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Original Word:רָשַׁם
Part of Speech:Verb
Transliteration:rasham
Pronunciation:rah-SHAHM
Phonetic Spelling:(raw-sham')
KJV: note
NASB:inscribed
Word Origin:[a primitive root]

1. to record

note

A primitive root; to record -- note.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to inscribe, note
NASB Translation
inscribed (1).

[] (Late Hebrewid..; so Aramaic ,; Arabic is loan-word Nö^{ZMG xxix (1875), 327} Frä^{137. 250}); —

Passive participle with art, as substantiveDaniel 10:21that which is inscribed in the writing of truth.

(√of following; opposed to ; compare Arabicbe loose (of limbs) Kam Frey; whence perhapsbe (disjoined), ill regulated, abnormal, wicked; Late Hebrewcriminal,crime, verb Hiph`il (denominative)declare guilty; Aramaicbe wicked, Aph`el dowickedly, and derivatives; Ethiopic usuallyforget, loss oftenerr, be wicked,wicked (loan-word from Syriac Schw^{ZMG iii (1898), 135})).

( Syr.; see Biblical Hebrew (once, late)); —

Perfect3masculine singularDaniel 6:10; 2masculine singularDaniel 6:13;Daniel 6:14;Imperfect2masculine singularDaniel 6:9; —inscribe (probably with one's name, i.e.)sign, accusativeDaniel 6:9;Daniel 6:10,Daniel 6:13;Daniel 6:14.

Perfect3masculine singular , subject :

be inscribed, written,Daniel 5:24,25.

be signedDaniel 6:11.

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:
• Permanence—“written” suggests an inscription not subject to revision.
• Authority—the heavenly document carries binding force over earthly kingdoms.
• Revelation—the action of telling Daniel demonstrates that divine records are both hidden and revealed at God’s initiative.

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 (compareRevelation 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).
• Encouragement in Spiritual Warfare — Daniel learns of unseen conflicts (Daniel 10:13), yet the outcome is predetermined; believers can therefore intercede with assurance (Ephesians 6:12).
• Motivation for Bible Literacy — If Scripture mirrors the “Book of Truth,” diligent study becomes participation in God’s eternal counsel (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
• Integrity in Record-Keeping — The importance God places on accurate inscription calls church leaders to faithful documentation of doctrine, minutes, and finances (1 Corinthians 4:2).

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
• Prophetic Certainty—Isaiah 14:24;Jeremiah 1:12
• Irrevocable Decrees—Esther 8:8;Romans 11:29

Conclusion

Though רָשַׁם appears only once, its strategic use inDaniel 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.

הָרָשׁ֥וּם הרשום hā·rā·šūm haraShum hārāšūmInterlinear Greek •Interlinear Hebrew •Strong's Numbers •Englishman's Greek Concordance •Englishman's Hebrew Concordance •Parallel Texts

Daniel 10:21
HEB:לְךָ֔ אֶת־ הָרָשׁ֥וּם בִּכְתָ֖ב אֱמֶ֑ת
NAS: I will tellyou what is inscribed in the writing
KJV: I will shewthee that which is noted in the scripture
INT: However will tellis inscribed the writing of truth

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 7559
1 Occurrence

hā·rā·šūm — 1 Occ.