מָשָׁל
ma.shal (H4912)
proverb
AI Word Study
# Mashal (מָשָׁל): The Hebrew Word for Proverb The Hebrew word *mashal* appears 39 times throughout the biblical text and carries the primary meaning of "proverb"—a concise, memorable statement that conveys practical wisdom or moral insight. Based on the lexicon data provided, this term represents a distinct literary and pedagogical form within Hebrew scripture, one sufficiently important to warrant nearly four dozen uses across various biblical books. The frequency of *mashal's* occurrence (39 times) suggests its significance as a vehicle for teaching and cultural transmission in ancient Israel. The word denotes not merely casual sayings but formalized expressions of wisdom designed to be remembered and transmitted across generations. This usage pattern indicates that proverbs held an established place in Hebrew intellectual and religious life, serving as a recognized means of communicating enduring truths about human behavior, ethics, and divine principles. The label "proverb" itself implies the range of this word's application: concise statements that distill experience into memorable form, often employing parallelism, wordplay, or vivid imagery to make their lessons stick. Though the lexicon data provided does not specify the varying contexts in which *mashal* appears, the 39 occurrences across scripture suggest the term encompassed multiple proverb types and applications, making it a foundational concept for understanding how ancient Hebrew wisdom
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
He took up his parable, and said, “From Aram has Balak brought me, the king of Moab from the mountains of the East. Come, curse Jacob for me. Come, defy Israel.
He took up his parable, and said, “Rise up, Balak, and hear! Listen to me, you son of Zippor.
He took up his parable, and said, “Balaam the son of Beor says, the man whose eyes are open says;
He took up his parable, and said, “Balaam the son of Beor says, the man whose eyes are open says;
He looked at Amalek, and took up his parable, and said, “Amalek was the first of the nations, But his latter end shall come to destruction.”
He looked at the Kenite, and took up his parable, and said, “Your dwelling place is strong. Your nest is set in the rock.
He took up his parable, and said, “Alas, who shall live when God does this?
You will become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword among all the peoples where Yahweh will lead you away.
One of the same place answered, “Who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness;’ but my hand will not be on you.
He spoke three thousand proverbs; and his songs numbered one thousand five.
then I will cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and I will cast this house, which I have made holy for my name, out of my sight; and Israel will be a proverb and a byword among all peoples.
then I will pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have made holy for my name, I will cast out of my sight, and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples.
Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes. Your defenses are defenses of clay.
You make us a byword among the nations, a shaking of the head among the peoples.
I will incline my ear to a proverb. I will solve my riddle on the harp.
When I made sackcloth my clothing, I became a byword to them.
I will open my mouth in a parable. I will utter dark sayings of old,
The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:
to understand a proverb, and parables, the words and riddles of the wise.
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
Like the legs of the lame that hang loose, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
Like a thorn bush that goes into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
Further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge. Yes, he pondered, sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
that you will take up this parable against the king of Babylon, and say, “How the oppressor has ceased! The golden city has ceased!”
I will even give them up to be tossed back and forth among all the kingdoms of the earth for evil; to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places where I will drive them.
“Son of man, what is this proverb that you have in the land of Israel, saying, ‘The days are prolonged, and every vision fails?’
Tell them therefore, ‘The Lord Yahweh says: “I will make this proverb to cease, and they will no more use it as a proverb in Israel;” ’ but tell them, ‘ “The days are at hand, and the fulfillment of every vision.
I will set my face against that man, and will make him an astonishment, for a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from among my people. Then you will know that I am Yahweh.
“Son of man, tell a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel;
“What do you mean, that you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge’?
“As I live,” says the Lord Yahweh, “you shall not use this proverb any more in Israel.
Then I said, “Ah Lord Yahweh! They say of me, ‘Isn’t he a speaker of parables?’ ”
Utter a parable to the rebellious house, and tell them, ‘The Lord Yahweh says, “Put the cauldron on the fire. Put it on, and also pour water into it.
In that day they will take up a parable against you, and lament with a doleful lamentation, saying, ‘We are utterly ruined! My people’s possession is divided up. Indeed he takes it from me and assigns our fields to traitors!’ ”
Won’t all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases that which is not his, and who enriches himself by extortion! How long?’