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מִשְׁטָר (mish.tar)

mish.tar

rule

H4896 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun mishṭar denotes a rule or authority, specifically referring to established order or regulation. Its usage is rare in the Old Testament, appearing only once in Job 38:33. In this context, God asks Job if he knows the laws governing the heavens and their dominion over the earth.

This single occurrence highlights the word’s application to cosmic order rather than human legal codes. It suggests a fixed, authoritative structure that governs natural phenomena, emphasizing the vast difference between divine knowledge of these systems and human understanding. The term underscores the concept of regulated authority inherent in creation itself.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word mishṭar appears just once in the Old Testament, found in Job 38:33. Here, God asks Job if he understands the laws of the heavens and their dominion over the earth. This rare term points to a fixed, authoritative structure that governs natural phenomena. It suggests a cosmic order established by divine wisdom, far beyond human capability to fully grasp or control.

When life feels chaotic, remembering this hidden order can bring peace. The same God who set these celestial rules in place is also present in your daily struggles. You do not need to understand every mechanism of the universe to trust the One who designed it. His authority extends over both the stars and your personal circumstances.

This perspective invites humility rather than fear. We are part of a creation that operates under reliable principles, even when we cannot see them clearly. Trusting in this overarching order allows us to rest in God’s sovereignty. It reminds us that our lives are held within a framework of divine care and purpose.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • rule/ its1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • מִשְׁטָר֣/וֹ1×

Key Verses

  • Job 38:33
    Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you establish its dominion over the earth?

    This verse uses mishṭar to describe the established laws governing the heavens, highlighting God's supreme authority over cosmic order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does mishṭar mean in the Bible?

Mishṭar is a Hebrew noun meaning 'rule' or 'authority.' It refers to an established order or regulation, specifically used in Job 38:33 to describe the laws governing the heavens. The term emphasizes a fixed structure that reflects divine wisdom and control over the natural world.

Why is mishṭar only found once in the Old Testament?

The word appears only in Job 38:33 because it was likely a specialized term used to convey the precise, unchanging nature of cosmic order. Its rarity suggests it was chosen for its specific theological weight in describing God's sovereign rule over creation, rather than common legal or social regulations.

How does mishṭar relate to modern Christian faith?

While the word itself is rare, its concept reminds believers that the universe operates under reliable divine principles. This encourages trust in God's sovereignty, even when life seems unpredictable. It highlights that God’s authority extends over both the cosmos and individual lives, offering a foundation for hope and peace.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Job 1 verse
Job 38:33

Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you establish its dominion over the earth?