מַלְאָךְ
Malakh
Angel, messenger, envoy
Malakh (מַלְאָךְ) is a Hebrew word meaning “angel, messenger, envoy,” pronounced “mal-AKH.” Derived from the root ל-א-כ, malakh appears 210 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H4397).
| Hebrew | מַלְאָךְ |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Malakh |
| Pronunciation | mal-AKH |
| Meaning | Angel, messenger, envoy |
| Root Letters | ל-א-כ |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 210× |
| Key Verse | Psalm 91:11 |
| Strong's Number | H4397 |
| Category | Additional Important Words |
The English word 'angel' conjures images of winged figures in white robes, but the Hebrew malakh (מַלְאָךְ) means something far more versatile: messenger. A malakh is anyone — human or heavenly — sent on a mission by a higher authority. Jacob sent malakhim (messengers) to his brother Esau (Genesis 32:3). God sent a malakh to appear in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2). The prophets Haggai and Malachi are called God's malakhim. This dual meaning is intentional: the Bible does not draw a sharp line between divine messengers and human ones, because in both cases, the message matters more than the messenger. The most mysterious figure in the Hebrew Bible is the 'Malakh YHWH' — the Angel of the LORD — who appears to Hagar, Abraham, Moses, Gideon, and Samson's parents. This malakh speaks as God, accepts worship, and is identified with God Himself — leading many Christians to see pre-incarnate appearances of Christ. Understanding malakh reveals that God is a communicating God who never leaves His people without a message or a messenger.
Key Bible Verse: Psalm 91:11
“For he will command his angels (malakhim) concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
What Is the Root of Malakh in Hebrew?
Malakh comes from the root ל-א-כ (lamed-aleph-kaf), meaning 'to send as a messenger.' A malakh is defined by mission, not by nature — anyone sent with a message is a malakh. The prophet Malachi's name literally means 'my messenger.'
What Does Malakh Mean in the Bible?
Malakh appears over 210 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes human messengers (Genesis 32:3), heavenly angels (Genesis 19:1), the mysterious 'Angel of the LORD' (Exodus 3:2, Judges 6:11), and prophets as God's messengers (Haggai 1:13, Malachi 1:1).
How Is Malakh Used in Modern Hebrew?
In Jewish liturgy, the Friday night song 'Shalom Aleichem' welcomes the 'malakhei hashalom' (angels of peace) into the home for Shabbat. The tradition teaches that two angels — one good, one accusing — accompany every person home from synagogue on Friday evening.
How to Use Malakh in Prayer & Worship
Thank God for His malakhim — both seen and unseen messengers who guard, guide, and deliver. Ask God to make you a malakh to someone today — a messenger carrying His word, His comfort, or His truth into a situation that needs heaven's intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Malakh
How do you say “Angel” in Hebrew?
“Angel” in Hebrew is Malakh (מַלְאָךְ), pronounced “mal-AKH.” Malakh comes from the root ל-א-כ (lamed-aleph-kaf), meaning 'to send as a messenger.' A malakh is defined by mission, not by nature — anyone sent with a message is a malakh. The prophet Malachi's name literally means 'my messenger.'
What does Malakh mean in the Bible?
Malakh (מַלְאָךְ) means “Angel, messenger, envoy” in Biblical Hebrew. Malakh appears over 210 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes human messengers (Genesis 32:3), heavenly angels (Genesis 19:1), the mysterious 'Angel of the LORD' (Exodus 3:2, Judges 6:11), and prophets as God's messengers (Haggai 1:13, Malachi 1:1).
How do you pronounce Malakh?
Malakh is pronounced “mal-AKH.” The word comes from the Hebrew root ל-א-כ.
What is the 'Angel of the LORD' in the Old Testament?
The 'Malakh YHWH' is a unique figure who appears throughout the Hebrew Bible — speaking as God, receiving worship, and being identified with God (Genesis 16:7-13, Exodus 3:2-6, Judges 6:11-23). Many Christians identify this as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ (a 'Christophany'). The Malakh YHWH bridges the gap between transcendent God and visible encounter.
Does the Bible say we have guardian angels?
Psalm 91:11 promises: 'He will command His malakhim concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.' Jesus said of children: 'Their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father' (Matthew 18:10). Hebrews 1:14 calls angels 'ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.' Scripture affirms angelic guardianship.
Why is the prophet Malachi named 'My Messenger'?
Malachi (מַלְאָכִי) literally means 'my messenger' — the same word as angel. Some scholars debate whether 'Malachi' is a personal name or a title. Either way, the prophet embodies the malakh principle: he is God's authorized messenger, carrying a divine message to God's people. Every prophet is, in essence, a malakh.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H4397: Malakh
- Bible Gateway — Psalm 91:11 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for ל-א-כ
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