הַ/מָּשָׁ֥ל
𐤄/𐤌𐤔𐤋
mâshâl
the proverb
A concise statement or saying, often figurative or metaphorical in nature, used for teaching, comparison, or illustration. The term refers broadly to various forms of wisdom literature including proverbs, aphorisms, poetic instructive compositions, riddles, parables, and occasionally to taunts or proverbial bywords. In some contexts, it denotes a standard of comparison or an example—positive or negative—used to communicate a wider truth or moral lesson.
Ezekiel 18:3 · Word #11
Lexicon H4912
| Lemma | מָשָׁל |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤌𐤔𐤋 |
| Transliteration | mâshâl |
| Strong's | H4912 |
| Definition | A concise statement or saying, often figurative or metaphorical in nature, used for teaching, comparison, or illustration. The term refers broadly to various forms of wisdom literature including proverbs, aphorisms, poetic instructive compositions, riddles, parables, and occasionally to taunts or proverbial bywords. In some contexts, it denotes a standard of comparison or an example—positive or negative—used to communicate a wider truth or moral lesson. |
Morphology HTd/Ncmsa
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | N — Noun — A person, place, thing, or idea |
| Subtype | c — Common — Common noun |
| Gender | m — Masculine — Masculine |
| Number | s — Singular — Singular |
| State | a — Absolute — The noun stands independently |
Common Translation
| Phrase | the proverb |
SIBI-P1 Translation H4912-01
the ruling saying
| Morphological Notes | Masculine singular common noun, absolute state, with prefixed definite article (הַ). |
| Rendering Rationale | The noun מָשָׁל derives from the root meaning "to rule" or "to govern," reflecting a saying that exercises governing influence in thought through comparison or wisdom. The definite masculine singular form is preserved with "the" and a singular noun. |
View full lexicon entry for H4912 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
the proverb
| Same as P1 | No — adjusted for context |
| Rationale | In this context, הַמָּשָׁל refers to the specific proverb, not to a 'ruling saying.' |