a form of מַמְלָכָה and equiv. to it; {dominion, i.e. (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)}; kingdom, reign.
Transliteration:mamlâkûwth
Pronunciation:mam-law-kooth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַמְלָכוּת (mamlâkûwth), Strong's H4468, is a feminine noun derived from the root H4427 (melek, "king"). Its base definition indicates it is a form of, and equivalent to, H4467 (mamlâkâh). As such, it carries a rich semantic range encompassing both abstract and concrete aspects of royal authority and dominion. Abstractly, it denotes "dominion," "rule," or "reign"—the act or state of governing. Concretely, it refers to the "country," "realm," or "kingdom" itself—the territory or people over which a king exercises authority. The interchangeability with H4467 underscores a shared conceptual space where the power and the domain are intrinsically linked.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מַמְלָכוּת (mamlâkûwth) appears predominantly in later biblical books, particularly Esther, Daniel, Ezra, and 2 Chronicles. Its usage consistently reflects the dual nature of "reign" and "realm."
In the book of Esther, it frequently refers to the vast Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus. For instance, [[Esther 1:4]] speaks of the "glory of his kingdom" (מַמְלָכוּת), highlighting its splendor and extent. Similarly, [[Esther 1:19]] mentions the "royal kingdom" (מַמְלָכוּת) being given to another, emphasizing the transfer of sovereign power. This context illustrates the concrete "realm" as well as the abstract "reign" of a powerful human monarch.
In Daniel, the term takes on profound theological significance. While it is used to describe human kingdoms, such as Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian "kingdom" (מַמְלָכוּת) in [[Daniel 4:3]], it is crucially contrasted with the eternal and universal "kingdom" (מַמְלָכוּת) of God. [[Daniel 4:18]] and [[Daniel 4:29]] (referring to Nebuchadnezzar's reign) show its application to human rule, but [[Daniel 4:34]] declares of God: "His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom (מַמְלָכוּת) endures from generation to generation." This climactic usage in Daniel 7, particularly [[Daniel 7:14]] and [[Daniel 7:27]], where the "kingdom" (מַמְלָכוּת) is given to the Son of Man and the saints, elevates the term beyond mere earthly politics to eschatological divine rule.
In Ezra and 2 Chronicles, the term often denotes the established "kingdom" or "reign" of Israelite kings or surrounding nations, as seen in [[2 Chronicles 11:17]] concerning Rehoboam's "kingdom" (מַמְלָכוּת) or [[Ezra 4:13]] referring to the "kingdom" (מַמְלָכוּת) of the king of Persia. These instances reinforce its primary meaning as a sphere of royal authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related Hebrew word is H4467 (mamlâkâh), which is explicitly stated in the definition as being equivalent to H4468. Both terms derive from the same root and share virtually identical semantic domains, referring to "kingdom," "reign," or "dominion." While H4467 appears more frequently, H4468 serves as a stylistic or grammatical variant without significant conceptual difference.
The broader semantic field includes:
* H4427 (melek): "king," the one who exercises the "mamlâkûwth."
* H4428 (malakh): The verb "to reign" or "to be king."
* H4438 (malkûth): The Aramaic equivalent of "kingdom" or "reign," frequently used in the Aramaic sections of Daniel and Ezra, carrying the same abstract and concrete senses.
These words collectively define the concept of kingship, encompassing the monarch, the act of ruling, and the territory or people ruled. The concept of "sovereignty" is central to understanding מַמְלָכוּת, as it inherently speaks to ultimate authority and control.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מַמְלָכוּת (mamlâkûwth) is profound, particularly in its application to God. While human kingdoms are transient, subject to rise and fall, the Bible consistently portrays Yahweh's "kingdom" as eternal, universal, and unshakeable. This divine "mamlâkûwth" is not limited by geography or time; it is the ultimate expression of God's sovereign rule over all creation.
The prophecies in Daniel powerfully articulate this distinction, contrasting the temporary human empires (Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, Roman) with the everlasting kingdom that God will establish. This divine "mamlâkûwth" is not a political entity in the earthly sense but a spiritual dominion that will ultimately encompass all things, culminating in the reign of the Messiah. The transfer of "mamlâkûwth" to the "Son of Man" in Daniel 7 prefigures the New Testament concept of the Kingdom of God, inaugurated by Jesus Christ and consummated at His return.
This term thus serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate authority, challenging human pretensions to absolute power and calling for submission to His divine reign. It underscores the biblical worldview where all earthly authority is ultimately derived from and accountable to the Creator's supreme "mamlâkûwth."
### Summary
מַמְלָכוּת (mamlâkûwth), Strong's H4468, is a rich Hebrew term signifying both the abstract "dominion" or "reign" and the concrete "country" or "realm." It is semantically equivalent to H4467 (mamlâkâh) and rooted in the concept of "king" (H4427). While used to describe the kingdoms and reigns of human monarchs, its most profound theological import lies in its application to God. In prophetic books like Daniel, it highlights the stark contrast between the temporary nature of human "mamlâkûwth" and the eternal, universal, and sovereign "kingdom" of Yahweh. This term thus encapsulates the biblical understanding of divine authority and the ultimate, everlasting reign of God over all creation.
TRV