מַלּוּךְ (mal.lukh)
mal.lukh
Malluch; Mallichi
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Malluch (מַלּוּךְ) appears in the Hebrew Bible as a personal name for several men during the period of the Exile and Return. Its meaning is generally understood as "counsellor" or "kingly," reflecting roles of leadership or advisory within the community. The sources identify multiple individuals bearing this name, including a Merarite Levite, priests who returned with Zerubbabel, and laymen involved in significant communal decisions.
These figures are not central narrative characters but appear in genealogical lists and covenant records that document the restoration of Jerusalem. For instance, one Malluch is listed among those who signed the binding agreement recorded in Nehemiah 10:27, while another appears in Ezra 10:29 as a descendant of Bani who had taken a foreign wife. This distinction highlights the name’s presence across different social strata, from Levitical priests to ordinary citizens navigating the complex social reforms of the post-exilic era.
The variation in spelling, such as Mallichi (מְלִיכוּ) found in Nehemiah 12:14, suggests a slight phonetic shift or scribal tradition but refers to the same lexical entry. These brief mentions serve as historical markers, anchoring the abstract concept of national restoration in the lives of specific families and individuals who played part in rebuilding their community’s religious and social identity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Malluch appears in the genealogical records of Ezra and Nehemiah, anchoring the story of Israel’s return from exile in the lives of real people. These lists are not merely bureaucratic; they show that God’s restoration involved ordinary families navigating complex social reforms. One Malluch signed a binding covenant to remain faithful to God’s law, while another is noted as part of a priestly line.
For believers today, these names remind us that faithfulness often looks like quiet obedience in community. Whether signing a pledge or maintaining lineage, these individuals contributed to the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s spiritual identity. Their presence in Scripture validates the importance of every person who chooses to stand with God during seasons of transition and renewal.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Malluch3×
- of/ Mellichu1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַלּ֖וּךְ2×
- מַלּוּךְ֙1×
- לִ/מְלִ֙יכוּ֙1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 10:29
Of the sons of Bani: Meshullam, Malluch, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal, and Jeremoth.
This verse identifies Malluch as a son of Bani, placing him within a specific family line that had to address the issue of foreign marriages during the post-exilic reforms.
-
Nehemiah 12:2
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,
Here Malluch is listed among the priests who served alongside Jeshua, highlighting his role in the restored worship structure of Jerusalem.
-
Ezra 10:32
Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah.
This occurrence lists Malluch alongside Benjamin and Shemariah, showing his participation in the broader group responsible for implementing the covenant decisions.