### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **'Ăbîymelek**, represented by `{{H40}}`, is defined as "father of (the) king." This term appears 67 times across 62 unique verses in the Bible, referring to both Philistine kings and Israelites.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H40}}` is prominently featured in interactions with the patriarchs. In Genesis, God speaks to Abimelech in a dream [[Genesis 20:3]] and later heals him and his household after Abraham's prayer [[Genesis 20:17]]. Abimelech, identified as king of Gerar, takes Sarah [[Genesis 20:2]] and later makes a covenant with Abraham at Beersheba ([[Genesis 21:27]], 21:32). Isaac also encounters Abimelech, king of the Philistines, in Gerar ([[Genesis 26:1]], 26:8). Beyond the patriarchal accounts, a different Abimelech, the son of Jerubbaal [[Judges 9:1]], sought kingship by slaying his seventy brethren ([[Judges 9:56]], 9:24, 9:18). His reign was marked by conflict, as God sent an evil spirit between him and the men of Shechem [[Judges 9:23]]. Ultimately, he was fatally wounded when a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon his head ([[Judges 9:53]], [[2 Samuel 11:21]]). The word also appears in Psalms where David's behavior before Abimelech is noted [[Psalms 34:1]], and in 1 Chronicles referencing Abimelech, son of Abiathar, as a priest [[1 Chronicles 18:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper insight into the various contexts and roles of Abimelek:
* `{{H1}}` **'ab** (father): As part of `{{H40}}`'s definition ("father of (the) king"), this word highlights the familial connection within the name itself. It is explicitly used when referring to Abimelech's actions against "his father's house" [[Judges 9:18]] and when God "rendered the wickedness of Abimelech... unto his father" [[Judges 9:56]].
* `{{H1121}}` **ben** (son): This term frequently identifies Abimelech, as he is called the "son of Jerubbaal" [[Judges 9:1]] and the "son of Jerubbesheth" [[2 Samuel 11:21]]. It is also used in relation to his act of "slaying his seventy brethren" [[Judges 9:24]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): This word forms the second part of Abimelech's name and directly reflects his royal status, as he is consistently identified as "king of Gerar" [[Genesis 20:2]] and "king of the Philistines" [[Genesis 26:1]].
### Theological Significance
The biblical portrayal of `{{H40}}` reveals significant theological themes:
* **Divine Intervention and Authority:** God directly interacts with Abimelech through dreams and healing ([[Genesis 20:3]], 20:17), demonstrating divine sovereignty over both the chosen people and foreign rulers.
* **Covenant and Relationships:** The formation of a covenant between Abimelech and Abraham ([[Genesis 21:27]], 21:32) underscores the importance of agreements and peace in early interactions between different peoples, often facilitated under God's watchful eye.
* **Justice and Consequences:** The narrative of the Israelite Abimelech highlights the theme of divine retribution, as God "rendered the wickedness of Abimelech" [[Judges 9:56]] for his violent acts, particularly the slaying of his brethren.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H40}}` **'Ăbîymelek** encompasses both a descriptive name—"father of (the) king"—and the identity of key figures in early biblical history. Through their interactions, particularly with Abraham, Isaac, and the consequences of internal Israelite conflicts, the narratives involving Abimelek illustrate divine oversight, the establishment of covenants, and the principle of divine justice for human actions.
TRV