Original Word: מְמְשָׁלֹ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: mimshal
Pronunciation: mim-shawl'
Phonetic Spelling: (mim-shawl')
KJV: dominion, that ruled
NASB: authority, ruled
Word Origin: [from H4910 (מָשַׁל - rule)]

1. a ruler or (abstractly) rule

dominion, that ruled

From mashal; a ruler or (abstractly) rule -- dominion, that ruled.

see HEBREW mashal

Word Origin
from mashal
Definition
dominion, ruler
NASB Translation
authority (1), ruled (1).

מִמְשָׁל noun [masculine] dominion, ruler (late); — absolute ׳מ Daniel 11:3,5; plural הַמִּמְשָׁלִים 1 Chronicles 26:6; —

1 רב ׳מ great dominion Daniel 11:3 (accusative of congnate meaning with verb with מָשַׁל), Daniel 11:5 (predicate of מֶמְשַׁלְתּוֺ).

2 abstract for concrete (plural) = rulers 1 Chronicles 26:6 (? read הַמּשְׁלִים).

Overview

The term designates the sphere of rule or authority held by a king, commander, or kingdom. While it can denote the extent of literal territory, Scripture also uses it to spotlight the fleeting nature of human sovereignty when set next to the everlasting reign of the LORD.

Occurrences and Literary Settings

• Royal Inventory (2 Kings 20:13; Isaiah 39:2). Hezekiah’s choice to display “all his dominion” to the Babylonian envoys underscores both the breadth of his kingdom and the peril of self-display.
• Administrative Structure (1 Chronicles 26:6). The sons of Shemaiah “ruled over their father’s household,” illustrating how dominion can apply to household governance and not only to national borders.
• Solomonic Expansion (2 Chronicles 8:6). Solomon’s building projects occurred “throughout all the land of his dominion,” highlighting the prosperity that marked the united monarchy at its zenith.
• Prophetic Panorama (Daniel 11:3, 5). Daniel foresees empires that will “rule with great dominion,” yet their dominance proves temporary, setting the stage for God’s ultimate kingdom.

Historical Insights

Hezekiah and Solomon represent Israel and Judah at moments of relative strength; both texts emphasize the material prosperity within their dominion. Yet Hezekiah’s episode foreshadows Babylonian conquest, reminding readers that worldly dominion can be lost by indiscretion. Daniel traces the rise of Hellenistic powers—likely Alexander the Great (“a mighty king… with great dominion”) and the subsequent Seleucid-Ptolemaic struggle (“his dominion will be a great dominion”)—dramatizing the transient nature of imperial authority.

Theological Themes

1. The Transience of Human Rule. All six passages portray dominion that is sizable yet temporary. Even Solomon’s broad realm and Alexander’s meteoric empire pale before God’s eternal kingdom (Psalm 145:13).
2. Accountability of Stewards. Kings and household leaders hold authority as a trust. Hezekiah’s failure to guard his dominion warns modern leaders against prideful exhibitionism.
3. Foreshadowing Messianic Dominion. The rise and fall of earthly dominions drives anticipation for the unshakeable government of the Messiah (Isaiah 9:7), in whom dominion will never pass away (Daniel 7:14).

Ministry Application

• Leaders are called to exercise authority humbly, aware that every sphere of influence belongs ultimately to God (1 Peter 5:2–4).
• Prosperity and giftedness can become a snare when employed for self-promotion instead of service (Luke 12:48).
• Believers live under multiple earthly jurisdictions, yet their highest allegiance is to the everlasting dominion of Christ (Colossians 1:13).

Selected Berean Standard Bible Quotations

2 Kings 20:13: “There was nothing in his palace or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them.”

2 Chronicles 8:6: “…whatever Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and throughout all the land of his dominion.”

Daniel 11:3: “Then a mighty king will arise, who will rule with great dominion and do as he pleases.”

Connection to the New Testament

The New Testament echoes the theme when it ascribes “dominion forever and ever” to Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:6). Earthly dominions, however powerful, serve as contrasts that magnify the unending, righteous rule of the Son of God.

הַמִּמְשָׁלִ֖ים הממשלים מִמְשָׁ֣ל מִמְשָׁ֥ל מֶמְשַׁלְתּֽוֹ׃ ממשל ממשלתו׃ ham·mim·šā·lîm hammimšālîm hammishaLim mem·šal·tōw memšaltōw memshalTo mim·šāl mimšāl miShalInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts