amalekite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Religious/Historical
Quick answer
What does “amalekite” mean?
A member of an ancient nomadic tribe described in the Hebrew Bible as a persistent enemy of the Israelites.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of an ancient nomadic tribe described in the Hebrew Bible as a persistent enemy of the Israelites.
In broader usage, can refer to any relentless or archetypal enemy, particularly in theological or historical discussions about ancient Near Eastern conflicts. Sometimes used metaphorically to denote an implacable foe.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties, confined to religious studies, history, and theology. No significant regional variation in meaning or application.
Connotations
Carries strong historical and religious connotations. In Jewish tradition, often symbolizes pure malice or an enemy of God's people.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Slightly higher frequency in academic religious texts or discussions of ancient Near Eastern history.
Grammar
How to Use “amalekite” in a Sentence
[Subject] fought/defeated/conquered the Amalekites.The Amalekites [verb] the Israelites.According to [source], the Amalekites were...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amalekite” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The prophet Samuel ordered Saul to smite the Amalekites utterly.
- Archaeological evidence for the Amalekites remains scant and debated.
American English
- Saul's failure to destroy the Amalekites cost him his kingship.
- The Amalekite territory was thought to be in the Negev desert.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical, archaeological, and religious studies texts discussing the Levant in the Bronze/Iron Ages.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used as a specific ethnonym in biblical scholarship and ancient Near Eastern history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amalekite”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amalekite”
- Misspelling: Amalekite, Amalakite, Amalikite.
- Misuse in modern political analogies, which can be inflammatory.
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'c' (/saɪt/) instead of soft (/kaɪt/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are presented as historical in the Hebrew Bible, but extra-biblical archaeological evidence confirming them as a distinct, unified tribe is limited and debated among scholars.
They are depicted as the first nation to attack the Israelites after the Exodus, establishing them as a paradigmatic, cruel enemy. God commands their total destruction, making them a symbol of pure evil to be eradicated.
Yes, in religious or politically charged contexts, it can be highly offensive, as it equates a person or group with an archetypal, genocidally-targeted enemy. Its modern metaphorical use is rare and sensitive.
It is pronounced /əˈmæləkaɪt/, with the primary stress on the second syllable ('mal') and a long 'i' sound in the final syllable ('kite').
A member of an ancient nomadic tribe described in the Hebrew Bible as a persistent enemy of the Israelites.
Amalekite is usually formal, academic, religious/historical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Remember Amalek (command to remember an archetypal enemy)”
- “Blot out the memory of Amalek (to utterly destroy or remove an evil).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A-MAL-e-kite' – a 'malicious' ancient tribe that liked to fight.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN ENEMY IS AMALEK (Source Domain: Specific historical tribe; Target Domain: Any relentless, morally reprehensible enemy).
Practice
Quiz
In which primary context is the term 'Amalekite' used?