מֹ֫שֶׁל (mo.shel)
mo.shel
likeness; dominion
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mōšeḥ carries two distinct meanings that depend entirely on context: "dominion" or "likeness." In most biblical usage, it refers to rule, sovereignty, or the exercise of power over others. This sense appears in Zechariah 9:10, where the Messiah’s reign is described as extending from sea to sea, and in Daniel 11:4, which outlines the fragmented dominion of Alexander the Great’s empire.
Less commonly, the word denotes a visual resemblance or image. Job 41:25 uses it to describe the unyielding nature of Leviathan’s scales, suggesting they are like iron rather than wood. Here, mōšeḥ functions as a simile, highlighting how one thing mirrors another in appearance or strength.
Though rare, with only two occurrences in the Hebrew Bible, the word bridges political authority and visual comparison. Translators must carefully distinguish between these senses to preserve the original intent, whether describing earthly kingship or physical similarity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mōšeḥ appears in Scripture to describe two distinct ideas: visible resemblance and authoritative rule. In Zechariah 9:10, it points to a future reign that extends from sea to sea, offering hope for universal peace under God’s chosen leader. This dominion is not about force but about bringing calm to the nations.
When we encounter this term, we are reminded of the balance between earthly power and divine order. While human kingdoms may rise and fall, as seen in Daniel 11:4, the ultimate authority belongs to God. We can trust that His plans for justice and peace will prevail, even when political landscapes shift around us.
This word invites us to look beyond temporary structures of power. It encourages a perspective where leadership is measured by its ability to bring peace rather than domination. In our daily lives, we are called to reflect this kind of humble, service-oriented authority in our own relationships and communities.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like/ dominion/ his1×
- and/ dominion/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְ/מָשְׁל/וֹ֙1×
- וּ/מָשְׁל/וֹ֙1×
Key Verses
-
Zechariah 9:10
I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem. The battle bow will be cut off; and he will speak peace to the nations. His dominion will be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.
This verse uses mōšeḥ to describe the expansive, peaceful reign of the Messiah, contrasting human military power with divine sovereignty.
-
Daniel 11:4
When he stands up, his kingdom will be broken and will be divided toward the four winds of the sky, but not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion with which he ruled; for his kingdom will be plucked up, even for others besides these.
Here the word highlights the fragility of earthly empires, showing that no human ruler retains their power permanently or according to their own will.