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מְשֹׁל

𐤌𐤔𐤋

mᵉshôl

H4914 verb

SILEX Entry

Root משל to compare, to use analogy, to govern (secondary), to speak proverbially

Definition

A proverb, parable, or aphorism; an utterance, expression, or saying used to illustrate a point, often by way of analogy or comparison. The word also denotes a byword or object lesson, sometimes with a negative or derisive connotation, such as a mocking saying or a taunt. While often carrying the primary sense of a proverb or maxim expressing general wisdom, in some contexts it refers to a pointed saying, satire, or a memorable phrase associated with an event or person, which may be repeated as a cliché or idiom.

Semantic Range

proverb, parable, aphorism, maxim, byword, taunt, satire, didactic saying, object lesson, allegorical expression, mocking saying, memorable utterance

Root / Etymology

From the root מָשַׁל (m-sh-l), meaning 'to rule, govern' but also 'to compare, to use comparison.' The derived noun מָשָׁל (mashal) means 'proverb, parable, comparison,' focusing on the idea of drawing an analogy. מְשֹׁל (mᵉshôl) is the absolute form of the noun, meaning 'proverb' or 'wise saying.' The root-level meaning relates to using comparison or analogy as a didactic or illustrative tool, but the actual lexical sense centers on the attributed saying itself, not the act of comparison.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, מְשֹׁל occurs less frequently than its construct or plural forms. It is most commonly used in wisdom literature to introduce a proverb, as in the Book of Proverbs (Mishlei), where it serves as the literary genre for the work. At times, particularly in prophetic or poetic contexts, מְשֹׁל can refer to a taunt, derisive song, or a byword (cf. Ezekiel 18:2, Habakkuk 2:6), where the word signals a saying that has become widely known and possibly negative or mocking in tone. The semantic range extends from simple comparatives to elaborate maxims and folk sayings. English translations sometimes flatten the nuance by simply rendering as 'proverb' or 'byword,' but in biblical Hebrew the term encompasses riddle, metaphor, parable, and satirical poetry. Later Jewish literature (post-biblical) expands the genre of משלים (meshalim) as parables and ethical allegories. The word is distinct from other terms like חִידָה (ḥidah, 'riddle') and includes both the form and didactic function of the saying. Usage remains broad across the monarchic and post-exilic periods, always with the sense of encapsulating a general principle, example, or memorable utterance.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

xlit mᵉshôwl corrected to mᵉshôl; from מָשַׁל; a satire; byword.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

משל (m-sh-l) — to rule, to govern, to compare, to speak proverbially

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4474 מִמְשָׁל the dominions
H4475 מֶמְשָׁלָה the dominion
H4910 מָשַׁל I will rule
H4911 מָשַׁל the parable-speaker
H4912 מָשָׁל the ruling saying

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H4914-01 לִ/מְשֹׁ֣ל limeshol HR/Vqc a byword to rule 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H4914-01 Job 17:6 לִ/מְשֹׁ֣ל limeshol HR/Vqc a byword to rule
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