Lexical Summary
malak: angel, messengers, messenger
Original Word:מֲלְאָךְ
Part of Speech:Noun Masculine
Transliteration:mal'ak
Pronunciation:mah-lahk
Phonetic Spelling:(mal-awk')
KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger
NASB:angel, messengers, messenger, angels, ambassadors, envoys
Word Origin:[from an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy]
1. a messenger
2. specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
ambassador, angel, king, messenger
From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher) -- ambassador, angel, king, messenger.
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom an unused word
Definitiona messenger
NASB Translationambassadors (2), angel (101), angels (9), envoys (1), messenger (24), messengers (76).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
214 ; —
Exodus 23:20 48t.; construct
Genesis 16:7 69t.; suffixes
Exodus 23:23 3t.;
Genesis 24:7,40; plural
Genesis 32:4 63t. +
2 Samuel 11:1 Kt ( Qr ); construct
Genesis 28:12 11t.;
Numbers 24:12;
2 Kings 19:23;
Nahum 2:14 error for = Ges
§ 91, (2) Anm. 2 or < for by dittograph from following Kö
ii. 1. 571). 2Chronicles 36:15 8t.; —
messenger,
Genesis 32:4 8t. J E;Deuteronomy 2:26, (not in P);Judges 6:35 8t.;1 Samuel 6:21 51t. Samuel Kings,1 Chronicles 14:1;1 Chronicles 19:2,16; 2Chronicles 18:12; 35:21;Nehemiah 6:3;Job 1:14;Proverbs 13:17;Proverbs 17:11;Isaiah 14:32;Isaiah 18:2;Isaiah 30:4;Isaiah 37:9,14;Jeremiah 27:3;Ezekiel 17:15;Ezekiel 23:16,40;Ezekiel 30:9;Nahum 2:14; , messengers of peaceIsaiah 33:7.
Isaiah 42:19;Isaiah 44:26; 2Chronicles 36:15,16;Haggai 1:13; the herald of the adventMalachi 3:1.
Malachi 2:7, probablyEcclesiastes 5:5 (RVangel).
""Job 33:23, a messenger from God acting as an interpreter and declaring what is right (angel of RV too specific).
figurativemessengers of evilPsalm 78:49;messenger of deathProverbs 16:14; ""winds his messengersPsalm 104:4.
angel, as messenger of God, with God in theophaniesGenesis 19:1,15;Genesis 28:12;Genesis 32:2 (JE), praising him;Psalm 103:20;Psalm 148:2; in his sight not without errorJob 4:18 charged with the care of the piousPsalm 91:11; elsewheresingular sent to a prophet1 Kings 13:18;1 Kings 19:5,7;2 Kings 1:3,15;Zechariah 1:9 18t. inZechariah 1-6; excellent, wise, powerful1 Samuel 29:9;2 Samuel 14:17,20;2 Samuel 19:28;Zechariah 12:8; encamping about the faithfulPsalm 34:8; chasing his enemiesPsalm 35:5;Psalm 35:6; destroying by judgment of Yahweh2 Samuel 24:16,17 =1 Chronicles 21:12-30;2 Kings 19:35 =Isaiah 37:36 2Chronicles 32:21.
the theophanic angel in the story of E:Genesis 21:17;Genesis 31:11;Exodus 14:19, also inJudges 6:20;Judges 13:6,9; in the story of J:Genesis 16:7,9,10,11;Genesis 22:11,15;Exodus 3:2;Numbers 22:22,23,24,25,26,27,31,32,34,35 and inJudges 2:1;Judges 2:4;Judges 5:23;Judges 6:11;Judges 6:12;Judges 6:21 (twice in verse);Judges 6:22 (twice in verse);Judges 13:3,13,15,16 (twice in verse);Judges 13:17,18,20 (twice in verse);Judges 13:21;Genesis 48:16 (E);Exodus 23:20 (E),Exodus 33:2;Numbers 20:16 (JE),Hosea 12:5;Exodus 23:23 (E),Exodus 32:34 (J);Genesis 24:7,40 (J),Malachi 3:1 (referring to the ancient );Malachi 3:1 (referring to the advent of for judgment, see BrMP 473). The theophanic angel is not mentioned in D and P.
(√ of following; Biblical Hebrew , ).
Topical Lexicon
OverviewThe Hebrew term מֲלְאָךְ occurs about 213 times in the Old Testament, denoting any “messenger” sent by divine or human authority. Context determines whether the messenger is earthly (envoy, prophet, priest) or heavenly (angelic being). Scripture consistently depicts these messengers as instruments through whom the LORD accomplishes His purposes in revelation, protection, judgment, and redemption.
Frequency and Distribution
• Torah – frequent in Genesis, Exodus, Numbers
• Historical Books – prominent in Judges, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles
• Wisdom & Poetry – Psalms, Job, Ecclesiastes
• Major Prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel
• Minor Prophets – Hosea, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
Human Messengers
1. Diplomatic Envoys
•Genesis 32:3 – “Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau…”
•Numbers 20:14 – Moses appeals to Edom (see alsoJudges 11:12).
2. Military Scouts or Spies
•Joshua 6:17 – the two men who reconnoitered Jericho are called “messengers.”
3. Royal or Civic Couriers
•1 Samuel 11:7;2 Samuel 18:19–27;Esther 3:13 – swift dissemination of royal decrees.
4. Prophetic Messengers
•Haggai 1:13 – “Then Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, delivered the message of the LORD to the people…”
•2 Chronicles 36:15–16 – rejection of God’s “messengers” precipitates exile.
5. Priestly Messengers
•Malachi 2:7 – “For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge… for he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts.”
These uses affirm that whenever God entrusts His word to men, their commission is authoritative and binding.
Heavenly Messengers (Angels)
1. Guardians and Deliverers
•Psalm 91:11 – “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
•Daniel 6:22 – “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths…”
2. Guides and Instructors
•Exodus 23:20 – an angel prepared Israel’s way to Canaan.
•Zechariah 1–6 – interpreting angels explain prophetic visions.
3. Executors of Judgment
•Genesis 19:12–13 – angels warn and then judge Sodom.
•Isaiah 37:36 – “Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians.”
4. Worshipers before God
•Psalm 103:20;Psalm 148:2 – heavenly hosts bless the LORD.
The Angel of the LORD
A distinctive figure appears repeatedly, identified both with God and yet distinct from Him.
•Genesis 16:7–13 – Hagar calls the One who speaks “You are the God who sees me.”
•Genesis 22:11–18 – the Angel speaks as God and swears by Himself.
•Exodus 3:2–6 – the Angel appears in the blazing bush; Moses hides his face “because he was afraid to look at God.”
•Judges 6;Judges 13 – Gideon and Manoah fear they have “seen God.”
The Angel speaks with divine authority, receives worship, forgives sins, and bears the covenant name. These theophanies foreshadow the incarnation of the Son, who perfectly reveals the Father.
Angelic Ministry in Redemptive History
• Patriarchal Era – guidance (Genesis 24:7, 40), protection (Genesis 19).
• Exodus and Conquest – leadership (Exodus 14:19), obstruction of Balaam (Numbers 22).
• Monarchy – judgment on David’s census sin (2 Samuel 24:16).
• Exile–Post-exile – prophetic revelation to Daniel (Daniel 8–9), Zechariah’s night visions.
Throughout, angels serve God’s covenant people, never operating independently but always under His command.
Messengers and Israel’s Leadership
1. Prophets – bearers of divine revelation (2 Chronicles 36:15–16).
2. Priests – custodians of Torah (Malachi 2:7).
3. Kings – earthly senders and receivers of messengers, illustrating delegated authority (1 Kings 19:2;2 Kings 1:2).
Faithful response to God’s messengers is equated with obedience to God Himself.
Prophetic and Eschatological Themes
•Malachi 3:1 – “Behold, I will send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me.” Fulfilled in John the Baptist (Matthew 11:10).
•Malachi 3:1b – “the Messenger of the covenant” appears suddenly in the temple, anticipating Messiah’s advent.
•Zechariah 12–14 – angelic hosts accompany the LORD in the final deliverance of Jerusalem.
Theological Significance
1. Revelation – God chooses mediation yet ensures infallible communication.
2. Immanence and Transcendence – the Angel of the LORD bridges the gap, demonstrating God’s nearness without compromising His holiness.
3. Covenant Faithfulness – messengers enforce blessings and curses, underscoring divine integrity.
4. Warfare – angelic armies confirm that battles belong to the LORD (2 Kings 6:17).
Christological Foreshadowing
The pre-incarnate appearances of the Angel of the LORD portray the Word who “became flesh” (John 1:14). Malachi’s dual prophecy of “My messenger” and the “Messenger of the covenant” converges in Jesus Christ—the One announced by John and Himself the consummate Messenger bringing the new covenant in His blood.
Practical Application for Faith and Life
• Receive God’s Word with reverence, as did Samuel: “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”
• Trust divine protection; unseen angels still “encamp around those who fear Him” (Psalm 34:7).
• Emulate the messengers’ obedience by proclaiming the gospel “as though God were making His appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Key References
Genesis 16:7; 18:2; 19:1; 22:11
Exodus 3:2; 14:19; 23:20
Numbers 20:14; 22:22
Joshua 6:17
Judges 6:11–24; 13:3–22
1 Samuel 11:7
2 Samuel 24:16
1 Kings 19:2
2 Kings 6:17; 19:35
1 Chronicles 21:15
2 Chronicles 32:21; 36:15–16
Psalm 34:7; 91:11; 103:20
Isaiah 37:36
Daniel 6:22; 9:21
Haggai 1:13
Zechariah 1:9; 3:1; 12:8
Malachi 2:7; 3:1
Forms and Transliterations
בְּמַלְאֲכֵ֣י במלאכי הַמַּלְאָ֑ךְ הַמַּלְאָ֔ךְ הַמַּלְאָ֖ךְ הַמַּלְאָ֗ךְ הַמַּלְאָ֛ךְ הַמַּלְאָ֞ךְ הַמַּלְאָ֣ךְ ׀ הַמַּלְאָ֥ךְ הַמַּלְאָ֥ךְ ׀ הַמַּלְאָ֨ךְ הַמַּלְאָֽךְ׃ הַמַּלְאָךְ֙ הַמַּלְאָךְ֩ הַמַּלְאָכִ֔ים הַמַּלְאָכִ֖ים הַמַּלְאָכִ֗ים הַמַּלְאָכִ֣ים ׀ הַמַּלְאָכִ֤ים הַמַּלְאָכִים֙ המלאך המלאך׃ המלאכים וְהַמַּלְאָ֞ךְ וּ֝בְמַלְאָכָ֗יו וּמַלְאַ֖ךְ וּמַלְאַ֣ךְ וּמַלְאַ֤ךְ וּמַלְאַ֥ךְ וּמַלְאַ֧ךְ וּמַלְאַ֨ךְ וּמַלְאָ֛ךְ וּמַלְאָ֡ךְ וּמַלְאָ֣ךְ וּמַלְאָ֥ךְ וּמַלְאָכִ֡ים וּמַלְאָכִ֣ים וּמַלְאָכִים֙ וּמַלְאָכָ֖יו ובמלאכיו והמלאך ומלאך ומלאכיו ומלאכים כְּמַלְאַ֣ךְ כְּמַלְאַ֥ךְ כְּמַלְאָכִ֣י כמלאך כמלאכי לְמַלְאֲכֵ֣י לַמַּלְאָ֔ךְ לַמַּלְאָ֞ךְ לַמַּלְאָ֤ךְ לַמַּלְאָכִ֣ים למלאך למלאכי למלאכים מַ֭לְאָכָיו מַלְאֲכֵ֣י מַלְאֲכֵ֤י מַלְאֲכֵ֥י מַלְאֲכֵי־ מַלְאַ֣ךְ מַלְאַ֤ךְ מַלְאַ֥ךְ מַלְאַ֧ךְ מַלְאַ֨ךְ מַלְאַךְ֩ מַלְאַךְ־ מַלְאָ֑ךְ מַלְאָ֔ךְ מַלְאָ֗ךְ מַלְאָ֜ךְ מַלְאָ֣ךְ מַלְאָ֥ךְ ׀ מַלְאָ֫כָ֥יו מַלְאָךְ֙ מַלְאָכ֤וֹ מַלְאָכִ֔י מַלְאָכִ֔ים מַלְאָכִ֖י מַלְאָכִ֖ים מַלְאָכִ֗ים מַלְאָכִ֛ים מַלְאָכִ֜ים מַלְאָכִ֣ים מַלְאָכִ֣ים ׀ מַלְאָכִ֤ים מַלְאָכִ֧ים ׀ מַלְאָכִי֮ מַלְאָכִים֙ מַלְאָכִים֮ מַלְאָכֵֽכֵה׃ מַלְאָכֶ֛יךָ מַלְאָכֶיךָ֮ מַלְאָכָ֑יו מַלְאָכָ֖יו מַלְאָכָ֣יו מַלְאָכָיו֙ מַלְאָכוֹ֙ מלאך מלאך־ מלאכו מלאכי מלאכי־ מלאכיו מלאכיך מלאכים מלאככה׃ bə·mal·’ă·ḵê bəmal’ăḵê bemalaChei ham·mal·’ā·ḵîm ham·mal·’āḵ hammal’āḵ hammal’āḵîm hammalAch hammalaChim hammaloCh kə·mal·’ā·ḵî kə·mal·’aḵ kəmal’aḵ kəmal’āḵî kemalAch kemalaChi lam·mal·’ā·ḵîm lam·mal·’āḵ lammal’āḵ lammal’āḵîm lammalAch lammalaChim lə·mal·’ă·ḵê ləmal’ăḵê lemalaChei mal’aḵ mal’āḵ mal’aḵ- mal’āḵāw mal’ăḵê mal’ăḵê- mal’āḵeḵā mal’āḵêḵêh mal’āḵî mal’āḵîm mal’āḵōw mal·’ā·ḵāw mal·’ă·ḵê mal·’ă·ḵê- mal·’ā·ḵe·ḵā mal·’ā·ḵê·ḵêh mal·’ā·ḵî mal·’ā·ḵîm mal·’ā·ḵōw mal·’aḵ mal·’āḵ mal·’aḵ- malAch malaChav malaChecheh malaChei malaCheicha malaChi malaChim malaCho maloCh ū·ḇə·mal·’ā·ḵāw ū·mal·’ā·ḵāw ū·mal·’ā·ḵîm ū·mal·’aḵ ū·mal·’āḵ ūḇəmal’āḵāw ūmal’aḵ ūmal’āḵ ūmal’āḵāw ūmal’āḵîm umalAch umalaChav umalaChim uvemalaChav vehammalAch wə·ham·mal·’āḵ wəhammal’āḵ
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