Boy Old Testament Rare
Imlah
plentitude; circumcision
יִמְלָה yim.lah
Imlah (Hebrew: יִמְלָה, yim.lah) means “plentitude; circumcision”, by traditional interpretation. It appears in 4 verses across 2 books of the Bible. In United States birth records the name is below the reporting threshold. Appears with Ahab in 2 Chronicles 18.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
-
Imlah
father of Micaiah
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 4 across 2 books
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- Old
- Era
- Divided Kingdom
Using it today
In United States birth records this name is below the reporting threshold. The Social Security Administration does not publish counts under five, so a name given to four children looks the same as one given to none.
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | 1 Kings 22:8 |
| Last appears | 2 Chronicles 18:8 |
| Cross-references | 120 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Micaiah co-occurrence Appears with Micaiah in 2 Chronicles 18.
- Joash co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Joash.
- Amon co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Amon.
- Ahab co-occurrence Appears with Ahab in 2 Chronicles 18.
- Chenaanah co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Chenaanah.
- Zedekiah co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Zedekiah.
- Jehoshaphat co-occurrence Appears with Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 18.
Origin & meaning
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.22.8;
father of: Micaiah (H4321)
§ Imlah or Imla = "whom God will fill up"
father of Michaiah the prophet
Imlah was the father of Micaiah, a prophet who spoke the truth to King Ahab of Israel, despite the king's displeasure.
The biblical story
Imlah is mentioned in the Bible as the father of the prophet Micaiah, who lived during the reign of King Ahab of Israel. Micaiah is known for his unwavering commitment to speaking the truth, even when it was unpopular or unwelcome.
In 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18, King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah are preparing to go to battle against the Arameans at Ramoth-gilead. Ahab gathers his prophets, who all prophesy victory for the king. However, Jehoshaphat asks if there is another prophet of the Lord who can be consulted.
Ahab reluctantly mentions Micaiah, son of Imlah, but expresses his disdain for him, saying, "I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil" (1Ki.22.8; 2Ch.18.7).
Despite Ahab's reluctance, Micaiah is summoned and initially seems to prophesy victory for the kings. However, when pressed to speak the truth, Micaiah reveals that he saw a vision of Israel scattered on the mountains like sheep without a shepherd, indicating that Ahab would be killed in battle (1Ki.22.17; 2Ch.18.16).
Micaiah's prophecy angers Ahab, who orders him to be imprisoned and fed with minimal food and water until the king returns safely from battle. However, Micaiah stands firm, declaring that if Ahab returns in peace, then the Lord has not spoken through him (1Ki.22.27-28; 2Ch.18.26-27).
Although Imlah himself is not mentioned beyond being identified as Micaiah's father, his son's role as a prophet and his unwavering commitment to speaking the truth, even in the face of opposition from the king, suggests that Imlah may have raised his son with a strong faith in God and a commitment to integrity.
Key verses
Imlah appears in 4 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
-
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
1 Kings 22:8 -
Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah.
1 Kings 22:9 -
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
2 Chronicles 18:7 -
And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.
2 Chronicles 18:8
Show all 4 references
1 Kings (2)
- 1 Kings 22:8
- 1 Kings 22:9
2 Chronicles (2)
- 2 Chronicles 18:7
- 2 Chronicles 18:8