the same as מֶלֶךְ; king; Melek, the name of two Israelites; Melech, Hammelech (by including the article).
Transliteration:Melek
Pronunciation:meh'-lek
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
H4429, "Melek" (מֶלֶךְ), is a Hebrew proper noun derived directly from the common noun `{{H4428}}` (מֶלֶךְ), meaning "king" or "ruler." As a proper noun, its primary function is to identify specific individuals. However, its etymological root imbues the name with significant connotative meaning, evoking concepts of authority, royalty, and dominion. The naming of an individual "Melek" would likely reflect a hope or belief that the person would embody kingly qualities, or perhaps signify a connection to a royal lineage or aspiration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun H4429 appears twice in the Masoretic Text, referring to two distinct individuals, both within genealogical records:
* **[[1 Chronicles 8:35]]**: Melek is identified as a son of Micah, who was a descendant of King Saul through his son Jonathan. This places Melek within a prominent, albeit non-reigning, branch of the royal lineage of Israel's first king. The inclusion of this name in such a genealogy underscores the family's historical connection to kingship, even if the individual himself did not rule.
* **[[1 Chronicles 9:41]]**: This occurrence is a repetition of the same individual mentioned in [[1 Chronicles 8:35]], as chapter 9 of 1 Chronicles often reiterates and expands upon the genealogies presented in chapter 8.
In both instances, the name "Melek" functions purely as a genealogical marker, identifying a link in the chain of generations. There is no narrative associated with either individual named Melek, nor any indication that they held a royal office. The significance, therefore, lies in the *meaning* of the name within a lineage that was historically royal, reflecting the enduring presence and memory of kingship within the tribal structures of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relationship for H4429 is its root, the common noun `{{H4428}}` (מֶלֶךְ), "king." Understanding the extensive biblical theology surrounding the common noun "king" is crucial for appreciating the proper noun "Melek."
Other closely related terms include:
* **`{{H4427}}` (מָלַךְ - malakh)**: The verbal root, meaning "to reign," "to rule," or "to be king."
* **`{{H4437}}` (מַלְכָּה - malkah)**: "Queen."
* **`{{H4438}}` (מַלְכוּת - malkut)**: "Kingdom," "royalty," "reign."
* **`{{H4439}}` (מַמְלָכָה - mamlakhah)**: "Kingdom," "dominion," "realm."
The concept of kingship itself is central to biblical thought, encompassing themes of sovereignty, authority, dominion, and royal lineage. It also extends to the profound theological concept of divine kingship, where YHWH Himself is proclaimed as the ultimate "Melek."
### Theological Significance
While H4429 refers to specific historical individuals, its inherent meaning as "king" carries significant theological weight within the broader biblical narrative.
1. **Aspirational Naming:** In ancient Israel, names were often more than mere labels; they could be aspirational, prophetic, or commemorative. Naming a child "Melek" could express a hope for the child to grow into a leader, to possess kingly virtues, or to be blessed with authority. Within the context of Saul's lineage, it might also serve as a reminder of their past royal glory or a subtle longing for its restoration.
2. **Human Kingship and Divine Sovereignty:** The very notion of "king" in Israel was always subordinate to the ultimate "King," YHWH. God is consistently depicted as the supreme "Melek" ([[Psalm 10:16]], [[Psalm 24:7-10]], [[Isaiah 44:6]]). Human kings were meant to be His vice-regents, ruling according to His divine law. The name "Melek," even when applied to a human, implicitly points to this greater theological truth: all earthly authority is derived from and accountable to the divine King.
3. **Messianic Anticipation:** The Davidic covenant established an enduring promise of a perpetual kingship, culminating in the Messiah, the ultimate "King" ([[Isaiah 9:6-7]], [[Zechariah 9:9]]). While the individuals named Melek are not directly messianic figures, their name, rooted in the concept of "king," contributes to the rich tapestry of Israel's understanding of kingship that ultimately finds its perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the King of kings.
### Summary
H4429, "Melek," is a Hebrew proper noun found in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, identifying two individuals. Its core meaning, "king," is derived directly from the common noun `{{H4428}}`. Although the individuals bearing this name are not recorded as having held royal office, the name itself carries profound semantic and theological weight. It reflects aspirations for leadership, links to royal lineage (particularly that of King Saul), and subtly points to the greater biblical truth of divine sovereignty. "Melek" is thus a name steeped in the rich biblical understanding of kingship, serving as a reminder of both human authority and the ultimate, eternal reign of God and His Messiah.
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