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מִלּוֹא

𐤌𐤋𐤅𐤀

Milo

H4407 noun

SILEX Entry

Root מלא to fill, to be full, to complete

Definition

A literal or proper noun referring to a specific structural feature in Jerusalem, 'the Millo.' Primarily denotes a type of earthwork, terrace, or fill area—especially associated with fortifications. The term refers to an engineered structure composed of earth or stones 'fill' used to support or level ground, particularly within or near the city of David. In some cases, also functions as a designation for a particular location or quarter within Jerusalem identified by its construction method.

Semantic Range

engineered earthwork, supporting terrace, rampart, embankment, structural fill, designated fortification area in Jerusalem (proper noun: 'the Millo')

Root / Etymology

From the root מָלֵא (male’), meaning 'to fill.' The noun מִלּוֹא derives from this root and denotes a thing that is filled or a 'fill,' technically describing an embankment, rampart, or supporting terrace made by filling in a space with earth or stones. There is a related form בֵּית מִלּוֹא ('house of the Millo'), possibly identifying a specific building or area associated with such fill structures.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The Millo is referenced as a significant part of Jerusalem’s fortifications in narratives from the United Monarchy (notably under David and Solomon, e.g., 2 Samuel 5:9; 1 Kings 9:15, 24; 11:27), and in later texts (e.g., 2 Kings 12:20) as a known location within the city. Archaeological interpretation suggests it was a stepped stone structure or terrace supporting the ancient city. English translations commonly leave 'Millo' as a proper noun, but the word's origin as a term for an engineered structure shows it initially meant 'the filling/earthwork/embankment.' The use of the Millo underscores the importance of urban engineering in biblical Jerusalem. The term is not widely attested elsewhere in Hebrew outside of these contexts. Its semantic overlap with words for walls (חוֹמָה) or citadels (בִּירָה) is partial; 'Millo' is more technical, referring specifically to an area and method of construction rather than a generic defensive structure. In post-exilic periods, the precise location of the Millo becomes less certain, and the term is no longer used descriptively.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

or מִלֹּא; (2 Kings 12:20), from מָלֵא; a rampart (as filled in), i.e. the citadel; Millo. See also בֵּית מִלּוֹא.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

מלא (m-l-ʾ) — to fill, to be full, to complete

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H3229 יִמְלָא He-will-be-full
H4390 מָלֵא I will fill up
H4391 מְלָא he filled himself
H4392 מָלֵא the fullness
H4393 מְלֹא fullness of

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H4407-01 הַ/מִּלּ֖וֹא hamilo HTd/Np the Millo the Filled Embankment 6
H4407-02 מִלּ֔וֹא milo HNp Millo the Fill-Embankment 4

Occurrences in Scripture

10 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H4407-02 Judges 9:6 מִלּ֔וֹא milo HNp Millo the Fill-Embankment
H4407-02 Judges 9:20 מִלּ֑וֹא milo HNp Millo the Fill-Embankment
H4407-02 Judges 9:20 מִלּ֔וֹא milo-2 HNp Millo the Fill-Embankment
H4407-01 2 Samuel 5:9 הַ/מִּלּ֖וֹא hamilo HTd/Np the Millo the Filled Embankment
H4407-01 1 Kings 9:15 הַ/מִּלּ֔וֹא hamilo HTd/Np the Millo the Filled Embankment
H4407-01 1 Kings 9:24 הַ/מִּלּֽוֹא hamilo HTd/Np the Millo the Filled Embankment
H4407-01 1 Kings 11:27 הַ/מִּלּ֔וֹא hamilo HTd/Np the-Millo the Filled Embankment
H4407-02 2 Kings 12:21 מִלֹּ֖א milo HNp Millo the Fill-Embankment
H4407-01 1 Chronicles 11:8 הַ/מִּלּ֖וֹא hamilo HTd/Np the Millo the Filled Embankment
H4407-01 2 Chronicles 32:5 הַ/מִּלּ֖וֹא hamilo HTd/Np the Millo the Filled Embankment
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