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Definition and Etymology
The term "Mashal" (מָשָׁל) is a Hebrew word that broadly refers to a "proverb," "parable," or "saying." It is derived from a root that means "to be like" or "to compare," indicating its function in drawing comparisons or illustrating truths through figurative language. In the biblical context, a mashal can encompass a range of literary forms, including proverbs, parables, allegories, and even taunts or riddles.

Biblical Usage
Mashal is prominently featured in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Proverbs, which is a collection of sayings attributed primarily to King Solomon. The purpose of these proverbs is to impart wisdom, discipline, and understanding.Proverbs 1:1-2 states, "These are the proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel, for gaining wisdom and discipline, for comprehending words of insight."

In addition to Proverbs, mashal is used in other books of the Bible. For example, the Book of Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon also contain proverbial sayings. The use of mashal extends beyond wisdom literature; it appears in the prophetic books, such as Ezekiel and Isaiah, where it is used to convey messages from God through symbolic language.

Function and Purpose
The primary function of a mashal is to convey moral and spiritual truths in a memorable and thought-provoking manner. By using vivid imagery and concise language, a mashal engages the listener or reader, prompting reflection and deeper understanding. This method of teaching is effective in communicating complex ideas in a simple and relatable way.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ frequently employed parables, which are akin to mashal, to teach His disciples and the crowds. These parables served to reveal truths about the Kingdom of God while also concealing them from those who were not open to understanding.Matthew 13:34-35 notes, "Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: 'I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.'"

Theological Significance
Mashal plays a crucial role in the theological framework of the Bible. It emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding as gifts from God, essential for living a life that is pleasing to Him. The use of mashal underscores the belief that divine truths can be communicated through human language and experience, bridging the gap between the finite and the infinite.

The Book of Proverbs, in particular, highlights the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), suggesting that true understanding and insight are rooted in a reverent relationship with God. This theological perspective is consistent throughout the biblical narrative, where wisdom is portrayed as a divine attribute that humans are invited to seek and embody.

Cultural and Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, proverbs and parables were common pedagogical tools. They were used not only in religious texts but also in secular literature to impart practical life lessons and societal values. The biblical mashal, however, is distinct in its focus on spiritual and moral instruction, reflecting the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

The use of mashal in the Bible also reflects the oral tradition of ancient Israel, where teachings were passed down through generations in a form that was easy to memorize and recite. This oral tradition ensured the preservation and transmission of divine wisdom across time and space.

Conclusion
The concept of mashal is integral to understanding the literary and theological dimensions of the Bible. Through its use of figurative language and vivid imagery, mashal serves as a powerful tool for conveying divine wisdom and truth, inviting believers to engage with the Scriptures in a meaningful and transformative way.Mashal

a parable; governing

Mashal

(entreaty), the same as Misheal or Mishal. (1 Chronicles 6:74)

Entreaty, a levitical town in the tribe of Asher (1 Chronicles 6:74); called Mishal (Joshua 21:30).MASHAL

ma'-shal (mashal,1 Chronicles 6:74).

SeeMISHAL.

4913.Mashal -- a place in Asher
... 4912, 4913.Mashal. 4914 . a place in Asher. Transliteration:Mashal Phonetic
Spelling: (maw-shawl') Short Definition:Mashal. Word...

4911.mashal -- to represent, be like
... 4910, 4911.mashal. 4911a . to represent, be like. Transliteration:mashal
Phonetic Spelling: (maw-shal') Short Definition: like.... see HEBREWmashal....

4912.mashal -- a proverb, parable
... 4911b, 4912.mashal. 4913 . a proverb, parable. Transliteration:mashal
Phonetic Spelling: (maw-shawl') Short Definition: proverb....

4911b.mashal -- to use a proverb, speak in parables or sentences...
... 4911a, 4911b.mashal. 4912 . to use a proverb, speak in parables or sentences
of poetry. Transliteration:mashal Short Definition: speak....mashal. 4912 ....

4910.mashal -- to rule, have dominion, reign
... 4909, 4910.mashal. 4911 . to rule, have dominion, reign. Transliteration:
mashal Phonetic Spelling: (maw-shal') Short Definition: rule....mashal. 4911 ....

4911a.mashal -- to represent, be like
... 4911, 4911a.mashal. 4911b . to represent, be like. Transliteration:mashal
Short Definition: like. Word Origin a prim.... 4911, 4911a.mashal. 4911b ....

4914. meshol -- a byword
... Word Origin frommashal Definition a byword NASB Word Usage byword (1). byword.
Frommashal; a satire -- byword. see HEBREWmashal. 4913, 4914....

4474. mimshal -- dominion, ruler
... Word Origin frommashal Definition dominion, ruler NASB Word Usage authority (1),
ruled (1).... Frommashal; a ruler or (abstractly) rule -- dominion, that ruled....

4861. Mishal -- a place in Asher
... Mishal, Misheal. From sha'al; request; Mishal, a place in Palestine -- Mishal, Misheal.
CompareMashal. see HEBREW sha'al. see HEBREWMashal. 4860, 4861....

4915. moshel -- dominion
... dominion, like ('ab) frommashal; empire; ('ab) frommashal; a parallel -- dominion,
like. see HEBREW 'ab. see HEBREWmashal. see HEBREW 'ab. see HEBREWmashal....

New Teaching in Parables' - the Parables to the People by the Lake...
... In Jewish writings a Parable (Mimshal,Mashal, Mathla) is introduced by some such
formula as this: I will tell thee a parable' ({hebrew}) To what is the thing...

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... The Hebrew word for a proverb (mashal) denotes a similitude, this being one of its
most common forms. Examples occur in abundance in the book of Proverbs....

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... The majority of the towns, such as Aksapu (Ecdippa),Mashal, Lubina, Ushu-Shakhan,
lay back from the sea on the mountain ridges, out of the reach of pirates...

Mashal (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.MASHAL. ma'-shal (mashal, 1 Chronicles 6:74).
See MISHAL. Multi-Version ConcordanceMashal (1 Occurrence)....

Proverb (24 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A trite maxim; a similitude; a parable. The Hebrew
word thus rendered (mashal) has a wide signification....

Dark (234 Occurrences)
... rendered "riddle," "proverb"): In the heading to the canonical Book of Proverbs,
the general term "proverbs" is made to include "a proverbmashal, and a figure...

Sayings (134 Occurrences)
... rendered "riddle," "proverb"): In the heading to the canonical Book of Proverbs,
the general term "proverbs" is made to include "a proverbmashal, and a figure...

Byword (14 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Hebrew millah (Job 30:9), a word or speech, and hence
object of talk; Hebrewmashal (Psalm 44:14), a proverb or parable....

Compare (22 Occurrences)
... kom-par' (damah,mashal, [`arakh]; paraballo, sugkrino): "Compare" is the translation
of damah, "to be like" (Songs 1:9); ofmashal, "to liken," "compare...

Proverbs (11 Occurrences)
... III. MOVEMENT TOWARD A PHILOSOPHY 1. Liberation of theMashal 2. Emergence of
Basal Principles 3. The Conception of Wisdom IV. CONSIDERATIONS...

Mash (2 Occurrences)

Mishal (2 Occurrences)
... James Version "Misheal," Maasa), assigned to the Gershonite Levites (Joshua 21:30;
Codex Vaticanus Bassellan; Codex Alexandrinus Masaal equals "Mashal" of 1...

Mashmannah (1 Occurrence)

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