### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Milkâh**, represented by `{{H4435}}`, is a proper name derived from a form meaning **queen**. It appears 11 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible. The name is attributed to two distinct women in the Old Testament, one who is integral to the patriarchal lineage and another who is part of a foundational story concerning female inheritance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4435}}` first identifies Milcah, the daughter of Haran and the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother [[Genesis 11:29]]. This Milcah is the mother of eight children, including Bethuel ([[Genesis 22:20]], [[Genesis 22:23]]). Her primary significance lies in being the grandmother of Rebekah, who would become Isaac's wife, thus connecting the patriarchal line back to their kin ([[Genesis 24:15]], [[Genesis 24:24]]). The name also belongs to one of the five daughters of Zelophehad, of the tribe of Manasseh [[Numbers 27:1]]. This Milcah, along with her sisters, is central to a case that establishes the right of daughters to inherit property in the absence of male heirs ([[Joshua 17:3]], [[Numbers 26:33]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and role of the individuals named Milcah:
* `{{H802}}` **ʼishshâh** (a woman; wife): This term defines Milcah's identity as the **wife** of Nahor, Abraham's brother [[Genesis 24:15]]. It also describes the marital status of Zelophehad's daughters, including the second Milcah [[Numbers 36:11]].
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (a daughter): This word establishes the genealogical position of both women. The first Milcah is the **daughter** of Haran [[Genesis 11:29]], and the second is one of the **daughters** of Zelophehad [[Numbers 27:1]].
* `{{H3205}}` **yâlad** (to bear young): This root is used to describe Milcah's maternal role, specifying that she **bare** children to Nahor [[Genesis 22:20]] and was the one who **bare** Bethuel [[Genesis 24:47]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): As the counterpart to 'daughter', this word is crucial for tracing lineage. It identifies Bethuel as the **son** of Milcah [[Genesis 24:15]] and highlights that Zelophehad had no **sons**, which prompted the inheritance case involving his daughters [[Numbers 26:33]].
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H4435}}` carries significance through the roles of the two women who bear it.
* **Covenantal Lineage:** The first Milcah is a key link in the patriarchal family tree. Her connection as Nahor's wife and Rebekah's grandmother ensures that Isaac's wife comes from Abraham's own family, a crucial detail in the Genesis narrative [[Genesis 22:23]].
* **Legal Precedent for Inheritance:** The second Milcah is part of a group of sisters whose situation establishes a vital legal principle in Israel: that women have a right to inherit and possess a portion in the Promised Land when there are no male heirs ([[Numbers 27:1]], [[Joshua 17:3]]).
* **Genealogical Integrity:** The careful recording of both women named Milcah in their respective genealogies underscores the biblical emphasis on family history as the framework for covenant fulfillment and the orderly distribution of land among the tribes of Israel ([[Genesis 11:29]], [[Numbers 26:33]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4435}}` is more than a name; it represents two important female figures in Israel's history. Through Milcah, the wife of Nahor, the narrative preserves the continuity of the patriarchal lineage. Through Milcah, the daughter of Zelophehad, scripture establishes a foundational law regarding female inheritance and God's provision for all members of the covenant community. The use of this name in two separate contexts highlights how individuals in supporting roles are nonetheless essential to the development of Israel's covenantal and legal history.
TRV