The Hebrew word Môleketh, represented by H4447, is defined as queen. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Derived as the feminine active participle of מָלַךְ, the term identifies Moleketh, an Israelitess. The specific form used in scripture is Hammoleketh, which includes the article.
The sole biblical appearance of H4447 is within a genealogical record. In this passage, the individual is named Hammoleketh and is identified as a sister H269 who bare H3205 three sons: Ishod H379, Abiezer H44, and Mahalah H4244 1 Chronicles 7:18. Her mention is exclusively tied to her maternal role in perpetuating her family line.
Several related words from its only context help clarify the role of Hammoleketh:
- H269 ʼâchôwth (a sister): This term establishes her familial relationship, as she is introduced as "his sister Hammoleketh" 1 Chronicles 7:18. It is used widely in scripture, both literally and figuratively.
- H3205 yâlad (to bear young): This primitive root describes Hammoleketh's primary recorded action. Her role in the biblical record is defined by the children she brought forth to continue a specific lineage 1 Chronicles 7:18.
- H44 ʼĂbîyʻezer (father of help): The name of one of the sons Hammoleketh bore. As the progenitor of the Abiezrites, he became the head of a family that received a lot in the land of Manasseh Joshua 17:2.
The theological weight of H4447 is found in its genealogical context.
- Preservation of Lineage: Hammoleketh's inclusion in the genealogy of 1 Chronicles highlights the importance placed on preserving ancestral lines. Her one recorded act is that she bare H3205 sons, contributing directly to the continuation of Israel 1 Chronicles 7:18.
- Significance in a Name: The name Môleketh itself translates to queen. Although she is not depicted as a ruling monarch, the name suggests a person of honor or high standing within her family structure.
- Matriarch of a Notable Line: By giving birth to Abiezer H44, Hammoleketh became the matriarch of a prominent clan. This family line is later connected with the judge Gideon Judges 6:34 and one of King David's mighty men 2 Samuel 23:27.
In summary, Môleketh H4447 is a word that, despite its single appearance, carries notable significance. As a name meaning queen, it suggests an honored status. Her brief mention in 1 Chronicles is vital for the genealogical record, establishing her as the mother of figures like Ishod and Abiezer. Through her son Abiezer, her legacy connects to a prominent clan in Israel's history, demonstrating how even individuals mentioned once in scripture play a crucial role in the larger biblical narrative.
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