מַלְכוּת (mal.khut)
mal.khut
royalty
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 78 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun malkhut refers to royal power, dominion, or a kingdom. Derived from the verb for "to reign," it describes the abstract authority of a king as well as the concrete realm he rules. While older Hebrew often uses mamlekhah for "kingdom," malkhut becomes the standard term in later biblical books like Chronicles and Esther.
It carries several nuances depending on context. It can mean the act of reigning, as when texts date events by the reign of a specific ruler (Daniel 1:1). It also denotes the physical kingdom or empire itself. In Esther, the word appears frequently to describe the vast Persian realm under Ahasuerus. Interestingly, it can even be used metonymically for royal ornaments, such as when Esther dons "royal apparel" (Esther 5:1).
Translators typically render malkhut as "kingdom," "reign," or "realm." The word emphasizes the sovereign authority that defines the ruler's presence and control over his subjects. Its usage in Daniel highlights the contrast between earthly empires and God’s ultimate, everlasting dominion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word malkhut points to more than just a political territory or a list of subjects. It describes the active presence of royal authority and the stability of a reign. In the biblical narrative, this term often highlights how God establishes His rule over history, ensuring that His purposes endure even when human leaders fail or empires fall.
For your faith life, this concept offers deep reassurance. While earthly powers shift and change, the scriptural witness affirms that God’s kingdom is established forever. You can trust in a sovereignty that is not fragile but firm, rooted in His covenant promises rather than human strength.
This assurance invites you to rest in the reality that God is actively ruling. Whether you face uncertainty or seek direction, knowing that ultimate authority belongs to Him provides a steady foundation for your daily walk and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 78 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- kingdom/ his17×
- royalty10×
- [the] kingdom of10×
- of/ [the] reign of8×
- kingdom/ your4×
- the/ kingdom3×
- royalty/ his3×
- of/ reign/ his3×
- [the] reign of3×
- reign/ his2×
- in/ [the] reign of2×
- <the>/ royalty2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַלְכוּת֔/וֹ9×
- מַלְכ֥וּת6×
- מַלְכ֖וּת5×
- מַלְכוּתֽ/וֹ\׃3×
- מַלְכוּת֙3×
- מַלְכ֣וּת3×
- מַלְכ֔וּת3×
- מַלְכ֑וּת3×
- לְ/מַלְכ֖וּת3×
- הַ/מַּלְכ֖וּת3×
- מַלְכוּתֶ֑/ךָ2×
- מַלְכוּת֛/וֹ2×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 17:14
but I will settle him in my house and in my kingdom forever. His throne will be established forever.”’”
This verse uses malkhut to describe God’s eternal kingdom, contrasting the temporary nature of human rule with His everlasting covenant.
-
I Kings 2:12
Solomon sat on David his father’s throne; and his kingdom was firmly established.
Here the term signifies the solid establishment of Solomon’s reign, showing how divine approval brings stability to leadership.
-
II Chronicles 20:30
So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around.
The word describes the realm of Jehoshaphat, linking the peace of his kingdom directly to God’s provision of rest around him.
-
I Chronicles 14:2
David perceived that Yahweh had established him king over Israel, for his kingdom was highly exalted, for his people Israel’s sake.
This occurrence emphasizes that David’s exalted kingdom was established specifically for the sake of His people Israel.