### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The word **Mêyshak**, represented by `{{H4335}}`, is the name given to an Israelite in Babylon. It appears only **1 time** in the Bible, in a single verse. The base definition identifies it as **Meshak, an Israelite**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H4335}}` is in [[Daniel 1:7]]. The context is the renaming of four young men from Judah who were taken into Babylonian captivity. The prince of the eunuchs gave new names to Daniel and his companions: Daniel was named Belteshazzar, Hananiah was named Shadrach, Azariah was named Abednego, and Mishael was given the name **Meshach**. This act of renaming by a Babylonian official was part of their assimilation into the king's service.
### Related Words & Concepts
The significance of **Mêyshak** is understood through its relationship with other key terms in this passage:
* `{{H4332}}` **Mîyshâʼêl** (Mishael): This was Meshach's original Hebrew name, meaning "who (is) what God (is) ?". It points directly to the God of Israel.
* `{{H7714}}` **Shadrak** (Shadrach): The Babylonian name given to Hananiah at the same time, highlighting the systematic renaming of the Hebrew captives.
* `{{H5664}}` **ʻĂbêd Nᵉgôw** (Abed-nego): The Babylonian name given to Azariah, further establishing the pattern of imposing new identities.
* `{{H8034}}` **shêm** (name): This word implies more than a label; it carries connotations of honor, authority, and character. The changing of names was an attempt to change their core identity.
* `{{H8269}}` **sar** (prince): The title of the official who gave the names, indicating that this act was an exercise of authority by a "head person" of the Babylonian court [[Daniel 1:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4335}}` comes from the act of renaming itself.
* **Imposition of Authority:** The giving of the name **Meshach** by the Babylonian `prince` `{{H8269}}` was a demonstration of earthly power attempting to overwrite a God-given identity.
* **Conflict of Identity:** The name change from `Mîyshâʼêl` `{{H4332}}`, which honors God, to **Mêyshak** `{{H4335}}`, a name of foreign origin, represents a central conflict between faithfulness to God and assimilation into a pagan culture.
* **A Shared Test:** This event occurred as part of a collective experience for the four youths from Judah, including Daniel `{{H1840}}`, Hananiah `{{H2608}}`, and Azariah `{{H5838}}`, setting the stage for their unified stand of faith in subsequent narratives [[Daniel 1:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4335}}` **Mêyshak** is a name that, while appearing only once, is rich with significance. It is not merely a foreign label but a symbol of the Babylonian effort to redefine the identity and allegiance of the Hebrew captives. The story surrounding the name change from Mishael to Meshach illustrates the profound biblical theme of maintaining one's true, God-given `name` `{{H8034}}`, or character, while under pressure from a foreign power.
TRV