from מָלַךְ; dominion, i.e. (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm); kingdom, king's, reign, royal.
Transliteration:mamlâkâh
Pronunciation:mam-law-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H4467}}` (מַמְלָכָה, *mamlâkâh*) is derived from the verbal root מָלַךְ (`{{H4427}}`, *malakh*), meaning "to reign" or "to be king." As such, mamlâkâh inherently carries the semantic weight of royal authority and governance. Its core meaning encompasses a dual aspect:
1. **Abstract:** It refers to the "dominion," "reign," "rule," or "kingship" itself—the abstract exercise of royal power. This emphasizes the authority and period of control.
2. **Concrete:** It denotes the "kingdom," "realm," "territory," or "country" over which a king rules, including its inhabitants. This highlights the geographical and demographic extent of the monarch's sway.
The term thus encapsulates both the function and the domain of a sovereign, whether human or divine. Its versatility allows it to describe the extent of a king's power, the duration of a reign, or the physical boundaries of a nation under royal governance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Mamlâkâh appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, illustrating both human and divine kingship.
In relation to **human kingdoms**, it is widely used to describe the monarchies of Israel and Judah, as well as foreign powers:
* It refers to the kingdom established for Saul ([[1 Samuel 10:18]]), and later torn from him ([[1 Samuel 15:28]]).
* The term is central to the Davidic covenant, where God promises to establish David's mamlâkâh forever ([[2 Samuel 7:16]], [[1 Chronicles 17:14]]). This highlights the enduring nature God intended for His chosen dynasty.
* It describes the vastness and splendor of Solomon's kingdom ([[1 Kings 4:21]]).
* Prophetic books frequently employ mamlâkâh when speaking of the rise and fall of earthly empires, such as Egypt ([[Exodus 19:6]]), Assyria ([[Isaiah 37:16]]), Babylon ([[Jeremiah 27:8]]), and Persia ([[Ezra 1:2]]). These contexts often underscore the transience and ultimate vulnerability of human rule.
Crucially, mamlâkâh is also applied to the **sovereignty of God**:
* [[Psalm 103:19]] declares, "The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His mamlâkâh rules over all." This emphasizes God's universal and absolute dominion.
* [[Psalm 145:11-13]] extols God's glorious mamlâkâh, describing it as an everlasting kingdom that endures through all generations.
* In the book of Daniel, mamlâkâh is used to contrast the temporary nature of human empires with the eternal, indestructible mamlâkâh that God will establish ([[Daniel 2:44]], [[Daniel 7:27]]). This prophetic usage points to a future, divine reign that will supersede all earthly powers.
The contextual analysis reveals that while mamlâkâh can describe the fragile and often corrupt rule of human kings, its ultimate and most profound application is to the eternal, righteous, and universal reign of Yahweh.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H4467}}` is its root verb, מָלַךְ (`{{H4427}}`, *malakh*), "to reign" or "to be king." This root also gives rise to the common noun מֶלֶךְ (`{{H4428}}`, *melek*), meaning "king." The king is the one who exercises the mamlâkâh and rules over the mamlâkâh.
Other related Hebrew terms include:
* מֶמְשָׁלָה (`{{H4475}}`, *memshalah*): Similar in meaning, denoting "dominion," "rule," or "government." While mamlâkâh often emphasizes the *royal* aspect of rule, memshalah can be more general. However, in many contexts, they are semantically close.
* מִשְׁפָּט (`{{H4941}}`, *mishpat*): While primarily meaning "judgment" or "justice," it can also imply the administration of governance or the ordering of a realm, which is an aspect of kingship.
In the New Testament, the Greek equivalent to mamlâkâh is βασιλεία (`{{G932}}`, *basileia*), which likewise carries the dual meaning of "kingdom" (the realm) and "kingship" (the reign or rule). This continuity is vital for understanding the concept of the Kingdom of God across the Testaments.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mamlâkâh is profound, centering on the concept of divine sovereignty and the nature of God's rule.
1. **God's Absolute Sovereignty:** The most significant theological use of mamlâkâh is in reference to God's reign. It underscores His supreme authority over all creation, His eternal and unchallengeable rule ([[Psalm 103:19]], [[Psalm 145:11-13]]). This concept provides a foundation for understanding God as the ultimate King, whose dominion is not limited by time, space, or human resistance.
2. **Covenantal Kingship:** Mamlâkâh is integral to the Davidic Covenant. God's promise to establish David's mamlâkâh forever ([[2 Samuel 7:16]]) points to a divine purpose for a perpetual, righteous kingship that ultimately finds its fulfillment in the Messiah. This highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and His plan for a just rule on earth.
3. **Contrast with Human Rule:** The biblical narrative frequently contrasts the fallibility, transience, and often oppressive nature of human mamlâkâh with the eternal, righteous, and just mamlâkâh of God. This contrast serves as a theological critique of human power structures and directs hope towards God's ultimate reign.
4. **Eschatological Hope:** Prophetic visions, particularly in Daniel, utilize mamlâkâh to articulate a future, divine kingdom that will dismantle all earthly kingdoms and stand forever ([[Daniel 2:44]], [[Daniel 7:27]]). This eschatological dimension provides hope for a future where God's perfect rule is fully manifested, bringing justice and peace.
5. **Implications for Humanity:** Understanding God's mamlâkâh calls humanity to recognize His authority, submit to His will, and live in accordance with the principles of His righteous reign. It shapes the understanding of obedience, worship, and the ultimate destiny of creation.
### Summary
`{{H4467}}` (מַמְלָכָה, *mamlâkâh*) is a rich Hebrew term signifying both the abstract concept of "dominion" or "reign" and the concrete reality of a "kingdom" or "realm." Derived from the verb "to reign," it is used extensively throughout the Old Testament to describe the rule of human kings and, more importantly, the universal and eternal sovereignty of God. Its theological significance is profound, underscoring God's absolute authority, His covenantal promises, and the eschatological hope for His indestructible kingdom that will ultimately transcend and replace all earthly dominions. Mamlâkâh thus serves as a foundational concept for understanding God's active and perpetual rule over all creation and His redemptive plan for humanity.
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