King
מֶלֶךְ (melek)
A sovereign ruler — the one who reigns with ultimate authority over a kingdom.
Melek is the Hebrew word for king, describing a sovereign ruler with authority over a realm. Scripture presents God as the ultimate King and Jesus as the long-awaited King of kings whose reign is eternal.
"Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords." — 1 Timothy 6:15 (KJV)
Key Verses
1 Timothy 6:15
“Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.”Read in context
Psalm 47:7
“For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.”Read in context
Revelation 19:16
“And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H4428 — King (מֶלֶךְ (melek))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where מֶלֶךְ (melek) appears.
Open Strong's H4428Etymology and Original Meaning
Melek comes from a root meaning 'to reign' or 'to counsel.' A king in the ancient Near East held supreme authority: legislative, judicial, military, and religious. The Greek equivalent basileus carries similar weight. Kingship implied both power and responsibility — the king was to govern justly, protect the weak, and maintain order.
God as King
Before Israel ever had a human king, God was their king. 'The LORD shall reign for ever and ever' (Exodus 15:18). When Israel demanded a human king (1 Samuel 8), God saw it as rejection of His kingship. Yet He worked through the monarchy, establishing David's line and promising an eternal throne (2 Samuel 7:16) — a promise fulfilled in Christ.
Israel's Kings
Israel's monarchy was a mixed story. Saul began well but ended in disobedience. David was 'a man after God's own heart' despite serious failures. Solomon's wisdom turned to folly. The kingdom divided, and most subsequent kings led the people into idolatry. The entire monarchy pointed to the need for a perfect king — one who would rule with perfect justice and endless faithfulness.
Christ, the King of Kings
Jesus was born 'King of the Jews' (Matthew 2:2), entered Jerusalem as a king (Matthew 21:5), and was crucified under the inscription 'THE KING OF THE JEWS' (John 19:19). Revelation climaxes with Christ revealed as 'KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS' (Revelation 19:16). His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36) yet will ultimately encompass all creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does king mean in the Bible?
King (melek) is a sovereign ruler with ultimate authority. Scripture presents God as the true King over all and Jesus as the promised King of kings whose eternal reign fulfills God's plan.
Is Jesus a king?
Yes. Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise to David of an eternal king. He was born as King, crucified as King, and will return as King of kings (Revelation 19:16). His kingdom is both present and coming in fullness.
Which Bible verse uses the word "King"?
1 Timothy 6:15 — "Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords" (KJV). It also appears in Psalm 47:7, Revelation 19:16.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "King" matter?
Melek comes from a root meaning 'to reign' or 'to counsel.' A king in the ancient Near East held supreme authority: legislative, judicial, military, and religious. English uses one word, "King", where the Hebrew מֶלֶךְ (melek) carries the fuller sense: a sovereign ruler — the one who reigns with ultimate authority over a kingdom.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
King (מֶלֶךְ (melek))
A sovereign ruler — the one who reigns with ultimate authority over a kingdom.
Strong's H4428 — King
מֶלֶךְ (melek) • A sovereign ruler — the one who reigns with ultimate authority over a kingdom.
Epiphany Bible Hub
KJV Epiphany readings for January 6: the wise men, the star, the gifts, and what
Kingdom (מַלְכוּת (Malkut) / βασιλεία (Basileia))
God's sovereign rule and reign over all creation
Strong's G932 — Kingdom (Basileia)
βασιλεία (basileia) • Royal rule and reign — God's sovereign authority actively exercised over all creation.
Biblical Meaning of an Earthquake in a Dream (KJV)
God shaking what can be shaken; call to stand on the Rock.
Where to go next
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