from מֶלֶךְ and רוּם; king of a high one (i.e. of exaltation); Malkiram, an Israelite; Malchiram.
Transliteration:Malkîyrâm
Pronunciation:mal-kee-rawm'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name Malkîyrâm (`{{H4443}}`) is a compound word, rich in theological meaning. It is formed from two distinct Hebrew roots: מֶלֶךְ (melek, `{{H4428}}`), meaning "king" or "ruler," and רוּם (rum, `{{H7311}}`), a verb signifying "to be high," "to be exalted," "to lift up," or "to raise." Combined, the name is typically interpreted as "my king is exalted" or "my king is high." The possessive "my" is implicit in the construct relationship between the elements, often reflecting a personal declaration of faith or an attribute ascribed to the divine. This name inherently carries a declarative and worshipful tone, pointing to the supreme authority and elevated status of a sovereign.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Malkîyrâm (`{{H4443}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the genealogical records of the book of Chronicles.
[[1 Chronicles 3:18]]: "And the sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel, and Shimei; and the sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam, and Hananiah, and Shelomith their sister; and Hashubah, and Ohel, and Berechiah, and Hasadiah, Jushab-hesed, five; Malkiram, and Shechaniah, and Shemaiah, and Hattush, and Igal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat, six."
In this solitary instance, Malkîyrâm is listed as one of the sons of King Jehoiachin (also known as Jeconiah or Coniah) through his son Pedaiah, placing him firmly within the Davidic royal lineage. The context is purely genealogical, providing no narrative details about Malkîyrâm's life, role, or actions. His significance in the biblical text is solely defined by his position as a link in the unbroken chain of David's descendants, a lineage crucial for tracing the messianic promise. The Chronicler's meticulous preservation of these names underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, even during the challenging period of exile and restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of Malkîyrâm connect it to several foundational biblical concepts:
* **מֶלֶךְ (melek, `{{H4428}}`):** This root is central to the concept of kingship, applying to human monarchs but preeminently to Yahweh as the sovereign King of Israel and the universe. Other names like Melchizedek ("my king is righteousness") share this element, highlighting divine attributes.
* **רוּם (rum, `{{H7311}}`):** This verb frequently describes the exaltation of God, the lifting up of a banner, or the raising of a person to honor. It denotes elevation, power, and glory, often in a worshipful context (e.g., "Exalt the Lord our God," [[Psalm 99:5]]).
* **Theophoric Names:** Malkîyrâm belongs to a category of Hebrew names that incorporate divine names or attributes, serving as declarations of faith or theological statements. Such names (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel) were common and reflected the parents' piety and their understanding of God's character.
* **Davidic Covenant:** Malkîyrâm's inclusion in the Davidic genealogy directly links him to God's eternal covenant with David, promising a perpetual dynasty and throne ([[2 Samuel 7:12-16]]). His name, "my king is exalted," is particularly poignant given the apparent disruption of this covenant during the Babylonian exile, serving as a silent affirmation of God's ultimate kingship despite earthly circumstances.
### Theological Significance
The name Malkîyrâm, "my king is exalted," carries profound theological weight, especially when considered within its historical context:
* **Affirmation of Divine Sovereignty:** In a period when the earthly Davidic monarchy had fallen and the people of Judah were in exile, the name Malkîyrâm served as a powerful declaration of faith. It silently yet powerfully asserted that Yahweh remained the supreme, exalted King, regardless of the political fortunes of His people. This name would have been a source of hope and a reminder of God's enduring reign amidst national crisis.
* **Hope in the Davidic Line:** The Chronicler's careful preservation of Malkîyrâm's name within the Davidic genealogy underscores the unwavering nature of God's promises. Even through obscure individuals, the lineage from which the Messiah would ultimately come was meticulously maintained. The name itself, "my king is exalted," anticipates the ultimate exaltation of the Messiah, the true King whose reign would be eternal and supremely glorified.
* **Expression of Personal Piety:** While we have no narrative about Malkîyrâm himself, the choice of such a name reflects the piety and theological conviction of his parents. Naming children with such significant declarations was a common practice in ancient Israel, embedding core theological truths within the family unit and serving as a continuous reminder of God's character and covenant faithfulness.
### Summary
Malkîyrâm (`{{H4443}}`), a Hebrew name meaning "my king is exalted," is derived from מֶלֶךְ (king) and רוּם (to be high/exalted). Its sole biblical appearance is in [[1 Chronicles 3:18]], where it lists him as a descendant of King David through Jehoiachin. Despite the lack of narrative detail, Malkîyrâm's significance is profound. The name itself functions as a powerful theological declaration, particularly poignant during the exilic period, affirming God's enduring sovereignty and exalted kingship despite the apparent collapse of the earthly Davidic monarchy. His inclusion in the meticulously preserved Davidic genealogy highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant, ensuring the continuity of the royal line from which the Messiah, the ultimate exalted King, would one day emerge. Thus, Malkîyrâm stands as a quiet yet profound testament to hope and trust in the divine King's supreme and eternal authority.
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