מַמְלָכוּת (mam.la.khut)
mam.la.khut
kingdom
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mamlekhut refers to the concept of a kingdom, but it carries the specific weight of royal power and sovereign rule. It is not merely a geographic territory; rather, it denotes the authority exercised by a king or the dominion held by a ruler. In the Old Testament, this word appears in contexts where the focus is on the extent of control or the act of reigning itself.
This term occurs nine times in Scripture, with significant usage in books like Joshua and Jeremiah. For instance, it describes the lands conquered under Joshua’s leadership (Joshua 11:23) and the political realities facing Judah in Jeremiah’s time (Jeremiah 51:44). The word emphasizes the tangible reality of governance and the power structure behind a throne, distinguishing the institution of rule from the person of the king.
Etymologically, mamlekhut derives from the root malak, meaning "to reign." This connection highlights that the kingdom exists because someone is actively ruling. Translators often render it as "kingdom" or "dominion," capturing both the land under control and the authority wielded over it. The word serves as a reminder in biblical narrative that earthly power is temporary and subject to higher divine sovereignty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for kingdom here points to active rule rather than just a map on a wall. It describes the authority a king holds over his people and land. When we read about these earthly reigns, we see how power operates in history. The text shows that human control is real but limited by higher purposes.
For your faith, this reminds us that true sovereignty belongs to God alone. Earthly rulers come and go, but divine justice remains steady. You can trust that no throne stands outside of His oversight. This perspective brings peace when political systems feel unstable or confusing.
We find comfort in knowing that our ultimate hope rests in a kingdom that cannot be shaken. While human governments change, God’s rule over history is constant. This truth anchors us in uncertain times and directs our loyalty toward what endures forever.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] kingdom of8×
- [the] reign of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַמְלְכ֥וּת3×
- מַמְלְכ֗וּת2×
- מַמְלְכ֧וּת1×
- מַמְלְכ֣וּת\׀1×
- מַמְלְכ֛וּת1×
- מַמְלְכ֖וּת1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 15:28
Samuel said to him, “Yahweh has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today, and has given it to a neighbor of yours who is better than you.
This verse marks a turning point where divine authority removes human political power from Saul.
-
Hosea 1:4
Yahweh said to him, “Call his name Jezreel, for yet a little while, and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel on the house of Jehu, and will cause the kingdom of the house of Israel to cease.
It shows that God can bring an end to a royal house as an act of judgment.
-
Joshua 13:12
all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei (who was left of the remnant of the Rephaim); for Moses attacked these, and drove them out.
This occurrence highlights the tangible expansion of Israelite control over specific conquered territories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word mamlekhut mean?
How is this word different from other terms for land?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 5 books)
Joshua 5 verses
all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei (who was left of the remnant of the Rephaim);…
Joshua 13:21all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses…
Joshua 13:27and in the valley, Beth Haram, Beth Nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, the…
Joshua 13:30Their border was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the villages of Jair, which…
Joshua 13:31Half Gilead, Ashtaroth, and Edrei, the cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were for the children of Machir the son…