(Aramaic) of foreign origin and doubtful significance; name of מִישָׁאֵל; Meshak, the Babylonian; Meshak.
Transliteration:Mêyshak
Pronunciation:may-shak'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word `{{H4336}}` (Mêyshak) is a proper noun, serving as the Babylonian name given to Mishael, one of Daniel's three companions. Its base definition explicitly states its "foreign origin and doubtful significance." Unlike many Hebrew names that carry inherent theological or descriptive meanings, the etymology of `{{H4336}}` is obscure, likely derived from a Babylonian or Akkadian root that is not readily decipherable within a Semitic context familiar to the biblical authors. This lack of clear meaning is significant, as it contrasts sharply with the original Hebrew name Mishael (`{{H4332}}`), which means "Who is what God is?" or "Who is like God?". Thus, the semantic range of `{{H4336}}` is primarily limited to its function as an identifier for a specific historical individual within the biblical narrative, bearing no intrinsic theological meaning from its linguistic roots.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H4336}}` appears exclusively in the Book of Daniel, specifically in the Aramaic portions of the text. It is consistently used to refer to Mishael, one of the four Judean youths taken into Babylonian captivity and chosen for royal service. The occurrences are concentrated in the narrative of their steadfastness in the face of idolatry:
* [[Daniel 1:7]]: The chief eunuch renames Mishael to Meshach, along with Hananiah (Shadrach) and Azariah (Abednego). This act of renaming was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern empires, intended to assimilate captives by stripping them of their cultural and religious identity and imposing a new one.
* [[Daniel 2:49]]: Daniel requests that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon, highlighting their administrative roles and trust within the Babylonian court.
* [[Daniel 3:12]]: Accusers bring charges against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for refusing to worship King Nebuchadnezzar's golden image.
* [[Daniel 3:13]]: Nebuchadnezzar, in his fury, commands that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him.
* [[Daniel 3:14]]: The king directly questions Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego regarding their refusal to serve his gods or worship his idol.
* [[Daniel 3:16]]: The three men respond to the king, declaring their unwavering commitment to Yahweh.
* [[Daniel 3:19]]: The king, enraged, orders the furnace to be heated seven times hotter for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
* [[Daniel 3:20]]: Mighty men bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to cast them into the fiery furnace.
* [[Daniel 3:22]]: The intense heat of the furnace kills those who threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in.
* [[Daniel 3:23]]: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego fall bound into the blazing furnace.
* [[Daniel 3:26]]: Nebuchadnezzar calls out to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the mouth of the furnace.
* [[Daniel 3:28]]: Nebuchadnezzar blesses the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for delivering His servants.
* [[Daniel 3:30]]: The king promotes Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.
The repeated mention of `{{H4336}}` alongside Shadrach (`{{H7714}}`) and Abednego (`{{H5664}}`) throughout Daniel 3 underscores their collective identity as faithful witnesses. Despite being given a name of "doubtful significance" by their captors, their actions clearly articulated their true allegiance to the God of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is Mishael (`{{H4332}}`), the Hebrew name that `{{H4336}}` replaced. This pairing highlights the tension between the identity bestowed by God's covenant and the identity imposed by a pagan empire. The other two companions, Shadrach (`{{H7714}}`, for Hananiah) and Abednego (`{{H5664}}`, for Azariah), are always mentioned in conjunction with Meshach, forming an inseparable trio whose story exemplifies steadfast faith.
The broader linguistic context for `{{H4336}}` is Imperial Aramaic (`{{H760}}`), the lingua franca of the Neo-Babylonian and Persian empires, and the language in which much of Daniel 2-7 is written. The narrative surrounding Meshach also connects to key biblical concepts:
* **Exile:** The experience of God's people living in a foreign land.
* **Faithfulness/Steadfastness:** The unwavering commitment to God despite severe pressure and threat.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance:** God's ultimate control over earthly powers and His miraculous intervention on behalf of His loyal servants.
* **Idolatry:** The central conflict of Daniel 3, where the worship of a created image is contrasted with exclusive worship of the one true God.
* **Witness:** The lives of Meshach and his companions serve as a powerful testament to God's power and faithfulness to both the exiles and the pagan king.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4336}}` is not found in its etymological meaning, which is obscure, but in its bearer's actions and God's response. The very act of renaming Mishael to Meshach was an attempt to strip him of his Hebrew identity and integrate him into Babylonian culture and religion. The original name, Mishael, profoundly questioned "Who is like God?" – a rhetorical question asserting Yahweh's uniqueness. By replacing this with an obscure foreign name, the Babylonians sought to diminish the young man's connection to the incomparable God of Israel.
However, Meshach's story, alongside Shadrach and Abednego, powerfully demonstrates that true identity is not defined by an imposed name or external circumstances, but by one's allegiance to God. Their refusal to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's idol, despite the threat of death in the fiery furnace, was an act of profound theological defiance. It affirmed Yahweh's sole sovereignty and their unwavering commitment to the First Commandment. God's miraculous deliverance of Meshach and his companions from the flames [[Daniel 3:24-27]] serves as a potent testament to His protective power and faithfulness to those who honor Him above all else. This narrative underscores the principle that God honors those who honor Him, even in the most hostile environments, and that His power transcends human authority and pagan deities.
### Summary
`{{H4336}}` (Mêyshak) is the Aramaic proper noun, of foreign and uncertain origin, given to Mishael, one of Daniel's three faithful companions in Babylonian exile. While its own meaning is obscure, its significance is profound within the biblical narrative. `{{H4336}}` consistently appears in the Book of Daniel, most notably in the account of the fiery furnace in Daniel 3. Here, Meshach, along with Shadrach and Abednego, exemplifies unwavering faith and obedience to Yahweh in the face of idolatry and mortal threat. The story associated with this name powerfully illustrates God's miraculous deliverance and His vindication of those who maintain their true identity and allegiance to Him, even when living under oppressive foreign rule and bearing an imposed, meaningless name. Thus, `{{H4336}}` stands as a symbol of steadfastness and divine faithfulness amidst adversity.
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