4914. meshol

Lexicon

meshol: Proverb, parable, byword

Original Word: מְשׁל
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: mshowl
Pronunciation: meh-SHOHL
Phonetic Spelling: (mesh-ol')
Definition: Proverb, parable, byword
Meaning: a satire

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

byword

From mashal; a satire -- byword.

see HEBREW mashal

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from mashal
Definition
a byword
NASB Translation
byword (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

מְשֹׁל noun [masculine] by-word, only construct (strictly Infinitive) לִמְשֹׁל עַמִּים Job 17:6 (they) have made me a by-word of the peoples.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the root verb מָשַׁל (mashal), which means "to rule" or "to have dominion."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G3850 • παραβολή (parabolē): A parable, a comparison, or an allegory. This Greek term is used in the New Testament to describe the parables of Jesus, which are similar in function to the Hebrew מְשָׁל, as they convey spiritual truths through illustrative stories.
• G3454 • μῦθος (mythos): A fable or a tale, often used in a negative sense in the New Testament to describe false or misleading stories, contrasting with the truth conveyed through parables and proverbs.

Usage: The term מְשָׁל is used in the Hebrew Bible to denote a form of speech that includes proverbs, parables, and satirical sayings. It is a literary device employed to communicate deeper truths or moral lessons in a concise and memorable manner.

Context: The Hebrew term מְשָׁל (mashal) is a multifaceted word that encompasses various forms of figurative language, including proverbs, parables, and satirical sayings. In the biblical context, a מְשָׁל is often used to convey wisdom or moral teachings through indirect means, allowing the listener or reader to discern the underlying message. This form of communication is prevalent in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, such as the Book of Proverbs, where concise and impactful sayings are used to impart practical and ethical guidance.

The use of מְשָׁל is not limited to wisdom literature; it also appears in prophetic writings and historical narratives. For example, in the book of Ezekiel, the prophet employs מְשָׁל to deliver messages of judgment and hope, using allegorical language to illustrate the spiritual condition of Israel and the surrounding nations. Similarly, in the book of Numbers, Balaam's oracles are described as מְשָׁל, highlighting the use of poetic and figurative language to convey divine messages.

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) captures the essence of מְשָׁל in its translation, emphasizing the role of these sayings in imparting wisdom and understanding. The use of מְשָׁל in the biblical text underscores the importance of reflection and discernment in grasping the deeper truths embedded within these literary forms.

Forms and Transliterations

לִמְשֹׁ֣ל למשל lim·šōl limShol limšōl

Englishman's Concordance

Job 17:6
HEB: וְֽ֭הִצִּגַנִי לִמְשֹׁ֣ל עַמִּ֑ים וְתֹ֖פֶת
NAS: But He has made me a byword of the people,
KJV: He hath made me also a byword of the people;
INT: has made A byword of the people spit

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 4914
1 Occurrence

lim·šōl — 1 Occ.