The meaning of “מֶלֶךְ”
Understanding melek reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
king, royal. - a king 1) king
מֶלֶךְ
king, royal. - a king 1) king
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 17:16 | “And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.” Word: מֶלֶךְ (melek) | |
| 2 Samuel 15:9 | “And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.” Word: מֶלֶךְ (melek) | |
| Esther 5:4 | “And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.” Word: מֶלֶךְ (melek) | |
| Jeremiah 36:16 | “Now it came to pass, when they had heard all the words, they were afraid both one and other, and said unto Baruch, We will surely tell the king of all these words.” Word: מֶלֶךְ (melek) | |
| Micah 2:13 | “The breaker is come up before them: they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them, and the Lord on the head of them. ” Word: מֶלֶךְ (melek) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: King
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: King, ruler
The Hebrew melek (מֶלֶךְ) means king—sovereign ruler. 'The LORD is King for ever and ever' (Psalm 10:16). Israel's kings were to rule under God's authority, pointing to the coming King of kings.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: King
The Greek basileus (βασιλεύς) means king. Jesus is 'KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS' (Revelation 19:16). Pilate asked 'Art thou the King of the Jews?' and Jesus acknowledged His kingship 'not of this world' (John 18:36).