רָשַׁם (ra.sham)
ra.sham
to inscribe
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb rāšam means to inscribe or record something in writing. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Daniel 10:21, where it describes the act of noting down a name in a heavenly register. This single occurrence places the word firmly within the context of divine record-keeping, suggesting a permanent and authoritative documentation of events or individuals.
While rare in Hebrew, the term has a clear Aramaic equivalent, rešam, which carries the sense of signing or inscribing. The connection to this cognate reinforces the idea of formal registration rather than casual writing. In Daniel, the focus is on what is written down as a matter of record, highlighting the precision and permanence associated with divine knowledge and decree.
Translators typically render rāšam as "inscribed" or "written," capturing the static nature of the action. The word does not imply the process of composing text but rather the final act of entering it into a list or book. This usage underscores the biblical theme that God’s plans are recorded and fixed, known fully before they unfold in history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Daniel 10:21, the angel speaks of what is inscribed in the writing of truth. This rare Hebrew word reminds us that our lives are not random events drifting in the void. They are recorded with precision and care. The act of inscribing suggests permanence, a fixed record that cannot be erased or forgotten.
This truth offers deep comfort. When you feel overlooked or when your struggles seem private, remember that God keeps an accurate account. His knowledge is not fleeting; it is established. You can trust that He sees your faithfulness and remembers your name in His eternal register.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ [thing] inscribed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָ/רָשׁ֥וּם1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 10:21
But I will tell you that which is inscribed in the writing of truth. There is no one who holds with me against these but Michael your prince.
This verse uses the term to describe a permanent heavenly record of truth, emphasizing that God's plans are fixed and known before they unfold.