Original Word: מַהְלֵךְ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: mahlek
Pronunciation: mah-LEK
Phonetic Spelling: (mah-lake')
KJV: place to walk
Word Origin: [from H1980 (הָלַך - go)]

1. a walking (plural collectively), i.e. access

place to walk

From halak; a walking (plural collectively), i.e. Access -- place to walk.

see HEBREW halak

Word Origin
the same as mahalak, q.v.

[מַהֲלָךְ] noun masculine^{Nehemiah 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 Herodot^{see 58 one day's journey} = 150 stadia, = length of Nineveh according to Diod^ii.3).

3 plural goings, i.e. free access (VB) Zechariah 3:7.

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.
2. Priestly Restoration: Joshua had stood accused and defiled (Zechariah 3:1–3). After cleansing, the gift of unhindered approach underscores the completeness of divine forgiveness.
3. Foreshadowing Christ’s High-Priestly Ministry: Hebrews 10:19–22 celebrates the “new and living way… through the curtain.” Joshua’s granted access anticipates the believer’s bold entry secured by Jesus Christ.
4. Eschatological Hints: The scene mirrors scenes of heavenly counsel (Job 1:6; Revelation 4). Joshua’s privileged movement suggests the future glorification of all redeemed saints who will serve in the heavenly temple (Revelation 7:15).

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.
• Conditional Promise: Faithfulness matters. Steadfast obedience safeguards the experiential enjoyment of privileges already secured in Christ.
• Leadership Integrity: Spiritual leaders, like Joshua, are called to “walk” and “keep” before they can “govern” and “have charge.” Authority flows from personal holiness.
• Encouragement in Rebuilding: Congregations rebuilding ministries after setbacks can look to this verse for motivation; God restores and then grants renewed pathways for effective service.

Connections with New Testament Teaching

• Romans 5:2 speaks of the grace “in which we stand,” echoing the granted standing in Zechariah.
• Ephesians 2:18 affirms, “For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit,” the collective realization of Joshua’s individual promise.
• Revelation 3:7 portrays Christ holding “the key of David,” opening doors no one can shut—extending the motif of divinely granted passage.

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.

מַהְלְכִ֔ים מהלכים mah·lə·ḵîm mahleChim mahləḵîmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts