(Aramaic) corresponding to מָלַל; to speak; say, speak(-ing).
Transliteration:mᵉlal
Pronunciation:mel-al'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H4449, *mᵉlal* (מְלַל), fundamentally denotes the act "to speak" or "to say." Its base definition indicates a direct correspondence to the Hebrew verb `{{H4448}}` (*malal*), signifying a shared semantic core across the two languages. This core meaning encompasses the general act of vocal utterance and verbal communication. Unlike some other words for speech, *mᵉlal* does not inherently carry nuances of command, response, or declaration, but rather focuses on the simple act of speaking itself. Its semantic range is narrow, centering exclusively on the production of words.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic verb *mᵉlal* (H4449) appears only once in the biblical text, found in the book of Ezra, which contains significant Aramaic portions.
* **[[Ezra 4:18]]**: "The letter which you sent to us has been read and translated before me." The phrase in question is "וְלִשְׁנָא דִּי שְׁלַחְתּוּן עֲלֵינָא מְפָרַשׁ קֳדָמַי מְלַל" (wəlišənā’ dî šəlaḥttûn ‘alênā’ məfāraš qodāmay mᵉlal). Here, *mᵉlal* is used in the passive voice, "has been spoken" or "has been read," in the context of a formal letter sent by the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin to King Artaxerxes. The letter, accusing the Jews of rebellion, is presented and verbally recited before the king. This usage emphasizes the official and public nature of the communication, ensuring the king's full understanding of the contents and the subsequent royal decree. It highlights the importance of verbal presentation in ancient Near Eastern administrative and legal proceedings.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Cognate:** The most direct linguistic analogue is the Hebrew verb `{{H4448}}` (*malal*), which shares the identical meaning of "to speak" or "to utter." This strong correspondence underscores a common Semitic root for the concept of verbal communication.
* **Other Aramaic Verbs for Speech:** While *mᵉlal* is rare, other Aramaic verbs are more frequently employed for various aspects of speech. Notably, `{{H560}}` (*‘anah*) often means "to answer" or "to respond," and `{{H4406}}` (*millah*) refers to a "word" or "speech," from which a related verbal form can be derived. These terms, while distinct, contribute to the broader lexical field of communication in Aramaic.
* **Concepts of Communication:** *mᵉlal* is part of the larger biblical tapestry of words and speech, encompassing divine revelation (God speaking to humanity), human interaction, legal declarations, and administrative commands. It points to the fundamental role of verbal utterance in shaping reality and relationships.
### Theological Significance
Given its singular occurrence in an administrative, rather than directly theological, context, the theological significance of *mᵉlal* (H4449) is indirect but meaningful within the broader biblical understanding of speech.
* **The Power of Words:** Even in this secular context, the act of "speaking" or "reading" a letter before a king carries immense weight. The words spoken lead directly to a royal decree that impacts the rebuilding of Jerusalem. This subtly reinforces the biblical theme of the power and consequence inherent in words, whether human or divine (e.g., God speaking creation into existence, the prophetic word bringing judgment or salvation).
* **Authority and Communication:** The king's reception of the spoken word through *mᵉlal* demonstrates the vital role of clear and authoritative communication in governance. This mirrors, in a human sphere, the divine authority expressed through God's spoken word, which establishes order and reveals His will.
* **Human Accountability:** The words presented in [[Ezra 4:18]] are accusatory and lead to a cessation of work. This instance, though not directly moralizing, implicitly aligns with the biblical emphasis on human accountability for their speech, whether in truth or falsehood, and the far-reaching impact of their utterances (e.g., [[Proverbs 18:21]], [[Matthew 12:36-37]]).
### Summary
The Aramaic verb *mᵉlal* (H4449) precisely conveys the meaning "to speak" or "to say," directly paralleling the Hebrew `{{H4448}}`. Its sole appearance in the biblical text, in [[Ezra 4:18]], describes a letter being formally "read" or "spoken" before King Artaxerxes, underscoring the critical role of verbal presentation in ancient administrative and legal contexts. While *mᵉlal* itself does not carry intrinsic theological weight, its usage contributes to the overarching biblical understanding of communication as a powerful, authoritative, and consequential act. It serves as a subtle reminder of the profound impact of words, whether in human affairs or in the divine economy of revelation and decree.
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