אבימלך

Avimelech is an ancient and impressive Hebrew name composed of two linguistic elements: "avi" (my father) and "melech" (king). The simple meaning of the name is "my father is king" or "my father is a king," but it can also be understood in a deeper spiritual sense - "my God is the King." This name reflects a worldview of honor, leadership, and profound faith in divine sovereignty. In ancient Hebrew culture, compound names of this type were especially common among royal families and leaders, expressing the social and spiritual status of their bearers. The name Avimelech appears in the Bible in several significant contexts. The most famous figure is Avimelech, king of Gerar, whom the patriarchs Abraham and Isaac encountered. The Book of Genesis tells how Abraham came to Gerar and presented Sarah as his sister, fearing he would be killed because of her. Avimelech took Sarah, but God appeared to him in a dream and warned him that she was a married woman. Avimelech, portrayed as a righteous and moral king, returned Sarah to Abraham and even gave him many gifts. Later, Isaac, Abraham's son, repeated the same behavior with Rebecca, and again Avimelech (whether the same king or his successor) discovered the truth. Eventually, Isaac and Avimelech made a covenant of peace at Beersheba, symbolizing diplomatic and cultural relations between the Hebrews and Philistines. Another figure is Avimelech son of Gideon, whose story is told in the Book of Judges. After Gideon's death, Avimelech murdered his seventy brothers to seize power in Shechem, and ruled for three years until he was killed during a siege of the city of Thebez, when a woman dropped an upper millstone on him. The name Avimelech carries a rich historical and cultural weight. On one hand, it symbolizes royalty, power, and leadership; on the other hand, the biblical narratives teach about the moral complexity of power and rule. The character of Avimelech king of Gerar presents a moderate and righteous leader with fear of heaven, who insists on justice even toward strangers. In contrast, Avimelech son of Gideon represents the dark side of the aspiration for power - bloodshed, family betrayal, and the tragic end of a tyrant. This name reminds us that true leadership is not only in external power, but in the moral and spiritual values of the leader. Today, the name Avimelech is considered rare and special, and is usually chosen by families seeking a name with deep biblical significance, expressing connection to ancient tradition and the values of leadership and faith.

אֲבִימֶלֶךְ

Avimelech | Abimelech | Avimalech

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Genesis 20:3 - But God came to Avimelech in a dream by night, and said to him: Behold, thou shalt die, because of the woman whom thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife

In Kabbalah, the name Avimelech represents the connection between the human dimension (avi - my father) and the divine dimension (melech - king). The name carries the principle of heavenly kingdom, expressing the recognition that all power and authority in this world derive from the supreme divine source. The bearer of this name is considered one who is connected to his soul's root and capable of leading others on a path of righteousness and fear of heaven.

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Avimelech Guterman - Israeli writer and researcher | Avimelech Yaron - Israeli educator

אבינר | מלכיאל | אלימלך | אבישי