or לְמוֹאֵל; from לְמוֹ and אֵל; (belonging) to God; Lemuel or Lemoel, a symbolic name of Solomon; Lemuel.
Transliteration:Lᵉmûwʼêl
Pronunciation:lem-oo-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3927 (לְמוּאֵל, Lᵉmûwʼêl) is a proper noun, a name derived from the prepositional particle לְמוֹ (lemo), meaning "to" or "for," and אֵל (El) `{{H410}}`, meaning "God." Thus, the name fundamentally signifies "(belonging) to God," "devoted to God," or "for God." This etymology immediately imbues the name with profound theological significance, indicating divine ownership, dedication, or purpose. It is not merely an identifier but a statement of relationship and allegiance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Lemuel appears exclusively in the book of Proverbs, specifically at the beginning of chapter 31.
* [[Proverbs 31:1]]: "The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him."
* [[Proverbs 31:4]]: "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink."
The context is a didactic poem, an "oracle" or "burden" (*massa'*) delivered by a mother to her royal son. This maternal instruction covers vital aspects of righteous kingship: temperance, justice for the poor and oppressed, and upholding the law. While King Lemuel is not mentioned elsewhere in the biblical record, a long-standing tradition, supported by the Strong's definition, identifies Lemuel as a symbolic or poetic name for King Solomon. If this identification is correct, then the "mother" would be Bathsheba, and the advice represents a profound parental exhortation to the wisest of kings, calling him to live up to the very meaning of his symbolic name. The advice is practical and ethical, focusing on the king's responsibilities to his people and his personal conduct, embodying a vision of righteous governance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is אֵל (El) `{{H410}}`, the generic Semitic term for God, which forms the latter part of Lemuel's name. This root is prevalent in many biblical names, such as Immanuel (God with us) `{{H6005}}`, Israel (he strives with God) `{{H3478}}`, Daniel (God is my judge) `{{H1840}}`, and Samuel (heard by God) `{{H8050}}`. Each of these names, like Lemuel, defines the individual's identity or destiny in relation to the divine. The concept of "belonging to God" is also central to the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel, where Israel is called God's "peculiar treasure" or "possession" (e.g., [[Exodus 19:5]]). The wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, frequently emphasizes the fear of the Lord as the beginning of knowledge ([[Proverbs 1:7]]), which aligns perfectly with the concept of a ruler whose very name declares his devotion to God.
### Theological Significance
The name Lemuel, meaning "belonging to God," carries immense theological weight within the biblical narrative, especially if it refers to Solomon.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Ownership:** The name underscores the theological truth that all authority, especially kingship, ultimately derives from and belongs to God. A king is not an autonomous ruler but a steward accountable to the Divine King.
2. **Ideal Kingship:** The advice given to Lemuel in Proverbs 31 outlines an ideal of kingship rooted in righteousness, justice, and personal discipline. The name itself serves as a constant reminder for the king to live up to his calling as one "belonging to God," ruling not for self-interest but for God's glory and the welfare of his people, particularly the vulnerable.
3. **Wisdom and Piety:** The passage connects wisdom (the hallmark of Proverbs) directly with piety and ethical conduct. True wisdom for a ruler is not merely shrewdness but a deep commitment to divine principles, flowing from a life "devoted to God."
4. **Prophetic Call:** Even if symbolic, the name functions as a prophetic call to all rulers, and indeed to all individuals, to recognize their ultimate allegiance to God and to govern their lives accordingly. It is a reminder that true power and authority are exercised rightly only when submitted to divine will.
### Summary
H3927 (לְמוּאֵל, Lᵉmûwʼêl) is a significant Hebrew proper name meaning "(belonging) to God" or "devoted to God." It appears exclusively in [[Proverbs 31:1]] and [[Proverbs 31:4]], introducing an oracle of wise counsel from a mother to her royal son. Traditionally identified as a symbolic name for King Solomon, Lemuel embodies the ideal of a monarch whose very being is dedicated to the divine. The name's etymology, combining "to/for" and "God" (El) `{{H410}}`, highlights the theological principle of divine ownership and the expectation of a ruler who governs with righteousness, temperance, and justice for the oppressed. The word study of Lemuel thus illuminates the biblical vision of kingship as a sacred trust, demanding unwavering allegiance and accountability to God.
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