feminine active participle of מָלַךְ; queen; Moleketh, an Israelitess; Hammoleketh (including the article).
Transliteration:Môleketh
Pronunciation:mo-leh'-keth
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word מֹלֶכֶת (Môleketh, `{{H4447}}`) is a feminine active participle derived from the verbal root מָלַךְ (malakh), which signifies "to reign," "to rule," or "to be king." As an active participle, its literal meaning is "she who reigns" or "the reigning one." This conveys a sense of dynamic authority or inherent queenship. While it can semantically denote a "queen" in a general sense, its primary biblical usage is as a proper noun, "Moleketh," referring to a specific Israelitess. The definition also notes "Hammoleketh," indicating its appearance with the definite article, further emphasizing her unique identity. The name itself suggests a person of noble standing, authority, or one whose character embodies leadership and influence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מֹלֶכֶת (Môleketh, `{{H4447}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[1 Chronicles 7:18]]: "And his sister Hammoleketh bare Ishhod, and Abiezer, and Mahalah." This single occurrence places Moleketh within a detailed genealogical record for the tribe of Manasseh. She is identified as the sister of Machir, who was the son of Manasseh. Her inclusion in a patriarchal lineage, where women are often omitted unless they hold significant roles or are progenitors of important lines, underscores her unique importance. The definite article "Ha-" (הַ) prefixed to her name ("Hammoleketh") further emphasizes her specific identity as "the Moleketh" within this genealogy. The verse explicitly states that she bore three sons: Ishhod, Abiezer, and Mahalah. Abiezer is particularly noteworthy as the ancestral head of the clan from which Gideon, one of Israel's prominent judges, emerged (cf. [[Judges 6:11]]). Thus, Moleketh stands as a matriarch in a significant lineage, her name perhaps reflecting her personal character, status, or even a prophetic intimation of the leadership that would arise from her descendants.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of מֹלֶכֶת (Môleketh, `{{H4447}}`) is deeply connected to words signifying royalty and rule. The most direct cognate is מָלַךְ (malakh), the verb "to reign." Other related terms include:
* `{{H4428}}` (melekh): "king," the masculine noun derived from the same root.
* `{{H4438}}` (malkah): "queen," another common feminine noun for a queen (e.g., Queen of Sheba, Esther). The choice of the participial form מֹלֶכֶת over the more common מַלְכָּה might suggest a more active or inherent quality of "reigning" or "ruling" in Moleketh's identity.
* `{{H4432}}` (malku): "kingdom," "dominion," often used in Aramaic portions of the Bible.
* `{{H4440}}` (mamlakah): "kingdom," "reign," "dominion."
These related terms collectively highlight the biblical emphasis on kingship, authority, and governance, whether divine or human. The concept of leadership, particularly that which is divinely appointed or influential, is a key thematic link.
### Theological Significance
While מֹלֶכֶת (Môleketh, `{{H4447}}`) primarily functions as a proper noun, its etymological root carries profound theological resonance. The concept of "reigning" is foundational to understanding God's sovereignty and kingship over creation and His people. God is the ultimate King (`{{H4428}}`). The naming of an individual as "the reigning one" within a sacred genealogy subtly points to the divine hand in human affairs and the raising up of individuals for specific purposes. Moleketh's inclusion, despite the patriarchal nature of biblical genealogies, suggests her unique significance in God's plan for Israel. Her name might be seen as a prophetic declaration or a reflection of a divinely bestowed influence or leadership, even if her "reigning" was expressed within the domestic or tribal sphere rather than a formal monarchy. The fact that her lineage includes Abiezer, the clan of Gideon, a divinely appointed judge who "ruled" and delivered Israel, further enhances the theological implications of her name, suggesting a pattern of leadership emerging from her line, aligning with the meaning of "the reigning one."
### Summary
מֹלֶכֶת (Môleketh, `{{H4447}}`) is a unique Hebrew word, functioning as a feminine active participle meaning "she who reigns" or "the reigning one." Although it can denote a "queen" generally, its sole biblical occurrence in [[1 Chronicles 7:18]] identifies it as the proper name of an Israelitess, "Hammoleketh." As the sister of Machir and a key matriarch in the lineage of Manasseh, her inclusion in the genealogy, particularly as the mother of Abiezer (ancestor of Gideon), highlights her significance. The name itself suggests a person of inherent authority or influence, consistent with the biblical themes of divine sovereignty and the raising up of leaders. While not a queen in the traditional sense, Moleketh's name and position in the sacred text underscore the providential hand of God in selecting and working through individuals and their descendants to fulfill His purposes in history.
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