מַשְׂכִּיל
𐤌𐤔𐤊𐤉𐤋
maskîyl
H4905 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A composition marked by an intention to impart wisdom or instruction; a title given to certain psalms or songs designed to promote understanding or prudent reflection. In context, used as a technical term in the superscriptions of Psalms, indicating a song or poem crafted for teaching or contemplation.
Semantic Range
song of contemplation, poem for instruction, didactic poem, composition for imparting insight, literary title for an instructive psalm
Root / Etymology
From the root שׂכל (שׂ-כ-ל), which denotes the concept of insight, wisdom, or practical understanding. The form מַשְׂכִּיל is a participial noun meaning 'one who is wise, one who imparts understanding,' but as a technical term refers to a genre or style of composition associated with didactic or reflective purpose.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the headings of several Psalms (e.g. Psalms 32, 42, 44, etc.), מַשְׂכִּיל indicates either a literary genre or instructional intent. Its use marks the psalm as didactic, intended for meditation, or as a teaching hymn. The term is not equivalent to simple moral instruction but often denotes a composition that invites the hearer or reader into contemplation and deeper understanding. Later, the word developed to mean 'enlightened individual' or 'sage' in post-biblical Hebrew. English translations sometimes preserve 'Maschil' as a transliteration, which obscures the instructive or contemplative nuance. Unlike other Psalm superscription terms (such as מִזְמוֹר mizmor), maskîyl signals intellectual engagement, possibly incorporating poetic reflection and wisdom teaching unique to the Wisdom tradition.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from שָׂכַל; instructive, i.e. a didactic poem; Maschil.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שׂכל (ś-k-l) — to have insight, to comprehend, to act prudently, to impart wisdom
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7919 | שָׂכַל | Let me make wise |
| H7920 | שְׂכַל | conducting himself wisely |
| H7922 | שֶׂכֶל | with insight |
| H7924 | שׇׂכְלְתָנוּ | understanding |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4905-01 |
מַ֫שְׂכִּ֥יל | masekil | HNcmsa |
A Maskil | insight-imparting composition | 13 |
Occurrences in Scripture
13 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4905-01 |
Psalms 32:1 | מַ֫שְׂכִּ֥יל | masekil | HNcmsa |
A Maskil | insight-imparting composition |
H4905-01 |
Psalms 42:1 | מַשְׂכִּ֥יל | masekil | HNcmsa |
A Maskil | insight-imparting composition |
H4905-01 |
Psalms 44:1 | מַשְׂכִּֽיל | masekil | HNcmsa |
A Maskil | insight-imparting composition |
H4905-01 |
Psalms 45:1 | מַ֝שְׂכִּ֗יל | masekil | HNcmsa |
a Maskil | insight-imparting composition |
H4905-01 |
Psalms 52:1 | מַשְׂכִּ֥יל | masekil | HNcmsa |
A Maskil | insight-imparting composition |
H4905-01 |
Psalms 53:1 | מַשְׂכִּ֥יל | masekil | HNcmsa |
a Maskil | insight-imparting composition |
H4905-01 |
Psalms 54:1 | מַשְׂכִּ֥יל | masekil | HNcmsa |
a Maskil | insight-imparting composition |
H4905-01 |
Psalms 55:1 | מַשְׂכִּ֥יל | masekil | HNcmsa |
A Maskil | insight-imparting composition |
H4905-01 |
Psalms 74:1 | מַשְׂכִּ֗יל | masekil | HNcmsa |
A Maskil | insight-imparting composition |
H4905-01 |
Psalms 78:1 | מַשְׂכִּ֗יל | masekil | HNcmsa |
A Maskil | insight-imparting composition |