In 2 Kings 23:11, Nathan-melech is described as one of Josiah's officials. He lived near the entrance to the temple, close to the courtyard where the horses had been kept that were used in sun-worship before Josiah disposed of both the horses and the chariots that they had pulled.

Nathan-melech means King's gift. Some authorities have regarded the name as a variant of Nathan but this is no more valid sociolinguistically than regarding Nathanael as a variant of Nathan, or Rosemary as a variant of Mary. They are distinct names.