מִמְשָׁל (mim.shal)
mim.shal
dominion
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mimshal denotes a sphere of authority or rule, referring either to the abstract concept of dominion or to the concrete person exercising that power, a ruler. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, with two occurrences in Daniel and one in 1 Chronicles. This limited usage suggests it was not a common term for everyday governance but carried specific weight in contexts of imperial or royal power.
In Daniel, mimshal describes the vast territories controlled by Nebuchadnezzar and later by the successive empires that rise after him. The word emphasizes the extent of control rather than the moral quality of the ruler. When used of a person, as in 1 Chronicles 29:23, it identifies Solomon as the one who sat on the throne of the Lord, highlighting his legitimate succession to David’s kingship.
The term derives from the root mashal, which also gives us words for parable or proverb. While mimshal focuses on political sovereignty, its linguistic family often deals with metaphorical speech. This connection hints that biblical writers saw a parallel between ruling a nation and interpreting complex realities through story. The word anchors the idea of authority in both physical territory and the right to lead.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mimshal points to the broad scope of authority and rule. It appears in Scripture to describe both the territory under control and the person exercising that power. In Daniel, it highlights the vast empires of ancient kings, showing that human governance is extensive but ultimately temporary. These rulers held dominion, yet their power was subject to a higher order.
In 1 Chronicles, the term identifies Solomon sitting on the throne of the Lord. This usage reminds us that earthly authority finds its true meaning when it reflects divine justice. While human kingdoms rise and fall, the ultimate sovereignty belongs to God. We can trust that history is not random, but guided by a purpose that outlasts any earthly reign.
Reflecting on this word helps us see our own place in God's story. Our daily responsibilities are small compared to the empires of Daniel, yet they matter when done with integrity. We serve under His ultimate rule, finding peace in knowing that justice will prevail.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ rulers1×
- dominion1×
- [will be] a dominion1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִמְשָׁ֥ל1×
- מִמְשָׁ֣ל1×
- הַ/מִּמְשָׁלִ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 11:3
A mighty king will stand up, who will rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.
This verse uses the word to describe the expansive and absolute nature of a mighty king's power, emphasizing the sheer scale of his control.
-
Daniel 11:5
“The king of the south will be strong. One of his princes will become stronger than him, and have dominion. His dominion will be a great dominion.
Here the term appears twice to contrast the strength of two rival rulers, showing how dominion shifts between political powers over time.
-
I Chronicles 26:6
Sons were also born to Shemaiah his son, who ruled over the house of their father; for they were mighty men of valor.
This occurrence identifies a specific leader ruling over his father's house, linking the concept of dominion to family lineage and inherited responsibility.