xlit Malʻâkîy corrected to Malʼâkîy; from the same as מֲלְאָךְ; ministrative; Malaki, a prophet; Malachi.
Transliteration:Malʼâkîy
Pronunciation:mal-aw-kee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H4401 (מַלְאָכִי, *Malʼâkîy*) is a proper noun, serving as the name of the prophet Malachi. Its core meaning is derived directly from the noun H4397 (מַלְאָךְ, *malʼāḵ*), which signifies "messenger," "envoy," or "angel." The suffix "-i" (י-) is a possessive pronominal suffix, meaning "my." Thus, the name Malʼâkîy literally translates to "My Messenger" or "My Angel." This etymology is profoundly significant, as it immediately identifies the individual as one divinely commissioned and intimately connected to the sender of the message. The semantic range for H4401 is limited to this specific proper name, though its underlying components carry a broad theological weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H4401 occurs exclusively as the name of the prophet Malachi, the traditional author of the last book in the Old Testament prophetic canon. Its sole direct appearance is in the superscription of the book: "The oracle of the word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi" ([[Malachi 1:1]]). While the name itself appears only once as the direct subject, the entire book of Malachi is a testament to the prophet's role as "My Messenger." The book addresses the spiritual apathy, covenant unfaithfulness, and ritualistic corruption prevalent in post-exilic Judah. Malachi's message is one of rebuke, warning, and ultimately, promise concerning the Lord's coming. The prophet's very name, "My Messenger," underscores the divine authority behind the pronouncements within the book, emphasizing that these are not mere human words but the direct communication of God to His people. This is particularly poignant given the book's climactic prophecy of the coming "messenger" who will prepare the way for the Lord ([[Malachi 3:1]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to H4401 is its root, H4397 (מַלְאָךְ, *malʼāḵ*). This foundational term denotes anyone or anything sent as an agent or representative, whether human (e.g., a diplomatic envoy, a prophetic messenger) or divine (e.g., an angel). The concept of a "messenger" (מַלְאָךְ) is central to biblical theology, representing God's active engagement with humanity through various means. Prophets, such as Malachi, are frequently described as God's messengers (H4397), delivering His word to the people. This links H4401 to the broader prophetic office (H5034, נָבִיא, *nāḇîʼ*). Furthermore, the book of Malachi itself employs H4397 to refer to the specific messenger who will precede the Lord's coming ([[Malachi 3:1]]), a prophecy often understood to refer to John the Baptist. Thus, Malachi's name is not merely an identifier but a programmatic title, encapsulating his function and foreshadowing future divine emissaries.
### Theological Significance
The name Malʼâkîy ("My Messenger") carries profound theological significance. Firstly, it highlights the personal nature of God's communication. The possessive "My" emphasizes that the prophet is not merely *a* messenger, but *God's personal* messenger, an envoy directly commissioned and empowered by the Almighty. This underscores the divine origin and authority of the prophetic word. Secondly, the name serves as a theological statement about the nature of prophecy itself: it is God's chosen means to speak to His people, to call them to repentance, and to reveal His plans. Thirdly, the name Malʼâkîy subtly foreshadows the central theme of the prophet's own book: the coming of another, greater "messenger" ([[Malachi 3:1]]) who will prepare the way for the Lord's advent. This prophetic anticipation culminates in the New Testament, where John the Baptist is identified as this preparatory figure, paving the way for the Messiah. Thus, the very name of the prophet Malachi stands as a testament to God's enduring commitment to communicate His truth and prepare His people for His redemptive purposes.
### Summary
H4401 (מַלְאָכִי, *Malʼâkîy*) is the proper name of the Old Testament prophet Malachi, meaning "My Messenger." Derived from H4397 (מַלְאָךְ, *malʼāḵ*), it signifies a divinely appointed envoy. Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Malachi 1:1]], where it introduces the final prophetic voice of the Old Covenant. The name itself is deeply theological, emphasizing God's personal selection and commissioning of His prophets to deliver His authoritative word. It also subtly points to the future "messenger" who will herald the Lord's coming, making Malachi's name a poignant link between the prophetic past and the messianic future.
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