מִישָׁאֵל (mi.sha.el)
mi.sha.el
Mishael
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Mishael is a proper name appearing in the book of Daniel, where it identifies one of the young Jewish exiles taken to Babylon. The sources note that he is also known by the Babylonian name Meshach, given to him by King Nebuchadnezzar. His original Hebrew name carries the meaning "who is what God is," a declaration of divine identity that stands in contrast to the idolatrous culture surrounding him.
He appears alongside Daniel and his two friends as a figure of steadfast faith. The narrative highlights their refusal to defile themselves with the king’s food, adhering instead to dietary laws given by God. Later, Mishael is among the three who refuse to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue, an act that leads to their survival in the fiery furnace through divine protection.
Although he has fewer spoken lines than Daniel or Shadrach, his presence underscores the theme of communal loyalty and courage. The text presents him not as an isolated hero, but as part of a faithful group whose shared conviction led to their deliverance and witness before the Babylonian court.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Mishael means "who is what God is." It serves as a quiet but powerful reminder that our identity is anchored in who God is, not in the labels or pressures of the world around us. In Daniel 2:17, we see him supporting his friends in prayer during a time of crisis. This shows that faith is often lived out in community, standing together when the path forward seems unclear.
When life feels overwhelming, remembering that God remains sovereign can bring deep peace. You do not have to face every challenge alone; like Mishael, you are part of a larger story where God's presence sustains those who trust Him. His example invites us to lean on one another and keep our hearts fixed on divine truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Mishael1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִֽישָׁאֵ֧ל1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:17
Then Daniel went to his house and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:
This verse highlights Mishael's role in communal prayer, showing how shared faith provides strength during uncertain times.