The meaning of “מַלְכוּת”
Understanding malkûwth reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
or מַלְכֻת malkuth (malkooth'); or (in plural) מַלְכֻיָּה malkuyâh (mal-koo-yah'); from מָלַךְ empire, kingdom, realm, r...
מַלְכוּת
or מַלְכֻת malkuth (malkooth'); or (in plural) מַלְכֻיָּה malkuyâh (mal-koo-yah'); from מָלַךְ empire, kingdom, realm, reign, royal. - a rule - concretely, a dominion 1) royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom, sovereign power 1a) royal power, dominion 1b) reign 1c) kingdom, realm
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers 24:7 | “He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.” Word: מַלְכוּת (malkûwth) | |
| 1 Kings 2:12 | “Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.” Word: מַלְכוּת (malkûwth) | |
| 2 Chronicles 15:19 | “And there was no more war unto the five and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa. ” Word: מַלְכוּת (malkûwth) | |
| Nehemiah 12:22 | “The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.” Word: מַלְכוּת (malkûwth) | |
| Psalms 145:11 | “They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;” Word: מַלְכוּת (malkûwth) |
Theological Word Study: Kingdom
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Kingdom, reign, royal power
The Hebrew malkhut (מַלְכוּת) denotes kingdom or royal rule—the realm and reign of a king. God's kingdom represents His sovereign rule over all creation.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Kingdom, reign
The Greek basileia (βασιλεία) means kingdom—both the realm ruled and the exercise of royal authority. The 'kingdom of God' is central to Jesus' teaching, representing God's saving rule breaking into history.