רֶגֶם מֶלֶךְ
𐤓𐤂𐤌 𐤌𐤋𐤊
Regem Melekhe
H7278 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Regem Melek is a proper name designating an individual listed among the postexilic returnees from the Babylonian captivity in the genealogical registers of the book of Ezra (Ezra 2:2) and Nehemiah (Neh 7:7). The meaning of the compound is typically rendered as 'Regem (is) king,' 'Regem of the king,' or possibly 'the king’s friend/kinsman,' but the precise sense is uncertain due to ambiguity in the proper noun Regem. In biblical usage it designates a member or leader among the returning Israelite exiles, not a general title or term but a personal name.
Semantic Range
proper name of an Israelite returnee; possibly '(the) king’s Regem,' 'Regem is king,' or 'the king’s heap'; no common noun usage; not a title or designation beyond the name itself
Root / Etymology
From רֶגֶם (regem, meaning uncertain; possibly related to 'heap' or a proper name) and מֶלֶךְ (melekh, 'king'). The formation is of a theophoric or honorific nature, typical of certain ancient Near Eastern naming patterns, combining a personal or descriptive element with a title. Exact etymology of רֶגֶם is uncertain, with no securely attested root beyond its occurrence in names.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Regem Melek is found only in postexilic registers listing those who returned from Babylon, indicating a context limited to later biblical history after the exile. The name does not denote a title or office but specifically an individual or clan. Some later English translations, influenced by non-literal renderings, may treat it as a title or misunderstand the structure; however, it is not used in the biblical text to refer to a king or royal function. There is no evidence connecting this name directly to a later religious identity (e.g., 'Jew'); rather, it reflects the genealogical and communal concerns of the returning Israelite population.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from רֶגֶם and מֶלֶךְ; king's heap; Regem-Melek, an Israelite; Regem-melech.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
מלך (m-l-k) — to rule, to reign, to exercise authority
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3230 | יַמְלֵךְ | He-Will-Reign |
| H4409 | מַלּוּךְ | to Reigning-One |
| H4427 | מָלַךְ | in his reigning |
| H4428 | מֶלֶךְ | among the kings |
| H4429 | מֶלֶךְ | the sovereign |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7278-02 |
וְ/רֶ֥גֶם | veregem | HC/Np |
and Regem | and Regem‑Melek | 1 |
H7278-01 |
מֶ֖לֶךְ | melekhe | HNp |
melech | king of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7278-02 |
Zechariah 7:2 | וְ/רֶ֥גֶם | veregem | HC/Np |
and Regem | and Regem‑Melek |
H7278-01 |
Zechariah 7:2 | מֶ֖לֶךְ | melekhe | HNp |
melech | king of |