### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **memshâlâh**, represented by `{{H4475}}`, signifies **dominion**, **government**, or **power**. A feminine form of `{{H4474}}` (mimshâl), it appears 17 times in 16 verses. The term conveys the concept of rule and can refer concretely to a realm, a ruler, or the authority they wield.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4475}}` is applied to various forms of rule. From the very beginning, it describes the cosmic order established by God{H430}, with the greater light given **to rule** the day and the lesser light **to rule** the night ([[Genesis 1:16]], [[Psalms 136:9]]). It also refers to the sovereign **dominion** of God over all creation and His people ([[Psalms 103:22]], [[Psalms 114:2]]). The term is equally used for earthly realms, describing the scope of a king's authority, such as the lands under the **dominion** of Solomon [[1 Kings 9:19]] or Hezekiah [[2 Kings 20:13]]. It can also signify a position of administrative authority, as when **government** is committed into one's hand{H3027} [[Isaiah 22:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of rule and authority:
* `{{H4910}}` **mâshal** (to rule): This is the primitive root from which `{{H4475}}` is derived. It signifies the very act of ruling or having dominion. It is used to describe the authority of a ruler in Israel [[Micah 5:2]] and God's power over the sea [[Psalms 89:9]].
* `{{H4467}}` **mamlâkâh** (kingdom, reign): This term often describes the concrete territory or political state under a ruler's dominion. It appears alongside `{{H4475}}` to describe the scope of Nebuchadnezzar's power, which included "all the **kingdoms** of the earth of his **dominion**" [[Jeremiah 34:1]].
* `{{H4438}}` **malkûwth** (kingdom, realm, reign): Similar to `mamlâkâh`, this word denotes a royal dominion. It is used in parallel with `{{H4475}}` to emphasize the eternal nature of God's rule: "Thy **kingdom** is an everlasting **kingdom**, and thy **dominion** endureth throughout all generations" [[Psalms 145:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4475}}` is centered on the nature of sovereignty and authority.
* **Delegated Authority in Creation:** The concept is introduced in the creation account, where God{H430} delegates **rule** `{{H4475}}` to the great{H1419} lights [[Genesis 1:16]]. This establishes a foundational principle: all dominion originates from God and is assigned by His design.
* **God's Everlasting Rule:** Scripture uses `{{H4475}}` to declare God's ultimate and eternal sovereignty. His **dominion** extends over all places and works [[Psalms 103:22]] and endures through all generations, standing in contrast to the temporary reigns of human kings [[Psalms 145:13]].
* **Scope of Earthly Government:** When applied to humans, `{{H4475}}` defines a tangible realm of power, whether it encompasses a king's treasures{H214} and armour{H3627} [[Isaiah 39:2]] or the cities{H5892} and military might of a ruler like Solomon [[1 Kings 9:19]]. This earthly **dominion** is portrayed as a finite responsibility, often subject to God's higher authority.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4475}}` provides a framework for understanding authority in scripture. It is more than just a political term; it defines the structure of power from the cosmos to human government. The word illustrates a clear hierarchy, beginning with God's absolute and eternal **dominion** over all things, and extending to the delegated, temporary **rule** exercised by celestial bodies and earthly kings. It encapsulates the biblical concept that all true government and power ultimately originate from and are accountable to God.
TRV