Mahalaleel, also known as Maleleel in some biblical translations, is a figure from the genealogies of the Old Testament. He is a descendant of Adam and a patriarch in the line leading to Noah. Mahalaleel is mentioned in the genealogical records found in the Book of Genesis, the First Book of Chronicles, and the Gospel of Luke.

Genealogical Record

Mahalaleel is introduced in the genealogical account of Genesis 5, which traces the lineage from Adam to Noah. According to Genesis 5:12-17 :

"When Cainan was 70 years old, he became the father of Mahalaleel. And after he had become the father of Mahalaleel, Cainan lived 840 years and had other sons and daughters. So Cainan lived a total of 910 years, and then he died. When Mahalaleel was 65 years old, he became the father of Jared. And after he had become the father of Jared, Mahalaleel lived 830 years and had other sons and daughters. So Mahalaleel lived a total of 895 years, and then he died."

This passage highlights Mahalaleel's place in the antediluvian patriarchal lineage, emphasizing the longevity of life before the flood and the continuation of the human race through his descendants.

Chronicles and the Lineage of Israel

Mahalaleel is also mentioned in 1 Chronicles 1:2 , which provides a concise genealogy of the descendants of Adam, underscoring the importance of lineage in the history of Israel: "Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jared."

New Testament Reference

In the New Testament, Mahalaleel is referenced in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. Luke 3:37 states: "the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan."

This inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus highlights the continuity of God's plan through the ages, connecting the Old Testament patriarchs to the coming of the Messiah.

Name Meaning and Significance

The name Mahalaleel is of Hebrew origin and is often interpreted to mean "praise of God" or "the shining one of God." This name reflects a common practice in biblical times of giving names that express a relationship with God or a characteristic of the individual.

Role in Biblical History

While Mahalaleel himself is not the subject of detailed narratives or specific events in the Bible, his role as a patriarch is significant in the context of biblical history. He represents a link in the chain of generations that preserved the knowledge of God and His promises through the ages, leading ultimately to the birth of Jesus Christ.

Mahalaleel's life, as recorded in the genealogies, serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God in maintaining His covenant with humanity, ensuring the survival and continuation of the line through which salvation would come.Genesis 5:12-17
And Cainan lived seventy years and begat Mahalaleel:
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1 Chronicles 1:2
Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered,
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Luke 3:37
Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan,
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