Original Word: מְלָאכָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: mla'kah
Pronunciation: meh-lah-KAH
Phonetic Spelling: (mel-aw-kaw')
KJV: business, + cattle, + industrious, occupation, (+ -pied), + officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship)
NASB: work, workmen, anything, business, craftsmanship, property, service
Word Origin: [from the same as H4397 (מַלאָך - angel)]

1. (properly) deputyship, i.e. ministry
2. (generally) employment (never servile)
3. (abstractly or concretely) work
4. (as the result of labor) property

business, cattle, industrious, occupation, officer, manner of workman,

From the same as mal'ak; properly, deputyship, i.e. Ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor) -- business, + cattle, + industrious, occupation, (+ -pied), + officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship).

see HEBREW mal'ak

Word Origin
from the same as malak
Definition
occupation, work
NASB Translation
anything (4), article made (1), business (4), cattle (1), craftsmanship (3), details (1), duties (1), everything* (1), industrious* (1), laborer (1), material (1), occupation (1), performed (1), project (1), property (2), purpose (1), service (2), something (1), supplies (1), task (2), use (2), used (2), work (118), workers (1), workmanship (1), workmen (5), workmen* (5), works (1).

מְלָאכָה₁₆₇ noun feminine occupation, work (for *מַלְאָכָה; compare Phoenician מלאכת labour) — ׳מ Exodus 12:16 102t.; מְלָ֑אכֶת2Chronicles 13:10; construct מְלֶאכֶת Exodus 35:24 42t.; suffix מְלַאכְתְּךָ Jonah 1:8; מְלַאכְתֶּ֑ךָ Exodus 20:9 2t.; מְלַאכְתּוֺ Genesis 2:2 13t.; plural construct מַלְאֲכוֺת 1 Chronicles 28:19; suffix מַלְאֲכוֺתֶיךָ Psalm 73:28; —

1 occupation, business, מַה מְּלַאכְתְּךָ what is thy occupation Jonah 1:8; business of a steward Genesis 39:11 (J); diligent in business Proverbs 22:29; slack in business Proverbs 18:9.

2 property in which one is occupied, רעהוּ ׳מ his neighbour's property Exodus 22:7; Exodus 22:10 (E); possessions of herds and flocks Genesis 33:14 (J), 1 Samuel 15:9 (compare מִקְנֶה); רבה ׳מ great property2Chronicles 17:13.

3 work as something done or made:

a. of God in creation Genesis 2:2 (twice in verse); Genesis 2:3 (P), in judgment Jeremiah 50:25, in General Psalm 73:28.

b. of men, עור ׳מ leather-work Leviticus 13:48,51 (P), השׂדה ׳מ work in the field 1 Chronicles 27:26; in building Proverbs 24:27 +, the walls of Jerusalem Nehemiah 4:5 +, making the tabernacle and its furniture Exodus 36:2 +, the temple 1 Kings 5:30 +; work of the potter Jeremiah 18:3, of the seaman Psalm 107:23, of the Levites 1 Chronicles 26:29, of priests in the sacrifices 2Chronicles 29:34; מְלָאכֶת (ה)עֲבֹדָה phrase of P, Exodus 35:24; Exodus 36:1,3; Leviticus 23:7,8,21,25,35,36; Numbers 28:18,25,26; Numbers 29:1,12,35 also 1 Chronicles 9:13; 1 Chronicles 9:19; 1 Chronicles 28:13; 1 Chronicles 28:20; 2Chron 24:12; לעבדה ׳המ 1 Chronicles 23:24; ׳עבדה למ Exodus 36:5 (P); compare the phrase ׳עֹשֵׂה המ workmen Ezra 3:9; Nehemiah 2:16; ׳עֹשִׂים במ 1 Kings 5:30; 1 Kings 9:23 +; ׳כל מ any work forbidden on the Sabbath Exodus 20:9,10; Leviticus 23:3 (P) Deuteronomy 5:13,14; Jeremiah 17:22,24; on holy convocations Exodus 12:16; Leviticus 16:29; Leviticus 23:28,30,31; Numbers 29:7 (P).

4 workmanship, כל מלאכה in every kind of workmanship, phrase of P: Exodus 31:3,5; Exodus 35:29,31,33,35; and Chronicles: 1 Chronicles 22:15; 1 Chronicles 28:21; 1 Chronicles 29:5; 1 Kings 7:14.

5 service, use Leviticus 7:24; Leviticus 11:32; Judges 16:11; Ezekiel 28:13.

6 public business:

a. political 1 Kings 11:28; 1 Chronicles 29:6; Daniel 8:27; Esther 3:9; Esther 9:3.

b. religious, putting away foreign wives Ezra 10:13; יהוה ׳מ 1 Chronicles 26:30; הַקֹּדֶשׁ׳מ Exodus 36:4; Exodus 38:24 (P), קדשׁ הקדשׁים ׳מ 1 Chronicles 6:34; אהל ׳מ מועד Exodus 35:21 (P), ׳בית י ׳מ 1 Chronicles 23:4; Ezra 3:8; Ezra 6:22; Nehemiah 10:34; Nehemiah 11:22.

Scope and Semantic Range

מְלָאכָה (melakhah) embraces the entire sphere of purposeful human activity—work, craftsmanship, service, business, or occupation. Of its roughly 167 attestations, the Torah furnishes the largest share, followed by the Historical Books, Wisdom Literature, and Prophets. Context determines whether the term points to manual labor, skilled artistry, administrative duty, or any deliberate task undertaken for a goal.

Melakhah and Divine Work

Creation sets the pattern: “By the seventh day God completed His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work” (Genesis 2:2). God’s finished melakhah becomes the theological basis for Israel’s rhythm of labor and rest. Human work is thus portrayed as derivative, dignified, and accountable before its Creator.

Sabbath and Sacred Times

The word appears most frequently in prohibitions marking holy days. The Decalogue frames weekly labor within divine limits: “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God; on it you shall do no work” (Exodus 20:9-10). Similar language governs Passover and the other appointed feasts (Exodus 12:16; Leviticus 23:7-8, 21, 25, 28, 35-36; Numbers 28:25). The link between melakhah and rest underscores God’s concern for worship, family, servants, foreigners, and even livestock (Deuteronomy 5:13-14).

Sabbath violations draw sharp warnings. Jeremiah urges Jerusalem: “Do not carry a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath Day” (Jeremiah 17:22; cf. 17:27). Nehemiah enforces the same standard after the exile (Nehemiah 13:15-21). The episode of the man gathering sticks (Numbers 15:32-36) illustrates the seriousness of transgressing the melakhah boundary.

Tabernacle and Temple Construction

Melakhah frequently denotes the skilled craftsmanship dedicated to sanctuary building. Free-will offerings were brought “for every kind of work that the LORD had commanded to be done through Moses” (Exodus 35:21, 24, 29). Bezalel and Oholiab are “filled with wisdom… to perform all kinds of craftsmanship” (Exodus 36:1). The narrative highlights organized labor, Spirit-endowed skill, and willing hearts, showing that sacred architecture is both worship and work.

Later, David commissions Solomon: “Be strong and do the work” (1 Chronicles 28:20). Solomon appoints 250 officials “who ruled over the people doing the work” (2 Chronicles 8:10). Restoration eras echo the theme: Joash’s reforms (2 Chronicles 24:12-13) and Hezekiah’s priests “were too few, so their brothers the Levites helped them until the work was finished” (2 Chronicles 29:34).

Royal and Civic Administration

Beyond construction, melakhah signifies governmental oversight. Solomon’s labor force for the palace and temple is described as “over the work of the king” (1 Kings 5:30; 1 Kings 9:23). The term also covers the logistical tasks of war and city defense (Nehemiah 4:16-19) and the rebuilding strategy when threats arose: “I am doing a great work and cannot come down” (Nehemiah 6:3).

Personal Vocation and Craftsmanship

Wisdom texts apply melakhah to everyday livelihood. Proverbs counsels diligence: “Prepare your work outside; make it ready in the field” (Proverbs 24:27). Ecclesiastes reflects on life’s brevity: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). These passages affirm the goodness of industry while warning against idleness (Proverbs 14:23).

Consequences of Neglecting God’s Pattern of Work and Rest

Prophetic indictments against Judah’s Sabbath-breaking (Jeremiah 17; Ezekiel 20:12-13) and unjust labor practices (Amos 8:5) reveal how melakhah, when detached from covenant obedience, becomes oppression. Judgment falls not on work itself but on work pursued without regard for holiness, justice, and mercy.

Typological and Theological Insights

The cessation of melakhah on the seventh day foreshadows the ultimate rest secured by Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10). His declaration, “It is finished” (John 19:30), echoes the completed melakhah of Genesis 2, inviting believers into a Sabbath rest that reshapes their labor now: “always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Practical Ministry Application

1. Work as Worship: Scripture elevates every legitimate task to priestly service when done unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).
2. Rhythm of Rest: Congregational life should honor the principle of periodic cessation, modeling trust in God’s provision.
3. Vocational Discipleship: Equipping believers to steward gifts—administrative, artistic, technical—reflects the Tabernacle pattern of Spirit-empowered craftsmanship.
4. Social Justice: Fair labor practices and Sabbath consideration for employees bear witness to God’s character.
5. Eschatological Hope: Faithful melakhah anticipates the new creation, where “His servants will serve Him” (Revelation 22:3), combining worship and work in perfect harmony.

Thus, מְלָאכָה weaves through Scripture as a thread linking God’s creative act, Israel’s covenant life, and the Church’s calling, affirming that meaningful labor, rightly ordered under divine authority, reflects both the dignity and destiny of the people of God.

בִּמְלֶ֜אכֶת בִּמְלֶ֣אכֶת בִּמְלֶ֥אכֶת בִּמְלַאכְתּ֖וֹ בִּמְלַאכְתּ֗וֹ בִּמְלַאכְתּֽוֹ׃ בִמְלַאכְתּ֑וֹ בַּמְּלָאכָ֑ה בַּמְּלָאכָ֗ה בַּמְּלָאכָֽה׃ בַּמְּלָאכָה֒ בַּמְלָֽאכֶת׃ בַמְּלָאכָ֔ה במלאכה במלאכה׃ במלאכת במלאכת׃ במלאכתו במלאכתו׃ הַמְּלָאכָ֑ה הַמְּלָאכָ֔ה הַמְּלָאכָ֖ה הַמְּלָאכָ֗ה הַמְּלָאכָ֛ה הַמְּלָאכָ֤ה הַמְּלָאכָ֥ה הַמְּלָאכָֽה׃ הַמְּלָאכָה֒ הַמְּלָאכָה֙ המלאכה המלאכה׃ וְהַמְּלָאכָ֗ה וְהַמְּלָאכָ֣ה וּמְלָאכָ֥ה והמלאכה ומלאכה לִמְלֶ֛אכֶת לִמְלֶ֨אכֶת לִמְלַאכְתּ֑וֹ לִמְלַאכְתּֽוֹ׃ לִמְלָאכָ֑ה לִמְלָאכָֽה׃ לַמְּלָאכָ֑ה לַמְּלָאכָ֔ה לַמְּלָאכָ֖ה לַמְּלָאכָ֤ה למלאכה למלאכה׃ למלאכת למלאכתו למלאכתו׃ מְ֝לָאכָ֗ה מְּלַאכְתְּךָ֙ מְלֶ֖אכֶת מְלֶ֙אכֶת֙ מְלֶ֣אכֶת מְלֶ֥אכֶת מְלֶ֨אכֶת מְלַאכְתֶּ֗ךָ מְלַאכְתֶּֽךָ֒ מְלַאכְתֶּֽךָ֒׃ מְלַאכְתּ֑וֹ מְלַאכְתּ֔וֹ מְלַאכְתּ֖וֹ מְלַאכְתּֽוֹ׃ מְלָאכָ֑ה מְלָאכָ֔ה מְלָאכָ֖ה מְלָאכָ֛ה מְלָאכָ֜ה מְלָאכָ֡֜ה מְלָאכָ֡ה מְלָאכָ֣ה מְלָאכָ֤ה מְלָאכָֽה׃ מְלָאכָה֒ מְלָאכָה֙ מִמְּלַאכְתּ֖וֹ מַלְאֲכ֥וֹת מַלְאֲכוֹתֶֽיךָ׃ מלאכה מלאכה׃ מלאכות מלאכותיך׃ מלאכת מלאכתו מלאכתו׃ מלאכתך מלאכתך׃ ממלאכתו bam·lā·ḵeṯ bam·mə·lā·ḵāh ḇam·mə·lā·ḵāh bamLachet bamlāḵeṯ bammelaChah bamməlāḵāh ḇamməlāḵāh bim·laḵ·tōw ḇim·laḵ·tōw bim·le·ḵeṯ bimlachTo bimlaḵtōw ḇimlaḵtōw bimLechet bimleḵeṯ ham·mə·lā·ḵāh hammelaChah hamməlāḵāh lam·mə·lā·ḵāh lammelaChah lamməlāḵāh lim·lā·ḵāh lim·laḵ·tōw lim·le·ḵeṯ limlaChah limlachTo limlāḵāh limlaḵtōw limLechet limleḵeṯ mal’ăḵōwṯ mal’ăḵōwṯeḵā mal·’ă·ḵō·w·ṯe·ḵā mal·’ă·ḵō·wṯ malaChot malachoTeicha mə·lā·ḵāh mə·laḵ·te·ḵā mə·laḵ·tə·ḵā mə·laḵ·tōw mə·le·ḵeṯ melaChah melachteCha melachTo məlāḵāh məlaḵteḵā məlaḵtəḵā məlaḵtōw meLechet məleḵeṯ mim·mə·laḵ·tōw mimelachTo mimməlaḵtōw ū·mə·lā·ḵāh umelaChah ūməlāḵāh vammelaChah vehammelaChah vimlachTo wə·ham·mə·lā·ḵāh wəhamməlāḵāhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts