(Aramaic) corresponding to מַלְכָּה; a queen; queen.
Transliteration:malkâʼ
Pronunciation:mal-kaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term מַלְכָּא (malkâʼ), Strong's number `{{H4433}}`, carries the singular and precise meaning of "queen." As indicated by its base definition, it corresponds directly to the Hebrew term מַלְכָּה (malkâ), `{{H4436}}`, which also denotes a queen or female monarch. This word primarily refers to the consort of a king or a reigning female sovereign. In the biblical corpus, its usage is quite specific, pointing to a royal woman within the context of the Babylonian court.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic word מַלְכָּא (malkâʼ) appears singularly in the biblical text, specifically in [[Daniel 5:10]]. This occurrence is pivotal within the dramatic narrative of Belshazzar's feast. As Belshazzar and his nobles are terrified by the mysterious handwriting on the wall, it is the queen who enters the banquet hall to offer counsel. Her arrival and subsequent advice are significant. She is not identified by name, but is widely understood to be the queen mother, likely Nitocris, the daughter of Nebuchadnezzar.
In this context, the queen demonstrates remarkable wisdom and recall, contrasting sharply with the panic and impotence of Belshazzar and his advisors. She reminds the king of Daniel's exceptional wisdom, insight, and ability to interpret dreams and solve difficult problems, abilities that had been recognized during the reign of his "father," Nebuchadnezzar. Her intervention serves as the catalyst for Daniel being summoned to interpret the divine message, "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Uparsin." The queen's role here is not merely descriptive; it is functional, highlighting a source of wisdom and memory that ultimately leads to the revelation of God's judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic מַלְכָּא (malkâʼ) is intrinsically linked to its Hebrew counterpart, מַלְכָּה (malkâ), `{{H4436}}`. This Hebrew term is more frequently encountered in the Old Testament, referring to various queens such as the Queen of Sheba ([[1 Kings 10:1]]), Queen Vashti and Queen Esther in the book of Esther ([[Esther 1:9]], [[Esther 2:17]]), and the queen beside Artaxerxes in [[Nehemiah 2:6]].
Beyond the direct equivalent, מַלְכָּא (malkâʼ) belongs to a broader semantic field of royalty and governance. Key related terms include:
* מֶלֶךְ (melek), `{{H4428}}`: The Hebrew word for "king," the male counterpart.
* מַלְכוּת (malkûth), `{{H4430}}`: The Hebrew word for "kingdom" or "reign."
* מַלְכוּתָא (malkûthâʼ), `{{H4437}}`: The Aramaic word for "kingdom" or "reign," used extensively in Daniel and Ezra.
These terms collectively illuminate the biblical understanding of earthly authority, often juxtaposed with divine sovereignty.
### Theological Significance
While מַלְכָּא (malkâʼ) is fundamentally a descriptive term for a royal figure, its singular and prominent appearance in [[Daniel 5:10]] imbues it with significant theological weight. The queen's role in this narrative is not merely coincidental; it serves as a crucial element in the unfolding of God's sovereign plan.
Her intervention highlights several theological points:
1. **Divine Providence through Unlikely Channels:** In a moment of profound crisis and human inadequacy, God's truth is brought to light through the wisdom of a woman, a figure who, though royal, is not the primary actor in the king's court. This underscores God's ability to use any means to accomplish His will.
2. **Contrast Between Human and Divine Wisdom:** The queen's clear-headedness and memory of Daniel's past prophetic service stand in stark contrast to Belshazzar's drunken revelry and the impotence of his own wise men. This powerfully illustrates the superiority of wisdom rooted in divine revelation over human, worldly wisdom.
3. **Witness to God's Power:** By recalling Daniel's abilities, the queen implicitly bears witness to the power and wisdom of the God of Israel, whom Daniel serves. Her testimony is essential for Daniel to be brought before the king, enabling the pronouncement of God's judgment upon Babylon.
4. **Foreboding of Judgment:** The queen's advice indirectly leads to the interpretation of the divine handwriting, which announces the imminent fall of Babylon. Thus, her appearance is intertwined with the theme of divine judgment against human arrogance and rebellion.
### Summary
The Aramaic term מַלְכָּא (malkâʼ), `{{H4433}}`, meaning "queen," is a precise designation for a female monarch or royal consort. Its singular biblical occurrence in [[Daniel 5:10]] is highly significant. In this passage, the queen (likely the queen mother) plays a pivotal role by recalling Daniel's prophetic abilities and advising King Belshazzar to consult him regarding the mysterious handwriting on the wall. This act of wisdom and memory is crucial for the unfolding of God's judgment upon Babylon. Theologically, the queen's intervention underscores God's providential working through unexpected individuals, highlights the supremacy of divine wisdom over human folly, and serves as an indirect witness to the power of the God of Israel in the face of pagan hubris. It is closely related to the Hebrew term for queen, `{{H4436}}`, and the broader concepts of kingship and kingdom.
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