or מַלְכִּיָּהוּlemma מַלְכִּיָהוּ missing dagesh, corrected to מַלְכִּיָּהוּ; (Jeremiah [38:6), from מֶלֶךְ and יָהּ; king of (i.e. appointed by) Jah; Malkijah, the name of ten Israelites; Malchiah, Malchijah.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Malkîyâh**, represented by `{{H4441}}`, means **king of (i.e. appointed by) Jah**. It is a theophoric name derived from the words `melek` `{{H4428}}`, meaning "a king," and `Yâh`, a shortened form of God's name `{{H3068}}`. The name appears **16 times** across **15 unique verses** and is used for at least ten different Israelites, with English spellings that include Malchiah, Malchijah, and Melchiah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Individuals bearing this name appear in several key biblical contexts, often in positions of influence. In the book of Jeremiah, Pashur, the son of Melchiah, was a `priest` `{{H3548}}` sent by King Zedekiah to inquire of the prophet [[Jeremiah 21:1]]. Another man, Pashur the son of Malchiah, was one of the `princes` `{{H8269}}` who opposed Jeremiah's prophecies [[Jeremiah 38:1]]. Most notably, Jeremiah was cast into a `dungeon` `{{H953}}` belonging to Malchiah the son of the king, where he `sunk` `{{H2883}}` in the `mire` `{{H2916}}` [[Jeremiah 38:6]]. In the period of restoration, men with this name played a constructive role. Malchiah the son of Rechab `repaired` `{{H2388}}` the `dung` `{{H830}}` `gate` `{{H8179}}` [[Nehemiah 3:14]], while Malchijah the son of Harim repaired another section of the wall [[Nehemiah 3:11]]. Others are listed as priests and members of the community returning to covenant faithfulness ([[1 Chronicles 9:12]], [[Ezra 10:25]], [[Nehemiah 12:42]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to understand the meaning and context of the name **Malkîyâh**:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This is the primary root of the name, establishing the theme of royalty and rule that is central to its meaning.
* `{{H3068}}` **Yᵉhôvâh** (the Lord): The suffix `yâh` is derived from God's covenant name, signifying that the "kingship" in the name **Malkîyâh** is appointed by or belongs to `the LORD` `{{H3068}}`.
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This root connects to the actions of those named Malchiah during the restoration of Jerusalem. One Malchiah is recorded to have `built` `{{H1129}}` a gate as part of the repair efforts [[Nehemiah 3:14]].
* `{{H6583}}` **Pashchûwr** (Pashur): This name is closely associated with **Malkîyâh**, as several men are identified as "the son of Malchiah" or "the father of Malchiah," placing them in direct relationship within the leadership of Jerusalem ([[Jeremiah 21:1]], [[Jeremiah 38:1]], [[1 Chronicles 9:12]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4441}}` is revealed through the varied actions of the men who bore this name.
* **Divine Appointment and Human Response:** The name itself, "king of Jah," implies an identity rooted in divine authority. The lives of these men show how such a high calling could be either honored or disregarded. Some acted in opposition to God's prophet [[Jeremiah 38:1]], while others participated in God's restorative work [[Nehemiah 3:14]].
* **Persecution and Faithfulness:** The story of Jeremiah's imprisonment in Malchiah's `dungeon` `{{H953}}` is a powerful example of the suffering of the righteous at the hands of those in power [[Jeremiah 38:6]]. It highlights the conflict between human authority and divine truth.
* **Covenant Restoration:** In the books of Nehemiah and Ezra, individuals named Malchiah, Malchijah, and Melchiah are part of the community rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, serving as priests, and separating from foreign wives, signifying a national return to the covenant with `the LORD` `{{H3068}}` ([[Nehemiah 3:11]], [[Ezra 10:31]], [[1 Chronicles 24:9]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4441}}` is more than just a name; it represents a cross-section of Israel's spiritual condition. It is borne by figures of authority who were involved in both the persecution of God's prophets and the faithful restoration of His people. The name **Malkîyâh** itself, meaning "king of Jah," stands as a persistent reminder that all earthly rule and authority are ultimately subject to the true King, `the LORD` `{{H3068}}`, a truth affirmed by the varied legacies of the men who carried it.
TRV