Μαλελεήλ

Maleleḗl

G3121 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Proper noun referring to a figure named Maleleel, equivalent to the Hebrew Mahalalel. Used as a personal name, specifically for a patriarch in genealogical lists. The term itself does not carry an independent lexical meaning in Greek outside its function as a proper noun.

Semantic Range

patriarchal name in genealogical lists, referent to the biblical figure Mahalalel

Root / Etymology

Transliterated from the Hebrew מַהֲלַלְאֵל (Mahălalʼēl), meaning 'praise of God' or 'one who praises God.' The name is imported directly into Greek forms in the Septuagint and New Testament genealogies.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Μαλελεήλ is found as a personal name in genealogical lists, notably in the Septuagint (Genesis 5:12–17, 1 Chronicles 1:2) and in Luke 3:37–38 in the New Testament. Its use is confined to these lists and does not appear as a general term outside proper name contexts. The spelling reflects the transliteration practice of adapting Hebrew names into Greek, especially for integration into Greek-speaking Jewish and early Christian literature. Standard English translations render the name as 'Mahalalel,' but the Greek form follows the conventions of Hellenistic transliteration, which sometimes differs from the later Masoretic vocalizations. The name’s presence underlines the continuity and translation practices between Hebrew and Greek scriptural traditions.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of Hebrew origin (מַהֲלַלְאֵל); Maleleel (i.e. Mahalalel), an antediluvian:--Maleleel.

Root Family

Μαλελεήλ (Maleleēl) — proper name, personal name, patriarchal individual in genealogy

Root Μαλελεηλ proper name, personal name, individual in genealogy

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3121-01 Μαλελεὴλ maleleel N GEN M SG Mahalaleel of Maleleel Maleleel 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3121-01 Luke 3:37 Μαλελεὴλ maleleel N GEN M SG Mahalaleel of Maleleel Maleleel