from נָלָה; completion, i.e. (in produce) wealth; perfection.
Transliteration:minleh
Pronunciation:min-leh'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H4512 (מִנְלֶה, minleh) is derived from the verbal root נָלָה (nalah), which conveys the sense of being complete, finished, or perfected. Consequently, מִנְלֶה signifies the *state* or *result* of such completion. Its primary semantic range encompasses "completion" and "perfection." A notable extension of this meaning, as indicated by its definition, is "wealth," specifically in the context of produce or agricultural abundance. This conveys the idea of a harvest brought to its full, perfected state, indicating a lack of nothing and a state of overflowing sufficiency. Thus, minleh points to a state of absolute fullness, whether in abstract perfection or concrete material abundance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H4512 (מִנְלֶה) is exceptionally rare and does not appear in the standard Masoretic Text (MT) of the Hebrew Bible. Its inclusion in Strong's Concordance is primarily based on its proposed presence in certain ancient textual traditions and versions of [[Deuteronomy 32:6]]. In these variant readings (e.g., Aquila, Symmachus, Vulgate, and some Septuagint manuscripts), מִנְלֶה is suggested to replace or stand in apposition to the MT's וַיְכֹנְנֶךָ (vayekhoneneka, "He established you"). It often appears in the phrase בְּלִי מִנְלֶה (beli minleh), which would translate to "without lack" or "without perfection/completion."
Were this proposed reading adopted, [[Deuteronomy 32:6]] would gain an additional layer of profound meaning within the powerful Song of Moses. The verse, in its MT form, asks, "Is not He your Father who bought you? He made you and established you?" If מִנְלֶה were present, particularly in the negative phrase "without lack," it would powerfully underscore God's complete and perfect work in creating and sustaining Israel. It would highlight the divine provision and establishment as being utterly full and lacking nothing, emphasizing God's flawless care and the comprehensive nature of His covenant faithfulness, contrasting sharply with Israel's subsequent 'foolish and unwise' behavior described in the surrounding context.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical root for H4512 (מִנְלֶה) is נָלָה (nalah), which fundamentally means "to be complete" or "to be finished." This root connects minleh to a broader family of words signifying wholeness, integrity, and abundance. Key related concepts and terms include:
* תָּמִים (tamim, `{{H8549}}`): Often translated as "blameless," "perfect," or "complete," referring to moral integrity, physical soundness, or ritual purity.
* שָׁלֵם (shalem, `{{H7999}}`): Signifying "complete," "whole," "perfect," or "peaceful," often used in contexts of wholeness, recompense, or covenant fulfillment.
* כָּלָה (kalah, `{{H3615}}`): A verb meaning "to be complete," "to be finished," or "to be consumed," often used in the context of completing a task or consuming something entirely.
* עֹשֶׁר (osher, `{{H6239}}`): A general term for "riches" or "wealth."
* שֶׁפַע (shepha, `{{H8228}}`): Denoting "abundance" or "plenty."
While minleh shares the semantic field of completion and abundance with these terms, its specific nuance, especially in its proposed usage, emphasizes the *resultant state* of perfection or the *fullness* of produce, highlighting a state of being utterly without deficiency due to divine action.
### Theological Significance
Though H4512 (מִנְלֶה) is not found in the standard Masoretic Text, its conceptual meaning—"completion," "perfection," and "wealth (in produce)"—carries significant theological weight. If minleh were indeed present in [[Deuteronomy 32:6]], it would powerfully articulate God's absolute completeness and perfection in His creative and redemptive acts. The theological implications include:
1. **Divine Perfection:** Minleh points to the flawless nature of God's character and the impeccable quality of His work. His acts of creation and establishment are not partial or deficient but brought to absolute perfection.
2. **Divine Provision and Sufficiency:** The meaning of "wealth in produce" underscores God's generous and abundant provision for His people. He ensures a "fullness" that leaves no lack, demonstrating His faithfulness to sustain life and bless the land.
3. **Covenant Faithfulness:** In the context of [[Deuteronomy 32:6]], minleh would highlight God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel. He perfectly "bought" and "established" them, providing all that was needed for their well-being, even when Israel proved "foolish and unwise." This contrast emphasizes that any deficiency in the relationship stems from human failure, not divine inadequacy.
4. **Teleological Fulfillment:** The concept of "completion" inherent in minleh speaks to God's sovereign plan and His ability to bring all things to their intended end. His purposes are always brought to fruition, perfectly and completely.
### Summary
H4512 (מִנְלֶה, minleh) is a rare Hebrew noun derived from the root נָלָה, signifying "completion," "perfection," and by extension, "wealth" or "abundance," particularly in the context of agricultural produce. While not present in the standard Masoretic Text, its existence is posited in some ancient textual traditions for [[Deuteronomy 32:6]], where it would signify God's perfect and complete establishment of Israel, leaving them "without lack." Conceptually, minleh points to the absolute sufficiency and flawless nature of God's creative and redemptive work, underscoring His perfect provision and unwavering faithfulness in bringing His purposes to their full and abundant completion.
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