from הָלַךְ; a walking (plural collectively), i.e. access; place to walk.
Transliteration:mahlêk
Pronunciation:mah-lake'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מַהְלֵךְ (mahlêk, H4108) is derived from the common verbal root `{{H1980}}` הָלַךְ (halakh), meaning "to walk," "to go," or "to journey." The מַ- (ma-) prefix often indicates a place, instrument, or the result of an action. Thus, מַהְלֵךְ fundamentally denotes "a walking" or "a place for walking." Its semantic range extends to:
1. **A Journey or Course:** Referring to the act or duration of traveling.
2. **A Walkway or Path:** A designated physical space for movement.
3. **Access or Right of Movement:** Metaphorically, the privilege or freedom to move within a particular sphere or among certain individuals. This latter sense is particularly significant in its theological application.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
מַהְלֵךְ is a relatively rare word in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only three times. Each instance offers a distinct nuance to its meaning:
* **[[Nehemiah 2:6]]**: "And the king said to me (the queen also sitting beside him), 'How long will your journey be, and when will you return?' So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time."
* Here, מַהְלֵךְ refers to Nehemiah's "journey" or "travel" to Jerusalem. It denotes the duration or course of his physical movement. The king's question concerns the length of his absence, implying the time required for his "going" and "returning."
* **[[Ezekiel 42:4]]**: "And before the chambers was a walk of ten cubits width inward, a way of one hundred cubits; and their doors were on the north."
* In Ezekiel's detailed vision of the new temple, מַהְלֵךְ clearly designates a literal "walkway" or "path" within the architectural complex. It describes a specific physical dimension and function of the temple structure, providing access to the chambers. This usage emphasizes the "place to walk" aspect of the word's definition.
* **[[Zechariah 3:7]]**: "Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'If you will walk in My ways, and if you will keep My command, then you shall also judge My house and keep My courts, and I will give you places to walk among these who stand here.'"
* This is the most profound and theologically rich occurrence. Here, מַהְלֵךְ appears in the plural (מַהְלְכִים). The LORD promises Joshua, the high priest, a remarkable privilege conditional on his faithful obedience ("If you will walk in My ways..."). The phrase "places to walk among these who stand here" is widely interpreted as a right of "access" or "free movement" among the angelic beings (or members of the divine council) who stand in God's immediate presence. This is not merely a physical path but a privileged, intimate fellowship and authority within the heavenly court.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root `{{H1980}}` הָלַךְ (halakh), from which H4108 is derived. הָלַךְ is one of the most common verbs in the Hebrew Bible, signifying physical movement ("to walk," "to go") but also frequently used metaphorically for one's conduct, lifestyle, or spiritual journey (e.g., "to walk in God's ways").
Other related nouns that denote "way" or "path" include:
* `{{H1870}}` דֶּרֶךְ (derekh): A very common word for "way," "road," "path," often used metaphorically for one's course of life or moral conduct.
* `{{H734}}` אֹרַח (orakh): "Path," "way," often referring to a specific track or course.
* `{{H5410}}` נָתִיב (nativ): "Path," "track," similar in meaning to אֹרַח.
While these related terms often carry metaphorical weight concerning one's life choices, מַהְלֵךְ specifically captures the nuance of a *place* or *opportunity* for walking, culminating in the concept of privileged *access*.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מַהְלֵךְ is predominantly found in its usage in [[Zechariah 3:7]]. This verse offers a powerful vision of the reward for faithful obedience:
* **Divine Access:** The promise to Joshua of "places to walk among these who stand here" signifies an extraordinary privilege – intimate access to God's heavenly presence and fellowship with divine beings. This is a profound elevation, moving from earthly priestly duties to a participation in the heavenly court.
* **Conditional Blessing:** The access is not automatic but contingent upon "walking in My ways" and "keeping My command." This underscores the biblical principle that obedience and faithfulness are prerequisites for drawing near to God and experiencing His blessings.
* **Foreshadowing of New Testament Truths:** This concept of divine access foreshadows the New Testament understanding of believers having "access" (`{{G4334}}` prosagōgē) to God through Christ (e.g., [[Ephesians 2:18]], [[Romans 5:2]]). Just as Joshua was granted a special walk among the heavenly host, believers in Christ are granted a new and living way into the very presence of God.
* **The Purity of the Priesthood:** In Zechariah 3, Joshua is cleansed of his filthy garments, symbolizing the removal of sin and impurity. Only a purified priest can be granted such intimate access, highlighting the necessity of holiness for communion with a holy God.
### Summary
מַהְלֵךְ (mahlêk, H4108) is a Hebrew noun derived from `{{H1980}}` הָלַךְ (to walk), denoting "a walking," "a journey," or "a place to walk." While it describes a literal journey in [[Nehemiah 2:6]] and a physical walkway in [[Ezekiel 42:4]], its most profound theological meaning emerges in [[Zechariah 3:7]]. In this context, the plural מַהְלְכִים signifies a sacred and privileged "right of access" or "free movement" within God's heavenly presence, specifically among angelic beings. This promise to the obedient high priest Joshua highlights God's desire for intimate fellowship with His faithful servants, foreshadowing the ultimate access to God's presence granted to believers through Christ. Thus, מַהְלֵךְ moves from a mundane concept of movement to a profound symbol of divine intimacy and privilege, contingent upon faithful obedience.
TRV