מֹלֶכֶת

מֹלֶכֶת

Moleketh, an Israelitess

Definition

Moleketh is a proper name given to an Israelitess, the daughter of Machir and sister of Gilead, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:18. The name itself is a feminine active participle derived from the Hebrew root for 'to reign' or 'to rule,' meaning 'queen' or 'female ruler.' In the biblical text, she is noted as the mother of several sons—Abiezer, Mahalah, and Shemida—who became heads of families within the tribe of Manasseh. Her inclusion in the genealogy highlights her role in the lineage and tribal structure of Israel.

Biblical Usage

This word occurs only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 7:18, within a genealogical list of the tribe of Manasseh. It is used specifically as a personal name for a woman in a familial and tribal context, emphasizing her maternal lineage and her sons' significance. The KJV renders it as 'Hammoleketh,' incorporating the definite article 'ha-' (the), which may imply 'the queen' or a title-like usage.

Etymology

Moleketh (מֹלֶכֶת) is the feminine active participle of the root מָלַךְ (malak, H4427), meaning 'to reign' or 'to be king.' As a participle, it conveys the sense of 'one who reigns' or 'female ruler,' effectively translating to 'queen.' This derivation connects it to the semantic field of royalty and authority, though in its sole biblical occurrence, it functions purely as a proper name without explicit royal connotations.

Semantic Range

While Moleketh herself is not a central theological figure, her name's meaning—'queen'—subtly reflects the importance of lineage and God's covenantal promises to the tribes of Israel. Her mention in the genealogy of 1 Chronicles underscores the value of every individual in God's plan for His people, as these lists often serve to document the faithfulness of God across generations. Understanding the name's root in 'reign' can remind readers of the ultimate kingship of God over His chosen family. In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried meaningful significance, describing a person's character, role, or divine blessing. Moleketh's name, meaning 'queen,' may have denoted honor or status within her family or tribe, though the biblical text does not elaborate on her royal position. Genealogies like the one in 1 Chronicles were crucial for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and priestly lines, highlighting her role in perpetuating the tribe of Manasseh. malkah (מַלְכָּה, H4436) — a common noun for 'queen,' denoting a female monarch, whereas Moleketh is a proper name derived from the same root. melek (מֶלֶךְ, H4428) — the masculine noun for 'king,' sharing the root מָלַךְ but differing in gender and usage.

Word Details