feminine of מְשֻׁלָּם; Meshullemeth, an Israelitess; Meshullemeth.
Transliteration:Mᵉshullemeth
Pronunciation:mesh-ool-leh'-meth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name Mᵉshullemeth (מְשֻׁלֶּמֶת, `{{H4922}}`) is identified as the feminine form of Meshullam (מְשֻׁלָּם, `{{H4921}}`). Both names derive from the root שָׁלַם (shalem, `{{H7999}}`), a foundational verb in Hebrew theology. This root carries a rich semantic range, encompassing concepts of completeness, soundness, peace, wholeness, restitution, and recompense. As a passive participle, Mᵉshullemeth specifically denotes "one who is repaid," "one who is recompensed," "one who is made complete," or "one who is at peace." The most prevalent understanding for a personal name often leans towards the idea of being recompensed or being a person of peace/completeness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Mᵉshullemeth appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Kings 21:19]]. She is identified as the mother of King Amon of Judah: "And his mother's name was Meshullemeth, the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah." Amon succeeded his father, Manasseh, to the throne of Judah. The biblical account describes Amon's reign as one of profound wickedness: "He walked in all the way that his father walked, and served the idols that his father served and worshiped them" [[2 Kings 21:20]]. His reign was short, lasting only two years before he was assassinated by his own servants [[2 Kings 21:23]]. The singular mention of Meshullemeth provides no further biographical details about her character or actions. Her significance in the narrative is solely as the mother of a king, particularly one who "did what was evil in the sight of the Lord." The contrast between her name, which suggests peace, wholeness, or divine recompense, and the unrighteous reign of her son, is notable.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for Mᵉshullemeth is to the root שָׁלַם (shalem, `{{H7999}}`). This root is the source of many significant biblical terms, including:
* **Shalom (שָׁלוֹם):** The ubiquitous Hebrew word for peace, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, and well-being. It signifies not merely the absence of conflict but a state of holistic flourishing.
* **Shillem (שִׁלֵּם):** To repay, to make restitution, to recompense. This aspect of the root highlights divine justice and the principle of retribution, both positive and negative.
* **Meshullam (מְשֻׁלָּם, `{{H4921}}`):** The masculine form of the name, meaning "repaid" or "at peace," borne by several individuals in the Old Testament, often associated with temple service or post-exilic leadership.
* **Solomon (שְׁלֹמֹה):** King David's son, whose name is also derived from *shalem*, signifying "peaceful" or "man of peace."
These connections underscore the profound theological weight carried by names derived from *shalem*, often pointing to God's character as the source of true peace and the ultimate arbiter of recompense.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of Mᵉshullemeth, coupled with her name's rich etymology, invites theological reflection, particularly in light of her son Amon's wickedness.
1. **Ironic Contrast:** The name Mᵉshullemeth, meaning "repaid" or "at peace," stands in stark contrast to the turbulent and unrighteous reign of her son, Amon. His actions brought anything but peace or divine favor, leading to his violent end. This juxtaposition may serve as a subtle commentary on the brokenness of the royal line or the inability of human lineage alone to guarantee righteousness or *shalom*.
2. **Divine Recompense:** While the name may not directly describe Meshullemeth's personal experience, it resonates with the broader biblical theme of divine recompense. The Lord "repays" or "recompenses" individuals and nations according to their deeds. Amon's reign, marked by idolatry and evil, ultimately met with divine judgment through the actions of his own servants. Her name, therefore, could implicitly point to the enduring principle that God's justice will ultimately prevail, and all will be "repaid" according to their works, whether for good or ill.
3. **The Hope of Shalom:** Despite the darkness of Amon's reign, the very presence of a name rooted in *shalem* within the royal lineage might subtly echo the enduring hope for true peace and completeness that God promises. This hope would ultimately be fulfilled not through wicked kings but through the coming Messiah, the Prince of Peace, who would establish a kingdom of true *shalom*.
### Summary
Mᵉshullemeth (`{{H4922}}`) is a unique proper noun, serving as the name of the mother of King Amon of Judah, mentioned only in [[2 Kings 21:19]]. Derived from the Hebrew root שָׁלַם (shalem, `{{H7999}}`), her name signifies "one who is repaid," "one who is recompensed," or "one who is at peace/complete." This etymological meaning stands in poignant contrast to the wicked and idolatrous reign of her son, Amon. While the text provides no personal details about Meshullemeth herself, the naming convention, steeped in concepts of peace and divine recompense, may serve as an ironic commentary on the lack of true *shalom* in Amon's rule, or it may subtly point to the overarching biblical principle of God's ultimate justice and the certainty of divine recompense for all actions, whether righteous or unrighteous.
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