מִלּוֹא (mil.lo)
mil.lo
Millo
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun millo refers to a mound, rampart, or earthwork, serving as a structural element in ancient fortifications. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears exclusively as a proper noun identifying a specific location within Jerusalem’s defenses. The term is most frequently associated with the city’s expansion and strengthening during the reigns of David and Solomon, marking key areas where the city walls were reinforced or extended.
While its exact physical description varies by context, scholars generally understand millo as a filled-in area or raised platform used to support city structures. It is mentioned in passages describing how David fortified Jerusalem and how Solomon built up the city’s defenses (2 Samuel 5:9; 1 Kings 3:1). The word highlights the practical efforts of ancient builders to secure their homes against external threats, reflecting a tangible aspect of urban development in the biblical era.
Its limited usage—appearing only six times across historical books like Samuel and Kings—underscores its specific role as a geographical marker rather than a general term for any wall or barrier. This precision helps readers visualize the layered nature of Jerusalem’s growth, where natural topography was enhanced by human engineering to create a defensible capital.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word millo describes a solid foundation or filled-in earthwork that helped ancient Jerusalem stand firm against threats. When we read about kings reinforcing these structures, we see how practical preparation and divine provision often work together. Just as builders raised the ground to support stronger walls, God raises up stability in our lives when we seek His guidance.
This term reminds us that faith is not just about spiritual feelings but also about building something lasting. The repeated mention of millo in Scripture shows that securing our homes and communities matters deeply to God. It invites us to consider what foundations we are laying in our daily lives, trusting that He provides the strength for every structure we build.
As you reflect on your own journey, remember that true security comes from resting in God’s promises. Whether facing external challenges or internal doubts, His presence acts as a reliable rampart. May you find peace in knowing that He is always building something enduring within and around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Millo6×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/מִּלּ֖וֹא3×
- הַ/מִּלּ֔וֹא2×
- הַ/מִּלּֽוֹא\׃1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 5:9
David lived in the stronghold, and called it David’s city. David built around from Millo and inward.
This verse marks the first mention of millo, showing how David used it to expand and fortify Jerusalem as his capital.
-
I Kings 11:27
This was the reason why he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breach of his father David’s city.
Here, Solomon’s construction of millo is linked to political tension, highlighting its strategic importance in the city's defense.
-
II Chronicles 32:5
He took courage, built up all the wall that was broken down, and raised it up to the towers, with the other wall outside, and strengthened Millo in David’s city, and made weapons and shields in abundance.
Hezekiah’s reinforcement of millo demonstrates how this structure was repeatedly strengthened during times of national crisis.