from מַהֲלָל and אֵל; praise of God; Mahalalel, the name of an antediluvian patriarch and of an Israelite; Mahalaleel.
Transliteration:Mahălalʼêl
Pronunciation:mah-hal-al-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name Mahalalel, transliterated Mahălalʼêl (`{{H4111}}`), is a compound proper noun derived from two distinct elements: `{{H4110}}` (מַהֲלָל, *mahalal*), meaning "praise, song of praise," and `{{H410}}` (אֵל, *ʼEl*), a common Semitic word for "God." Thus, the name inherently signifies "Praise of God" or "God is Praise." As a personal name, its semantic range is primarily fixed by its etymological components, embodying a direct theological statement rather than possessing a broad lexical meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Mahalalel appears in the biblical text in two distinct contexts, referring to two different individuals:
1. **The Antediluvian Patriarch:** The most prominent occurrence is in the genealogies of Genesis and Chronicles, where Mahalalel is listed as a pivotal figure in the Sethite line, the lineage that continued after the fall of Adam and Eve.
* In [[Genesis 5:12-17]], he is identified as the son of Kenan and the father of Jared. He lived for 895 years, placing him squarely within the extraordinary lifespans of the pre-flood patriarchs. His inclusion in this genealogy underscores the divine preservation of a specific human lineage from Adam through Noah, from whom all humanity would descend after the flood. This carefully maintained lineage is crucial for tracing the promise of a redeemer.
* [[1 Chronicles 1:2]] reiterates this genealogical connection, confirming his place in the historical record of God's people.
2. **A Post-Exilic Israelite:** A different individual bearing the name Mahalalel is mentioned in the post-exilic period.
* [[Nehemiah 11:4]] lists a Mahalalel among the descendants of Perez, a son of Judah, who settled in Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian exile. The recurrence of this name centuries later suggests a continued appreciation for its theological meaning, perhaps as a way to honor the ancient patriarch or to express a devotion to the concept of "praise of God" in the renewed community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Mahalalel is deeply connected to several key biblical concepts and lexical items:
* **`{{H4110}}` (מַהֲלָל, *mahalal*):** This noun, meaning "praise" or "song of praise," is directly derived from `{{H1984}}` (הָלַל, *halal*), the root verb for "to praise, to shine, to boast." This linkage firmly grounds Mahalalel in the act and concept of divine adoration.
* **`{{H410}}` (אֵל, *ʼEl*):** This is a foundational name for God, often used in compound names (theophoric names) to express a relationship with or attribute of the divine. Examples include Israel ("contends with God"), Immanuel ("God with us"), and Bethel ("house of God").
* **Genealogy:** The primary context for Mahalalel's appearance. Biblical genealogies serve not merely as historical records but as theological affirmations of divine promises, covenant continuity, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through specific lineages.
* **Longevity (Pre-Flood):** The extraordinary lifespans of the antediluvian patriarchs, including Mahalalel, are a distinctive feature of the Genesis 5 account. This points to a unique pre-flood reality and God's original design for human life, which was significantly altered after the flood.
### Theological Significance
The name Mahalalel carries profound theological weight, particularly in its primary association with the antediluvian patriarch:
* **Embodiment of Divine Praise:** The very meaning "Praise of God" suggests that this patriarch, and by extension his lineage, was characterized by or dedicated to the worship and glorification of the Creator. In a world increasingly marked by sin and corruption (leading to the flood), the presence of individuals whose very names declared "Praise of God" signifies a divine remnant upholding devotion.
* **Continuity of God's Plan:** Mahalalel's place in the Sethite genealogy underscores God's faithfulness in preserving a righteous line through which His redemptive purposes would unfold. Even amidst the escalating wickedness of humanity, God maintained a thread of those who honored Him.
* **Theophoric Naming:** The practice of incorporating divine names into personal names is a significant theological statement. It reflects the parents' faith, their aspirations for their child, or a recognition of God's character and sovereignty. Mahalalel exemplifies this, serving as a perpetual reminder of humanity's fundamental duty and privilege to praise the Creator.
* **Enduring Value of Praise:** The later appearance of a Mahalalel in Nehemiah indicates that the concept of "praise of God" remained a valued and cherished ideal within the community of faith, even after the traumatic experience of exile and return. It speaks to the timeless nature of worship and adoration.
### Summary
Mahalalel (`{{H4111}}`), a name meaning "Praise of God," functions as a powerful theological statement within the biblical narrative. Primarily, it designates an antediluvian patriarch, a key figure in the Genesis 5 genealogy, whose long life and position in the lineage underscore God's meticulous preservation of a chosen line leading to Noah and, ultimately, to the fulfillment of His covenant promises. The name itself serves as a constant reminder of humanity's call to glorify the Creator, embodying a fundamental aspect of worship and devotion from the earliest times. The later appearance of a Mahalalel in the post-exilic period further highlights the enduring significance of this name and the concept of divine praise within the community of faith, affirming that the glorification of God is an eternal and central aspect of human existence.
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