Table of Contents
melak
מלאכ Melak is usually translated as work. (see Genesis 2:2-3) (as Strongnumber 4399)
Not a messenger
Melak is often erroneously translated as “messenger”, sometimes with a slightly different spelling מלכ , pronounced 'melek' rather than 'melak'. Many of these instances are typically mistranslated as “angels”, supposedly because angels are the messengers of god. However, the root word 'melak' clearly means work, not message.
The root word for “message” is ספּר 'ceper', so clearly, 'melak' refers to a worker rather than a messenger specifically.
Inexplicably, 'melek' also gets translated as “king” rather than “messenger” or “angel”, even though the spelling and pronunciation are identical. This is flasely justified under the guise of it being given a separate Strongnumber 4428. It is the same word though.
Both messengers and kings are a type of worker, so the words are manipulated according to context. In general, this should be avoided. It is best to stick to the original word. 'Melek' is work, and a 'melakim' is a worker, whether he be a king or a messenger, or anything in between. He is a person acting it an official duty as his job dictates.
But it gets weirder. The word is sometimes translated “foreskin”. See rel
More Twists
In Genesis 1:7, a different word “yesi” is also used to indicate work. It seems that there are two different types of work being described. - audit yesi vs melak by context and type of work.
There is possibility that melak additionally may means a technology of some sort. In Psalm 91:11, the Melak is commanded to protect David (see also Psalm 34:7)
4397, 4428