me.lekh denotes a male ruler, whether named over a people or addressed as the authority whose command directs others.

The supplied verses consistently use the term for a male ruler: a named ruler over a people or place, a ruler addressed directly, or rulers collectively. The same office is shown through anointing, commands, administration, warfare, and possessions associated with the ruler.

1. Male ruler and royal office · dominant

   In 1 Chronicles 11:3, the singular absolute form occurs as David is anointed over Israel; the APB renders the clause "they anointed David king over Israel." In 1 Chronicles 21:4, the ruler's word prevails over Joab, while 1 Chronicles 16:21 uses the plural for rulers whom God rebuked on behalf of his people. Construct singular forms identify named rulers in 1 Chronicles 14:1 and 1 Kings 11:18.

   1 Chronicles 11:31 Chronicles 21:41 Chronicles 16:211 Chronicles 14:11 Kings 11:18

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly presents the term as "king," including named rulers such as David and Pharaoh, and as "kings" where the supplied form is plural. In several clauses it also expresses the office through possessive wording such as "the king's word" or "the treasures of the king"; these are verse-level renderings rather than word alignment.