or מַלְכֻת; or (in plural) מַלְכֻיָּה; from מָלַךְ; a rule; concretely, a dominion; empire, kingdom, realm, reign, royal.
Transliteration:malkûwth
Pronunciation:mal-kooth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H4438 (מַלְכוּת - malkûwth) is derived from the verbal root H4427 (מָלַךְ - malak), meaning "to reign" or "to be king." As such, malkûwth encompasses a rich semantic range related to kingship and governance. Its primary meanings include:
1. **Rule or Reign:** The act, duration, or sphere of a king's authority. This refers to the abstract concept of dominion or the period during which a monarch exercises power.
2. **Kingdom or Realm:** The concrete territory or people over which a king rules. This signifies the physical or political entity.
3. **Kingship or Royalty:** The status, office, or dignity of being a king.
It thus denotes both the abstract concept of royal power and the concrete manifestation of that power in a dominion or empire. The term encapsulates the essence of sovereignty and the domain over which it is exercised.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H4438 (malkûwth) appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, particularly in historical narratives and prophetic literature. Its usage can be broadly categorized:
1. **Earthly Kingdoms and Reigns:** Often refers to the reigns and territories of human kings, both Israelite and foreign.
* It describes the establishment and duration of Israelite kingship, as seen in the anointing of Saul ([[1 Samuel 10:16]]) or the confirmation of David's rule ([[2 Samuel 3:10]]). Solomon's malkûwth is noted for its stability ([[1 Kings 2:12]]).
* The term also applies to the great empires of the ancient Near East, such as the malkûwth of Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar ([[Daniel 2:37]]) or the succession of world empires prophesied in Daniel's visions ([[Daniel 7:23]]). These are consistently portrayed as powerful yet ultimately transient.
2. **God's Eternal Kingdom and Reign:** Crucially, malkûwth is used to describe the sovereignty of Yahweh. This usage carries profound theological weight.
* In the Psalms, God's malkûwth is celebrated as eternal, universal, and righteous ([[Psalm 145:11]], [[Psalm 145:12]], [[Psalm 145:13]]). It is a dominion that endures through all generations and over all creation.
* The book of Daniel powerfully contrasts the fleeting malkûwth of human empires with the everlasting malkûwth that the God of heaven will establish, which "shall never be destroyed" ([[Daniel 2:44]], [[Daniel 4:3]]). This divine kingdom will consume all other kingdoms and stand forever.
The contextual analysis reveals a recurring tension between the ephemeral nature of human malkûwth and the enduring, absolute malkûwth of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H4438 (malkûwth) is closely tied to several other key Hebrew terms:
* H4427 (מָלַךְ - malak): The verb "to reign" or "to be king." malkûwth is the direct noun form, signifying the act or domain of this verb.
* H4428 (מֶלֶךְ - melek): "King." This is the agent who exercises malkûwth. The king is the embodiment of the kingdom's authority.
* H4437 (מַלְכָּה - malkah): "Queen."
* H4505 (מַמְלָכָה - mamlakah): Another noun often translated "kingdom" or "dominion," frequently used interchangeably with malkûwth but sometimes emphasizing the territorial or national aspect more explicitly.
Conceptually, malkûwth is interwoven with themes of sovereignty, dominion, authority, governance, and divine rule. In the Septuagint, malkûwth is overwhelmingly translated by the Greek term `{{G932}}` (basileia), which also carries the dual meaning of "kingdom" (domain) and "reign" (rule), highlighting the continuity of this concept into the New Testament.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H4438 (malkûwth) is profound, particularly in its application to God.
1. **Divine Sovereignty:** The concept of God's malkûwth underscores His absolute and uncontested rule over all creation, history, and humanity. It affirms His omnipotence and ultimate authority. This is a foundational tenet of biblical theology.
2. **Eschatological Hope:** The everlasting nature of God's malkûwth provides a powerful counterpoint to the transience of human power. It fuels the hope for a future age when God's righteous rule will be fully established, bringing an end to all injustice and rebellion. This is vividly portrayed in prophetic visions, especially in Daniel, where God's kingdom is depicted as replacing all earthly empires.
3. **Covenant and Messiah:** The promise of an eternal malkûwth for David's lineage ([[2 Samuel 7:16]]) connects the concept directly to the messianic hope. The coming Messiah is understood as the one who will fully establish and embody God's righteous malkûwth on earth.
4. **Moral Standard:** God's malkûwth is characterized by righteousness, justice, and steadfast love ([[Psalm 145:13]]). It serves as the ultimate standard by which all human malkûwth is measured and often found wanting, highlighting the need for divine intervention and transformation.
### Summary
H4438 (מַלְכוּת - malkûwth) is a multifaceted Hebrew term signifying both the act of reigning and the domain over which one rules. While it describes the kingdoms and reigns of human monarchs, its most profound theological application lies in portraying the eternal, universal, and righteous sovereignty of God. The concept of God's malkûwth stands in stark contrast to the fleeting nature of human power, offering a powerful message of divine dominion, eschatological hope, and the ultimate triumph of God's just rule over all creation. It is a cornerstone of Old Testament theology, deeply connected to the themes of divine sovereignty, covenant, and messianic expectation.
TRV