Lexical Summary mahlek: Journey, course, path Original Word: מַהְלֵךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance place to walk From halak; a walking (plural collectively), i.e. Access -- place to walk. see HEBREW halak NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as mahalak, q.v. Brown-Driver-Briggs [מַהֲלָךְ] noun masculineNehemiah 2:6 walk, journey, going (late); construct מַהֲלַךְ Ezekiel 42:4 2t.; suffix מַהֲלָֽכְךָ Nehemiah 2:6; plural מַהְלְכִים Zechariah 3:7; — 1 walk 'of 10 cubits' breadth before the chambers' in Ezekiel's temple Ezekiel 42:4 (compare Da). 2 journey from Babylonian to Jerusalem Nehemiah 2:6; of dimension of Nineveh, a journey of three days Jonah 3:3 i.e. diameter or length, compare Jonah 3:4; (according to Herodotsee 58 one day's journey = 150 stadia, = length of Nineveh according to Diodii.3). 3 plural goings, i.e. free access (VB) Zechariah 3:7. Topical Lexicon Meaning within Biblical Thought The term denotes an assigned passageway or assured access, picturing the freedom to move unhindered in a realm otherwise restricted. It evokes the idea of a dignified “right of way,” granted by a superior and enjoyed by one counted trustworthy. Scriptural Context: Zechariah 3:7 In the sole canonical occurrence the LORD speaks to Joshua the high priest after his cleansing: “If you will walk in My ways and keep My charge, you will also govern My house and have charge of My courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.” (Zechariah 3:7) Here the “place” is not merely geographic; it is judicial and relational. Joshua receives privileged movement “among these standing here”—most likely the attending angelic court—symbolizing restored fellowship and authority in God’s presence. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Reciprocity: The promise is conditional (“If you will walk… keep…”) yet gracious. Obedience opens access; access empowers further service. Historical Background Post-exilic Judah faced discouragement: the temple was incomplete and leadership questioned. Granting the high priest a distinguished pathway in the heavenly court affirmed divine endorsement of both priesthood and rebuilding efforts. It reassured a struggling community that their worship would again be accepted. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Assurance of Access: Believers burdened by past sin may rest in God’s power to cleanse and reinstate, granting freedom of approach in prayer and service. Connections with New Testament Teaching • Romans 5:2 speaks of the grace “in which we stand,” echoing the granted standing in Zechariah. Summary Though occurring only once, the word paints a vivid portrait of access bestowed by divine favor. In Zechariah’s vision it seals the high priest’s restoration, strengthens the post-exilic community, and foreshadows the unrestricted approach won for all believers through the perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations מַהְלְכִ֔ים מהלכים mah·lə·ḵîm mahleChim mahləḵîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Zechariah 3:7 HEB: וְנָתַתִּ֤י לְךָ֙ מַהְלְכִ֔ים בֵּ֥ין הָעֹמְדִ֖ים KJV: and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by. INT: of my courts will grant to walk among are standing 1 Occurrence |
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