Original Word: מָשָׁל
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: mashal
Pronunciation: mah-SHAHL
Phonetic Spelling: (maw-shawl')
KJV: byword, like, parable, proverb
NASB: proverb, discourse, proverbs, byword, parable, taunt, parables
Word Origin: [apparently from H4910 (מָשַׁל - rule) in some original sense of superiority in mental action]

1. (properly) a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature
2. (hence) a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)

byword, like, parable, proverb

Apparently from mashal in some original sense of superiority in mental action; properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse) -- byword, like, parable, proverb.

see HEBREW mashal

Word Origin
from mashal
Definition
a proverb, parable
NASB Translation
byword (3), discourse (9), parable (3), parables (1), proverb (15), proverbs (6), taunt (2), taunt-song (1).

II. מָשָׁל noun masculine^{Isaiah 14:4} proverb, parable (of sentences constructed in parallelism, usually of Hebrew Wisdom, but occasionally of other types); — absolute ׳מ Ezekiel 17:2 20t.; construct מְשַׁל 1 Samuel 24:14; suffix מְשָׁלוֺ Numbers 23:7 8t.; plural מְשָׁלִים Ecclesiastes 12:9 2t.; construct מִשְׁלֵי Proverbs 1:1 3t.; —

1 proverbial saying, brief terse sentence of popular sagacity 1 Samuel 10:12; Ezekiel 12:22,23; Ezekiel 18:2,3; הַקַדְמֹנִי ׳מ 1 Samuel 24:14 proverb of the ancients.

2 by-word Psalm 44:15; Psalm 69:12; לְמָשָׁל וְלִשְׁנִינָה Deuteronomy 28:37; 1 Kings 9:7; 2Chronicles 7:20; Jeremiah 24:9; לְאוֺת וּלְמָשָׁל Ezekiel 14:8

3 prophetic figurative discourse: נָשָׂא מָשָׁל lift up, utter a ׳מ Numbers 23:7,18; Numbers 24:3,15,20,21,23 (all of Balaam); Isaiah 14:4; Micah 2:4 ("" נהי) Habakkuk 2:6 ("" חידה), (compare Job 27:1; Job 29:1 for same phrase under 6).

4 similitude, parable, Ezekiel 17:2; Ezekiel 21:5; Ezekiel 24:3.

5 poem, of various kinds: the ode (Numbers 21:27-30), the 3,000 pieces traditionally ascribed to Solomon 1 Kings 5:12, didactic psalms Psalm 49:5; Psalm 78:2.

6 sentences of ethical wisdom דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים collected in the מִשְׁלֵי שְׁלֹמֹה Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 25:1 (Proverbs 10:1-22:16 consisting of 376 couplets chiefly antithetical; Proverbs 25-29 chiefly couplets of an emblematic type, but also occasional tristichs, tetrastichs, pentastichs, and decastichs. To these are appended דְּבָרִים of a more mixed character as to size and content Proverbs 22:7-24:22,23-34; Proverbs 30:1-14; Proverbs 30:15-33; Proverbs 31:1-9; Proverbs 31:10-31; the Praise of Wisdom Proverbs 1:8-9 is prefixed, and an introduction to the whole Proverbs 1:1-7, in which the whole contents are represented as) משׁלים Proverbs 1:1, compare Proverbs 1:6. The references in Job 13:12; Job 27:1; Job 29:1; Proverbs 26:7,9; Ecclesiastes 12:9 are to the same type of wisdom.

Definition and Scope

מָשָׁל (mashal) denotes any crafted comparison that presses truth upon the listener—ranging from a single, memorable proverb to an extended oracle, taunt-song, or parabolic discourse. Its artistry invites meditation; its authority rests in divine inspiration.

Distribution in Scripture

Approximately thirty-eight occurrences span the Pentateuch, Historical Books, Wisdom Literature, and Prophets. The word is never confined to one literary form; rather, it adapts to the speaker’s purpose—wisdom instruction, covenant warning, prophetic revelation, or public lament.

Major Categories of Usage

1. Wise Saying (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, brief maxims).
2. Extended Parable or Discourse (Psalms, Job).
3. Prophetic Oracle (Numbers 23–24; Isaiah 14:4).
4. Taunt or Byword of Judgment (Deuteronomy 28:37; Habakkuk 2:6).

Mashal in the Pentateuch

• Numbers 21:27 introduces the oldest known mashal: “Therefore the poets say: ‘Come to Heshbon…’”, celebrating victory by vivid comparison.
• Balaam’s four “oracles” (Numbers 23:7, 18; 24:3, 15) demonstrate that a mashal can be Spirit-borne prophecy forecasting Israel’s blessed future: “The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eyes are open…” (24:3).
• Deuteronomy 28:37 issues a covenant warning: disobedient Israel would become “a horror, a proverb, and an object of scorn among all the nations.”

Mashal in the Historical Books

• 1 Samuel 10:12 records popular reaction to Saul’s Spirit-empowered prophecy: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”—a mashal reminding Israel that God’s Spirit may rest on unexpected people.
• Solomon’s literary output is summarized in 1 Kings 4:32: “Solomon composed three thousand proverbs…” His mashalim crystalize practical righteousness for life under the fear of the LORD.
• National apostasy turns the temple into a cautionary proverb: “This house… will become a proverb and a byword among all peoples” (1 Kings 9:7; echoed in 2 Chronicles 7:20).

Mashal in Wisdom Literature

• Job’s reflective speeches carry the superscription “Job continued his discourse (mashal)” (Job 27:1; 29:1), showing how suffering refines wisdom.
• Psalm 49:4 couples proverb and riddle: “I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp.” The mashal becomes musical theology.
• Psalm 78:2 announces: “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from of old.” Matthew 13:35 cites this verse when Jesus unveils kingdom mysteries, linking the Old Testament mashal to the Messiah’s teaching method.
• The title lines of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:1; 10:1; 25:1) attest that the book itself is an anthology of mashalim, each sharpening discernment and godliness.
• Ecclesiastes 12:11 likens wise sayings to “well-driven nails,” affirming the staying power of a mashal when anchored in divine truth.

Mashal in the Prophets

• Isaiah 14:4 portrays a taunting song: “you will sing this song of contempt against the king of Babylon,” prefiguring ultimate judgment on prideful powers.
• Ezekiel repeatedly employs mashal to expose sin and defend God’s justice (Ezekiel 12:22-23; 17:2; 18:2; 24:3). The prophet transforms common sayings into vehicles of covenant truth: “I will put an end to this proverb.”
• Micah 2:4 foretells a dirge-like proverb lamenting Israel’s fall.
• Habakkuk 2:6 pictures the nations lifting “a proverb against him,” assuring the oppressed that oppressors will face divine recompense.

Christological Trajectory

The Gospels present Jesus as the supreme teller of mashalim (Greek: parabolai). By quoting Psalm 78:2, Matthew declares that Christ’s parables are not a departure from, but the climax of, the Old Testament mashal tradition. Each kingdom parable carries the same didactic punch, moral urgency, and prophetic edge found in earlier Scripture, now illuminated by the incarnate Word.

Theological and Ministry Significance

1. Revelation and Authority – Every mashal, whether wisdom maxim or prophetic taunt, conveys God-breathed truth (2 Timothy 3:16).
2. Memory and Meditation – Compression into vivid imagery aids retention and provokes reflection (Psalm 1:2).
3. Moral Formation – Proverbs translate covenant ethics into daily choices, equipping believers “for every good work.”
4. Prophetic Warning – Taunt-songs and bywords remind communities that sin invites public disgrace, urging repentance.
5. Christ-Centered Instruction – Old Testament mashalim prepare hearts for the mysteries fully revealed in Jesus’ parables.

Practical Application for Teaching and Preaching

• Employ mashal structure (comparison, punch line, image) to craft sermons that linger in the hearer’s mind.
• Trace a theme—such as pride, justice, or stewardship—across multiple mashalim to show Scripture’s unity.
• Use taunt-passages as a corrective to cultural complacency, emphasizing God’s zeal for holiness.
• Integrate Proverbs into discipleship curricula, matching specific mashalim with life stages (youth, marriage, leadership).
• Highlight the continuity between the parables of Jesus and the mashalim of the Old Testament, demonstrating the unfolding redemptive narrative.

The breadth of מָשָׁל reveals God’s wisdom communicated through artistry, prophecy, and praise—inviting His people in every generation to hear, heed, and herald the abiding truth of His Word.

בְמָשָׁ֣ל במשל הַמָּשָׁ֣ל הַמָּשָׁ֤ל הַמָּשָׁ֥ל המשל וְלִמְשָׁלִ֔ים וּ֝מָשָׁ֗ל וּלְמָשָׁל֙ ולמשל ולמשלים ומשל לְמָשָֽׁל׃ לְמָשָׁ֔ל לְמָשָׁ֖ל לְמָשָׁ֣ל לְמָשָׁ֥ל למשל למשל׃ מְשַׁל֙ מְשָׁל֖וֹ מְשָׁל֗וֹ מְשָׁלִ֖ים מְשָׁלִ֥ים מִ֭שְׁלֵי מִשְׁלֵ֗י מִשְׁלֵ֣י מָ֭שָׁל מָשָׁ֑ל מָשָׁ֔ל מָשָׁ֗ל מָשָׁ֣ל משל משלו משלי משלים ḇə·mā·šāl ḇəmāšāl ham·mā·šāl hammāšāl hammaShal lə·mā·šāl ləmāšāl lemaShal mā·šāl māšāl maShal Mashol mə·šā·lîm mə·šā·lōw mə·šal məšal məšālîm məšālōw meShal meshaLim meshaLo miš·lê Mishlei mišlê ū·lə·mā·šāl ū·mā·šāl ūləmāšāl ulemaShal ūmāšāl umaShal velimshaLim vemaShal wə·lim·šā·lîm wəlimšālîmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts