Abimelech
Image of Abimelech
Meaning and Origin
The name Abimelech derives from the Hebrew roots 'ab (father) and melek (king), rendering its meaning as 'my father is king' or 'royal father.' This name encapsulates themes of authority and lineage, often associated with rulership and divine inheritance. In a broader linguistic context, similar forms exist in other Semitic languages, such as Arabic, where 'Abi' means 'my father' and 'Malik' means 'king.' Historically, scholars have noted that 'Abimelech' may have functioned as a royal title rather than a personal name, akin to 'Pharaoh' in ancient Egypt. This interpretation aligns with its repeated use in biblical accounts involving Philistine rulers.
Image of Abimelech
Name Abimelech in languages of the Bible
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Popularity Analysis
The name Abimelech, while rooted in ancient Hebrew culture, has found resonance across various cultures and languages. It is particularly noted in biblical scholarship and religious contexts, where its historical and theological significance is studied and revered. In modern times, the name is relatively rare but retains its cultural and religious relevance, especially in Christian communities that emphasize biblical names. It has been documented in countries such as Panama, Nicaragua, and Honduras, suggesting a modest but meaningful global presence.
| Country | Variant | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Panama | Abimelec | 3088 |
| Nicaragua | Abimelec | 3906 |
| Honduras | Abimelec | 4521 |
| Puerto Rico | Abimelec | 5135 |
| Mexico | Abimelec | 5352 |
| Bolivia, Plurinational State of | Abimelec | 9335 |
| Dominican Republic | Abimelec | 10949 |
| Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of | Abimelec | 11804 |
| Israel | Abimelech | 12923 |
| Colombia | Abimelec | 14184 |
| Tanzania, United Republic of | Abimeleki | 25007 |
| Costa Rica | Abimelec | 26399 |
| Peru | Abimelec | 33488 |
| Philippines | Abimelech | 67775 |
| United States | Abimelec | 71018 |
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Biblical and Cultural Significance
The name Abimelech holds significant spiritual and cultural weight, appearing in the Old Testament as the name of five distinct individuals. Its Divine Proximity Index of 97.0/100 indicates a strong association with God's actions and interventions, while a Jesus Circle Score of 94.1/100 highlights its thematic relevance to the broader biblical narrative. One of the most notable Abimelechs is the king of Gerar during Abraham's time, whose story illustrates God's protection of Sarah and Abraham, emphasizing divine justice and covenantal faithfulness. Another Abimelech, the son of Gideon, serves as a cautionary tale of ambition and moral corruption, as his quest for power leads to fratricide and ultimately his downfall.
Biblical Context
The name Abimelech is woven into several key biblical narratives. In Genesis 20 and 26, Abimelech appears as a Philistine king of Gerar, interacting with both Abraham and Isaac in parallel stories that highlight God's protection and the sanctity of marriage. These accounts also reinforce the idea of divine intervention in human affairs. In Judges 9, Abimelech, the son of Gideon, emerges as a tragic figure whose ruthless ambition leads to his brief reign as king of Shechem. His story is marked by betrayal, violence, and divine retribution, culminating in his death by a millstone—a symbolic reminder of the consequences of pride and injustice.
Divine Proximity Metrics
God Proximity
SNA: 4.64 | Percentile: 96.99
Biblical References
- Judges 9:27
- Genesis 26:29
- Genesis 26:4
- Judges 9:3
- Judges 9:41