מֶ֫שֶׁק (me.sheq)
me.sheq
acquisition
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun me.sheq refers to an acquisition or a possession. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Genesis 15:2, where Abram voices his concern about having no heir. He describes Eliezer of Damascus as the "son of my me.sheq," indicating that this servant was viewed as property acquired by Abram.
This rare word highlights a specific legal and social reality of the ancient Near East. In a culture where lineage determined inheritance, an acquired servant could serve as a placeholder for a biological son. The term underscores the tension between legal ownership and familial hope, showing how Abram navigated his lack of offspring through available social structures.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word me.sheq points to something gained or acquired, a possession that becomes part of your life. In Genesis 15:2, Abram uses it to describe Eliezer, his servant. This was not just about property; it was about family and legacy in a time when having an heir was everything. Abram felt the weight of being childless and looked to his household for continuity.
For you, this word reminds us that God values relationships and trust over mere ownership. Your life is built on connections with others, not just things you hold onto. When you feel uncertain about your future or your place in God’s plan, remember that Abram trusted God even when his immediate circumstances seemed empty. You are part of a larger story where faithfulness matters more than what you can acquire.
God sees your efforts to build a life and a family, whether through children, community, or service. He invites you to rest in His provision, knowing that He is the one who gives true inheritance. Let go of anxiety about what you lack, and focus on the relationships God has placed in your path.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] acquisition of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מֶ֣שֶׁק1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 15:2
Abram said, “Lord Yahweh, what will you give me, since I go childless, and he who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?”
This verse shows Abram using the word to identify Eliezer as his legal heir, highlighting the cultural tension between biological sonship and acquired family members.