a form of מַלְכָּה; queen; Milcah, the name of a Hebrewess and of an Israelite; Milcah.
Transliteration:Milkâh
Pronunciation:mil-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4435}}` (מִלְכָּה, Milkâh) is primarily a proper noun, serving as the name for two distinct individuals in the Old Testament. Its base definition indicates it is "a form of `{{H4436}}` (מַלְכָּה)," which means "queen." This etymological connection suggests an underlying semantic range related to royalty, dominion, or counsel, stemming from the root `{{H4427}}` (מֶלֶךְ, "king"). While the word itself functions as a personal name, its inherent meaning subtly imbues the named individuals with a sense of significance or noble character, though this is not explicitly stated in the biblical text. Thus, its core meaning is a proper name, but its semantic echo points to concepts of queenship or counsel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H4435}}` appears in two significant contexts, referring to two different women:
1. **Milcah, daughter of Haran and wife of Nahor:** This Milcah is introduced in the patriarchal narratives as the sister of Lot and Iscah, and the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother ([[Genesis 11:29]]). Her primary significance lies in her role as the mother of Bethuel and the grandmother of Rebekah ([[Genesis 22:20]], [[Genesis 22:23]]). Rebekah, as the chosen wife of Isaac, becomes a pivotal figure in the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant line. Milcah's lineage is explicitly traced when Abraham's servant seeks a wife for Isaac, confirming Rebekah as "the daughter of Bethuel, Milcah's son, whom she bare unto Nahor" ([[Genesis 24:15]], [[Genesis 24:24]], [[Genesis 24:47]]). Her mention underscores the divine orchestration of human genealogies for the fulfillment of God's promises.
2. **Milcah, daughter of Zelophehad:** This Milcah is one of the five daughters of Zelophehad, a man from the tribe of Manasseh who died without male heirs ([[Numbers 26:33]]). Along with her sisters, she boldly approaches Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation to petition for an inheritance in the Promised Land, arguing that their father's name should not be lost from his clan simply because he had no son ([[Numbers 27:1-4]]). Their petition leads to a divine ruling from the Lord, establishing a new legal precedent that daughters could inherit land in the absence of sons, provided they married within their tribal clan ([[Numbers 27:6-11]], [[Numbers 36:11]]). Her name is also recorded in the distribution of land in Joshua ([[Joshua 17:3]]). This occurrence highlights a significant moment in Israelite jurisprudence concerning women's rights and land tenure.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to `{{H4435}}` is `{{H4436}}` (מַלְכָּה, mal·kāh), which is the standard Hebrew term for "queen." This connection links Milcah to the broader semantic field of royalty and governance. Further related terms include `{{H4427}}` (מֶלֶךְ, melek), meaning "king," and `{{H4430}}` (מְלֻכָה, melûḵâ), meaning "kingship" or "reign."
Conceptually, the occurrences of Milcah relate to:
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** Especially in the case of Nahor's wife, demonstrating the meticulous record-keeping of family lines crucial for covenant fulfillment.
* **Inheritance and Land Tenure:** In the case of Zelophehad's daughter, highlighting the legal and social structures of ancient Israel and God's justice in land distribution.
* **Women's Roles and Rights:** Both figures, in different ways, exemplify women who play significant, though often indirect or overlooked, roles in redemptive history and societal development.
* **Divine Providence:** God's hand in guiding the paths of individuals to achieve His overarching plans.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4435}}` primarily derives from the impactful roles played by the two women bearing this name.
Milcah, wife of Nahor, is a testament to God's sovereign orchestration of human lineage. Her role as the grandmother of Rebekah is indispensable for the continuation of the covenant line through Isaac. Without her, the specific divine plan for Abraham's descendants would have unfolded differently. Her quiet presence in the narrative underscores the often unseen but vital contributions of individuals to God's grand redemptive narrative, emphasizing that even seemingly minor figures are part of God's providential design.
Milcah, daughter of Zelophehad, stands as a powerful example of God's justice and His responsiveness to the cries of His people, even those who might be marginalized in a patriarchal society. Her bold petition, alongside her sisters, not only secured their own inheritance but also established a crucial legal precedent that protected the rights of future generations of women in Israel. This event demonstrates God's concern for equity and the preservation of family integrity and land within the covenant community. It reveals a nuanced aspect of Mosaic Law, showing its adaptability and divine origin in addressing specific human needs and ensuring the just distribution of God's blessings.
### Summary
`{{H4435}}` (מִלְכָּה, Milkâh) is a Hebrew proper noun, etymologically linked to the word for "queen" (`{{H4436}}`), though primarily functioning as a personal name. It designates two distinct women in the Old Testament, both of whom play significant, albeit different, roles in biblical history. Milcah, wife of Nahor, is crucial to the patriarchal lineage, serving as the grandmother of Rebekah, thereby facilitating the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant through Isaac. Milcah, daughter of Zelophehad, is instrumental in establishing a landmark legal precedent for female inheritance in ancient Israel, showcasing God's justice and care for the rights of women and the orderly distribution of land within the covenant community. The appearances of `{{H4435}}` thus highlight themes of divine providence in genealogy and God's equitable concern for all members of His people.
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