מַהֲלַלְאֵל

Mahalalel, the name of an antediluvian patriarch and of an Israelite

Definition

Mahalalel is a proper name meaning 'Praise of God' or 'God is to be praised.' It primarily refers to two distinct biblical figures. The first and most prominent is the antediluvian patriarch, the son of Kenan and father of Jared, who appears in the genealogy from Adam to Noah in Genesis 5:12-17. The second is a descendant of the tribe of Judah who lived in post-exilic Jerusalem, mentioned in Nehemiah 11:4. The name's consistent meaning connects both individuals to the theme of divine praise.

Biblical Usage

The name Mahalalel is used seven times in the Old Testament. Its primary usage is in the genealogical record of Genesis 5, where it appears six times detailing the lineage, age, and fatherhood of the patriarch (e.g., Genesis 5:12, 15). The final occurrence is in a later genealogy in 1 Chronicles 1:2, which reiterates the Genesis lineage. The reference in Nehemiah 11:4 applies the name to a different, later individual from the tribe of Judah, showing its continued use as a meaningful personal name.

Etymology

The name Mahalalel is a compound Hebrew word derived from מַהֲלָל (mahalal, H4110), meaning 'praise' or 'splendor,' and אֵל (ʼel, H410), the primary word for 'God.' It is constructed in a form that can be interpreted as 'the praise of God' or 'God is to be praised.' This follows a common pattern for Hebrew theophoric names, which incorporate a divine element (like El) to express a relationship or attribute of God.

Semantic Range

As a theophoric name meaning 'Praise of God,' Mahalalel serves as a theological marker within the biblical narrative. In the Genesis 5 genealogy, it stands as a testament to the worship of God even in the generations preceding the Flood. The name itself functions as a brief creed, reminding readers that the proper human response to God, from the earliest times, is one of praise. Its recurrence in the post-exilic community (Nehemiah 11:4) suggests a continuity of this worshipful identity among God's people.

In ancient Israelite culture, names were often descriptive and carried significant meaning, reflecting hopes, character, or divine attributes. The name Mahalalel, given to a pre-Flood patriarch, indicates that the concept of praising Yahweh (or Elohim) was integral to the identity and story of humanity from its earliest generations. Its use centuries later for a Judahite shows the enduring cultural value of names that acknowledge and glorify God.

Other theophoric names with 'El': יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisraʼel, H3478) — 'God strives' or 'he strives with God,' the name given to Jacob and the nation. דָּנִיֵּאל (Daniyyel, H1840) — 'God is my judge,' the prophet. עֲזַרְאֵל (ʻAzarʼel, H5832) — 'God has helped,' a name borne by several Levites.

Word Details

Scripture References