within a genealogical record. It suggests that the success and leadership of this Simeonite figure were not merely a result of human strength or ambition, but ultimately attributed to God's enabling and appointing power. It points to the divine source of all legitimate power and rule, a principle that culminates in the kingship of the Messiah, whom God has appointed to reign forever.
### Summary
יַמְלֵךְ (Yamlêk, `{{H3230}}`) is a proper Hebrew name meaning "He will make king" or "He will cause to reign," derived from the verb מָלַךְ (malakh, `{{H4427}}`). It appears only once in the Bible, in [[1 Chronicles 4:34]], identifying a leader within the tribe of Simeon who participated in territorial expansion. While the biblical text offers no further narrative about Yamlêk, the profound meaning of his name subtly affirms the theological principle that God is the ultimate source of all authority and the one who establishes and empowers leaders. Thus, even in a brief genealogical entry, the name Yamlêk serves as a quiet testimony to divine sovereignty in the appointment and success of those in positions of leadership.
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