מָשָׁל (ma.shal)
ma.shal
proverb
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 26 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mashal refers to a pithy saying that conveys truth through comparison or metaphor. It covers a wide range of literary forms, from short proverbs and ethical maxims to longer parables and even poetic discourses. In the book of Proverbs, it denotes the collected wisdom sayings (Proverbs 1:1), while in Ezekiel, it often describes symbolic acts or allegorical narratives used to illustrate spiritual realities (Ezekiel 17:2).
Its etymology suggests a sense of superiority or mastery in mental action, implying that the speaker is skilled at crafting these comparisons. This word can also mean a byword when someone becomes an object of ridicule or caution, as seen when Israel’s kingship became a proverbial saying (1 Samuel 24:13). Translators render it variously as "proverb," "parable," or "simile" depending on the context.
The term appears most frequently in Wisdom literature and prophetic texts. It highlights how ancient Hebrew thought valued concise, metaphorical language to communicate deep truths about human behavior and divine justice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mashal invites us to see life through a lens of comparison. It is not just a clever rhyme, but a way of capturing deep spiritual truths in simple, memorable images. When we read these sayings, we are invited to look closer at our daily choices and see how they connect to God’s wider plan.
Sometimes this word points to wisdom that guides us, like the collected teachings in Proverbs. At other times, it serves as a warning, showing how actions have consequences. Whether it is a short maxim or a longer story, mashal helps us understand that God speaks through the ordinary details of our world.
This approach to truth encourages patience and reflection. It asks us to listen carefully and think deeply about what we hear. By engaging with these comparisons, we find that faith is not just about rules, but about seeing reality as God sees it, with clarity and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 26 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- oracle/ his7×
- discourse/ his2×
- and/ a proverb2×
- a saying2×
- [the] proverbs of2×
- <into>/ a byword2×
- the/ saying1×
- proverbs1×
- into/ a byword1×
- in/ a parable1×
- and/ into/ a byword1×
- a proverb1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְשָׁל֖/וֹ7×
- מְשָׁל֗/וֹ2×
- לְ/מָשָׁ֥ל2×
- וּ֝/מָשָׁ֗ל2×
- מָשָׁ֣ל1×
- מָשָׁ֗ל1×
- מָ֭שָׁל1×
- מִשְׁלֵי\־1×
- מִשְׁלֵ֣י1×
- מִשְׁלֵ֗י1×
- מִ֭שְׁלֵי1×
- מְשָׁלִ֥ים1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 1:1
The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:
This verse introduces the entire book by identifying these sayings as the primary vehicle for Solomon’s wisdom.
-
Proverbs 26:7
Like the legs of the lame that hang loose, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
Here the word illustrates how empty and useless a wise saying becomes when spoken by someone who does not live wisely.
-
Numbers 23:7
He took up his parable, and said, “From Aram has Balak brought me, the king of Moab from the mountains of the East. Come, curse Jacob for me. Come, defy Israel.
Balaam uses this term to frame his oracle, showing that even a non-Israelite prophet recognized the form of divine poetic truth.
-
Deuteronomy 28:37
You will become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword among all the peoples where Yahweh will lead you away.
The word shifts from instructional wisdom to a cautionary byword, describing Israel’s future state as a object of ridicule among nations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does mashal mean in the Bible?
Is mashal only found in Proverbs?
How is mashal different from a simple story?
Every Occurrence (26 verses across 13 books)
Numbers 7 verses
He took up his parable, and said, “From Aram has Balak brought me, the king of Moab from the mountains of the East.…
Numbers 23:18He took up his parable, and said, “Rise up, Balak, and hear! Listen to me, you son of Zippor.
Numbers 24:3He took up his parable, and said, “Balaam the son of Beor says, the man whose eyes are open says;
Numbers 24:15He took up his parable, and said, “Balaam the son of Beor says, the man whose eyes are open says;
Numbers 24:20He looked at Amalek, and took up his parable, and said, “Amalek was the first of the nations, but his latter end shall…
Numbers 24:21He looked at the Kenite, and took up his parable, and said, “Your dwelling place is strong. Your nest is set in the…
Numbers 24:23He took up his parable, and said, “Alas, who shall live when God does this?