מָשַׁל (ma.shal)
ma.shal
to rule
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 65 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb mashal carries the primary meaning of ruling or exercising dominion. In the Old Testament, it describes the authority held by kings and leaders, such as the rulers mentioned in Judges 8:23 who are asked to govern Israel. It also appears in Genesis 3:16 regarding the dynamic between husband and wife, and in Psalm 19:14 where the psalmist prays that sin not have dominion over him.
A fascinating layer of this word’s usage is its connection to figurative speech. The same root gives us the noun mashal, meaning a parable or proverb. This suggests an ancient link between ruling and speaking in similes; just as a ruler guides people, a wise person uses comparisons to illuminate truth. Ezekiel frequently employs this verbal form when delivering symbolic acts and parables, such as the allegory of the eagle and the vine in Ezekiel 17.
Translators often render mashal as "reign," "rule," or "have dominion" depending on the context. Whether describing God’s sovereignty over creation or a human king’s political power, the word consistently implies active control and authority rather than passive status.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word mashal speaks of ruling or exercising dominion, a concept that appears in many different areas of life. It describes the authority of kings, the structure of family relationships, and even the way sin seeks to control human behavior. When we encounter this word, we see that leadership is not just about power but about responsibility and direction.
In Genesis 4:7, God tells Cain that while sin desires to rule over him, he has the ability to master it. This offers a hopeful perspective on personal struggle. It reminds us that we are not helpless against negative forces. We have been given the capacity to choose obedience and righteousness instead of giving in to temptation.
Ultimately, this word points to God’s supreme authority. Psalm 66:7 declares that He rules by His might forever. Knowing that the Creator holds all things in His hands provides a deep sense of stability. We can rest in the truth that our lives are under a sovereign care that is both powerful and just.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 65 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a ruler6×
- he will rule5×
- and/ ruler4×
- rulers3×
- to rule2×
- they will rule2×
- they have ruled2×
- and/ he will rule2×
- [one who] rules2×
- [is] ruling2×
- [are] ruling2×
- ¿/ to rule1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מוֹשֵׁ֖ל4×
- מֹשֵׁ֥ל3×
- יִמְשֹׁ֥ל3×
- מוֹשֵׁ֑ל2×
- מֹשְׁלִ֥ים2×
- מָ֣שְׁלוּ2×
- יִמְשָׁל\־2×
- וּ/מֹשֵׁ֥ל2×
- וּ/מֹשֵׁ֖ל2×
- תִּמְשֹׁ֖ל1×
- תִּמְשָׁל\־1×
- תִּמְשׁ֑וֹל1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 4:7
If you do well, won’t it be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you are to rule over it.”
This verse highlights human agency by showing that while sin desires control, the individual is commanded to rule over it.
-
Judges 8:23
Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you. Yahweh shall rule over you.”
Gideon redirects the people's desire for a human monarch back to Yahweh, establishing that God alone should rule Israel.
-
Genesis 3:16
To the woman he said, “I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth. You will bear children in pain. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
This passage describes a broken dynamic where the husband will rule over the woman, illustrating the consequences of sin on relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word mashal mean?
How is mashal used in Genesis 4:7?
Does mashal only refer to kings?
Every Occurrence (65 verses across 20 books)
Genesis 7 verses
and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. God saw that it was good.
Genesis 3:16To the woman he said, “I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth. You will bear children in pain. Your desire…
Genesis 4:7If you do well, won’t it be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you…
Genesis 24:2Abraham said to his servant, the elder of his house, who ruled over all that he had, “Please put your hand under my…
Genesis 37:8His brothers asked him, “Will you indeed reign over us? Will you indeed have dominion over us?” They hated him all the…
Genesis 45:8So now it wasn’t you who sent me here, but God, and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, and…
Genesis 45:26They told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” His heart fainted, for he…