הַמֶּלֶךְ
me.lekh
`the king`
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word "me.lekh" (H4428H) refers to a specific title or role, literally translating to 'the king'. This title is found three times in the Bible, indicating its importance and relevance to the text. The semantic domain of Royalty & Authority suggests that "me.lekh" is closely associated with power, leadership, and sovereign control. The meaning of "me.lekh" is clear-cut and straightforward, referring specifically to the king as a singular, authoritative figure. This title is not used as a general term for ruler or leader, but rather to emphasize the monarch's unique position of power and authority. The limited occurrences of this word in the Bible indicate its selective use, perhaps to emphasize a specific king or monarch in a particular context. The significance of "me.lekh" lies in its depiction of the king as a central figure of power and authority in ancient Middle Eastern societies. This title reinforces the idea that the king wields significant control over their people, land, and institutions.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences across the text
The king commanded Jerahmeel the king’s son, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to arrest Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet; but Yahweh hid them.
Jeremiah 36:26The king commanded Jerahmeel the king’s son, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to arrest Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet; but Yahweh hid them.
Jeremiah 38:6Then they took Jeremiah and threw him into the dungeon of Malchijah the king’s son, that was in the court of the guard. They let down Jeremiah with cords. In the dungeon there was no water, but mire; and Jeremiah sank in the mire.