Lexical Summary rasham: inscribed Original Word: רָשַׁם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance note A primitive root; to record -- note. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to inscribe, note NASB Translation inscribed (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [רָשַׁם] verb inscribe, note (Late Hebrew id..; so Aramaic רְשַׁם,  ; Arabic  is loan-word NöZMG xxix (1875), 327 Frä137. 250); — Qal Passive participle with art, as substantive הָרָשׁוּם בִּכְתָב אֱמֶת Daniel 10:21 that which is inscribed in the writing of truth. רשׁע (√of following; opposed to צרק; compare Arabic רְשַׁם verb inscribe, sign (ᵑ7 Syr.; see Biblical Hebrew (once, late)); — Pe`al Perfect3masculine singular ׳ר Daniel 6:10; 2masculine singular רְשַׁ֫מְתָּ Daniel 6:13; רְשַׁ֑מְתָּ Daniel 6:14; Imperfect2masculine singular (וְ)תִרְשֻׁם Daniel 6:9; — inscribe (probably with one's name, i.e.) sign, accusative כְּתָבָא Daniel 6:9; Daniel 6:10, אֱסָר Daniel 6:13; Daniel 6:14. Pe`il Perfect3masculine singular רְשִׁים, subject כְּתָבא: 1 be inscribed, written, Daniel 5:24,25. 2 be signed Daniel 6:11. Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Context The verb רָשַׁם appears a single time in the Old Testament, Daniel 10:21, where the angelic messenger says, “But I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth” (Berean Standard Bible). Set in the third year of Cyrus king of Persia (Daniel 10:1), the passage situates the word within a heavenly courtroom scene in which divine decrees concerning the nations are already “written.” The usage highlights a celestial record that predates its disclosure to Daniel, underscoring that history unfolds according to pre-inscribed divine purpose. Literary Nuance Although the verb is used only once, its placement furnishes several layers of meaning: Theological Significance 1. Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty The heavenly “Book of Truth” signals that God’s plans are fixed and comprehensive (Isaiah 46:10; Psalm 139:16). What is “written” is not merely predictive but determinative, confirming that world events—Persia’s rise, Greece’s advance (Daniel 11)—proceed according to God’s script. 2. Reliability of Scripture By referencing an already-existing celestial record, Daniel 10:21 frames the canonical Book of Daniel as a faithful earthly transcript of God’s eternal word. This anticipates New Testament affirmations that “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35) and that prophecy is “more sure” (2 Peter 1:19). 3. Angelic Mediation The verb’s only appearance occurs on angelic lips, linking heavenly agents to the conveyance of Scripture (compare Revelation 1:1). It reminds believers that behind the human authors stand ministering spirits who serve God’s redemptive communication (Hebrews 1:14). Historical Background Daniel wrote during exile and early post-exile periods when imperial archives and royal scribes were commonplace (Ezra 4:15). The lone occurrence of רָשַׁם therefore resonates with the Persian context, where edicts were preserved in written form and regarded as irrevocable (Esther 1:19). By employing similar imagery, the narrative communicates to displaced Jews that an even higher King has issued irrevocable decrees in their favor. Implications for Scriptural Inerrancy If the heavenly “Book of Truth” is flawless, and if Daniel’s record mirrors that document, then the inerrancy of the prophetic message is secured. The singular use of רָשַׁם becomes a linguistic linchpin that connects the written revelation on earth with its perfect archetype in heaven, bridging the gap between divine intent and human text. Practical Ministry Applications • Confidence in God’s Plan — Congregations facing geopolitical uncertainty can be reminded that events are already “written” by a sovereign God (Acts 17:26). Christological Perspective Jesus Christ is the supreme manifestation of all that is “written” (Luke 24:27). The heavenly archive to which רָשַׁם points finds its fulfillment in the incarnate Word who embodies and completes divine revelation (John 1:14; Revelation 19:13). Thus the solitary verb in Daniel subtly foreshadows the ultimate disclosure of God’s purposes in Christ. Related Biblical Themes • Heavenly Books—Exodus 32:32; Malachi 3:16; Revelation 20:12 Conclusion Though רָשַׁם appears only once, its strategic use in Daniel 10:21 anchors major doctrines of revelation, sovereignty, and eschatological hope. The verb reminds the church that history, prophecy, and redemption flow from a script already penned by the hand of God and faithfully delivered to His people. Forms and Transliterations הָרָשׁ֥וּם הרשום hā·rā·šūm haraShum hārāšūmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 10:21 HEB: לְךָ֔ אֶת־ הָרָשׁ֥וּם בִּכְתָ֖ב אֱמֶ֑ת NAS: I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing KJV: I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture INT: However will tell is inscribed the writing of truth 1 Occurrence |
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be loose (of limbs) Kam Frey; whence perhaps be (disjoined), ill regulated, abnormal, wicked; Late Hebrew רָשָׁע criminal, רִשְׁעָה crime, verb Hiph`il (denominative) declare guilty; Aramaic רְשַׁע be wicked, 
Aph`el do wickedly, and derivatives; Ethiopic 
usually forget, loss often err, be wicked, 
wicked (loan-word from Syriac 
SchwZMG iii (1898), 135)).