Lemuel
TextsWhat is the meaning of Lemuel in the Bible?
Lemuel is a king addressed in Proverbs 31:1-9, containing advice on governance and justice, followed by an acrostic poem in verses 10-31 describing an ideal wife; the name may derive from a Semitic root meaning 'for God' or 'king of Massa,' suggesting a possible non-Israelite origin or a literary pseudonym.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Lemuel helps readers recognize the diverse cultural influences within the wisdom literature of the Old Testament and appreciate the structural complexity of the final chapter of Proverbs as a distinct literary unit.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Lemuel functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Lemuel in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Lemuel clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Proverbs 31:1-9
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Lemuel." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/lemuel/