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.
Transliteration:Malkîyâh
Pronunciation:mal-kee-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun `{{H4441}}` (Malkîyâh or Malkîyâhû) is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine element. It is a compound word derived from two primary components: `{{H4428}}` (melek), meaning "king," and `{{H3050}}` (Yah), a shortened form of Yahweh, the personal name of God. Thus, the name fundamentally means "My King is Yah" or "Yah is King." The base definition provided, "king of (i.e. appointed by) Jah," suggests a nuance of divine appointment or ownership, implying that the individual is a king *belonging to* or *established by* Yahweh. However, the more direct and common interpretation of such names with a noun followed by a divine element is a declarative statement about God's nature or relationship, making "Yah is King" or "Yahweh is (my) King" the most robust semantic range. As a proper noun, its semantic range is primarily defined by this etymological meaning, which reflects a theological confession or aspiration on the part of the parents who bestowed the name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H4441}}` (Malkîyâh/Malchijah) appears frequently in the Old Testament, identifying at least ten different individuals, underscoring its popularity and the theological conviction it embodies. These occurrences span various books and historical periods, often in genealogical lists or narratives where the individual plays a specific role:
* **Son of Hammelech/Malchiah, the king's son:** This Malchiah is noted in the book of Jeremiah as the owner of the cistern into which Jeremiah was cast [[Jeremiah 38:6]]. His title, "son of Hammelech," can mean "son of the king" or simply "son of the king's official," but it indicates a person of some prominence in Jerusalem during the reign of Zedekiah.
* **Father of Pashhur:** This Malchiah is mentioned as the father of Pashhur, a priest who persecuted Jeremiah [[Jeremiah 21:1]], [[Jeremiah 38:1]], [[1 Chronicles 9:12]].
* **A Levite:** Malchiah, a descendant of Gershom, is listed among the Levites in the lineage of Ethan [[1 Chronicles 6:40]].
* **Head of a priestly division:** A Malchiah is identified as the head of the fifth priestly division in the time of David [[1 Chronicles 24:9]].
* **Wall repairers:** Two individuals named Malchiah are involved in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall under Nehemiah. One is the son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem [[Nehemiah 3:14]], and another is a goldsmith who repaired a section of the wall near the Sheep Gate [[Nehemiah 3:31]].
* **One who stood by Ezra:** A Malchiah is listed among those who stood beside Ezra when he read the Law to the people [[Nehemiah 8:4]].
* **Signatories of the covenant:** A priest named Malchiah is among those who sealed the covenant in the time of Nehemiah [[Nehemiah 10:3]].
* **Gatekeeper:** A Malchiah is mentioned as a gatekeeper among the Levites [[Nehemiah 12:42]].
* **Those who married foreign women:** Two individuals named Malchiah are listed among those who had married foreign wives during the post-exilic period and were compelled to put them away: one a son of Parosh [[Ezra 10:25]] and another a son of Harim [[Ezra 10:31]].
Across these varied contexts, the name `{{H4441}}` functions primarily as an identifier. While the specific actions of the individuals bearing the name do not always directly reflect the name's meaning, the consistent use of a name that proclaims "Yahweh is King" across different social strata and historical periods speaks to a pervasive theological understanding in ancient Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H4441}}` naturally leads to related linguistic and theological concepts:
* **`{{H4428}}` (melek):** The Hebrew word for "king" is central to this name. Its usage in the Old Testament encompasses human kingship (e.g., Saul, David) and, more profoundly, the divine kingship of Yahweh. The name Malkiyah directly connects human existence to the ultimate divine sovereign.
* **`{{H3050}}` (Yah) / `{{H3068}}` (Yahweh):** The divine element "Yah" is a shortened form of the Tetragrammaton, Yahweh, God's personal covenant name. Its inclusion in names like Malkiyah underscores the unique relationship between God and Israel, and the centrality of Yahweh's identity as the one true God.
* **Theophoric Names:** Malkiyah is an excellent example of a theophoric name, common in ancient Israel. These names often expressed parental faith, hopes, or prayers, serving as miniature theological statements. Other examples include Elijah ("My God is Yahweh"), Isaiah ("Yahweh is Salvation"), and Jeremiah ("Yahweh Exalts").
* **Divine Sovereignty and Kingship:** The concept of God as King is a foundational theological theme in the Hebrew Bible. Yahweh is portrayed as the ultimate ruler of creation, history, and His people. The name Malkiyah serves as a constant reminder of this divine sovereignty, contrasting it with the often-fallible and temporary nature of human kingship.
* **Covenantal Relationship:** The name implicitly speaks to the covenantal relationship between Yahweh and Israel, where Yahweh is the sovereign King and Israel is His people, bound by His laws and promises.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4441}}` (Malkîyâh) is profound, rooted in its declarative meaning: "Yahweh is King." This name is not merely an identifier; it is a confession of faith and a theological statement that reverberates throughout the biblical narrative.
Firstly, it serves as a powerful affirmation of Yahweh's supreme authority and sovereignty. In a world often dominated by earthly monarchs and competing deities, the name Malkiyah boldly declares that the God of Israel, Yahweh, holds ultimate dominion. This declaration transcends the political realities of human kingdoms, asserting that Yahweh's rule is eternal and universal.
Secondly, the name reflects a deep trust and reliance on God's kingship. For parents to name their child "My King is Yah" suggests an acknowledgment of divine providence and a hope that Yahweh will indeed govern and protect their offspring. It embodies a theological posture of submission to divine will and confidence in God's righteous reign.
Thirdly, in periods of national crisis or political instability, such as the time of Jeremiah when Jerusalem faced destruction, the name Malkiyah would have served as a poignant reminder that despite the failures of human kings and the threats of foreign powers, Yahweh remained the true and ultimate King. This would have offered a source of hope and steadfastness amidst despair.
Finally, the prevalence of such theophoric names in Israelite society indicates a pervasive theological consciousness. The very act of naming children with divine components ensured that theological truths were embedded within the fabric of daily life, constantly reiterating the core tenets of their faith. Malkiyah, therefore, is not just a name but a living testimony to the kingship of Yahweh.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H4441}}` (Malkîyâh or Malkîyâhû) is a significant proper noun, meaning "My King is Yah" or "Yah is King." Composed of `{{H4428}}` (king) and `{{H3050}}` (Yah), it functions as a profound theological statement. Appearing as the name of at least ten different individuals across various books of the Old Testament, including a prominent figure in Jeremiah's narrative [[Jeremiah 38:6]] and several individuals involved in the post-exilic rebuilding of Jerusalem, the name consistently identifies persons whose lives, regardless of their specific actions, were linked to this powerful declaration. Linguistically, it belongs to a rich tradition of Israelite theophoric names, connecting it to core concepts of divine sovereignty, the unique identity of Yahweh as Israel's God, and the nature of kingship in both human and divine realms. Theologically, Malkiyah stands as a testament to the supreme authority, faithfulness, and enduring reign of Yahweh, serving as a constant reminder that He alone is the true and ultimate King over all creation and His people.
TRV