Hammoleketh is a Hebrew name appearing once in the Old Testament, means "the reigning one, queen" from the root מָלַךְ (malaḵ) meaning "to reign". It is a derivative of the Hebrew verb for ruling, related to words like melekh (king) and malkah (queen).
Biblical Context
In the Bible, Hammoleketh is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:18 as the sister of Gilead, a prominent figure from the tribe of Manasseh. Gilead is also a place name meaning "heap of witness", referring to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River. The brief mention of Hammoleketh highlights her role as a female relative in a patriarchal genealogy, emphasizing her connection to a notable tribal ancestor.
Linguistic & Cultural Significance
The name's meaning, "the reigning one" or "queen", is unusual for a biblical woman, as most female names derive from domestic or abstract qualities. It may reflect her status within her family or carry a symbolic significance in the narrative. Hammoleketh is a theophoric element-less name, relying purely on the regal concept. Variants such as Moleketh occur rarely, but Hammoleketh remains uniquely attested in the Hebrew Bible corpus.
Notable Bearers
There are no known notable bearers aside from the biblical figure, as the name is extremely rare. It does not appear in later historical records or common usage outside scriptural study.
- Meaning: "the reigning one, queen"
- Origin: Hebrew (via malaḵ)
- Type: First name (feminine)
- Usage: English Bible
Sources: Wikipedia — List of minor Hebrew Bible figures, A–K