denominative from רֹאשׁ; properly, headship, i.e. (plural for collective) dominion; principality.
Transliteration:marʼâshâh
Pronunciation:mar-aw-shaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H4761}}` (מַרְאָשָׁה, *marʼâshâh*) is a denominative noun derived from the highly significant root `{{H7218}}` (רֹאשׁ, *roʼsh*), meaning "head," "chief," "top," or "beginning." The prefix mar- often indicates a place or a state, suggesting "the place of the head" or "the state of being a head." Consequently, the base definition for `{{H4761}}` points to "headship." Strong's Concordance further extends its semantic range to include "dominion" and "principality," implying a sphere of authority, rule, or a position of preeminence. Etymologically, it would denote the essence or locus of leadership and control.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is crucial to note that `{{H4761}}` (מַרְאָשָׁה) does not appear in the standard Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible. This means there are no direct biblical occurrences or contexts from which to derive its usage or nuanced meaning within a scriptural narrative. Its inclusion in Strong's Concordance is based purely on its morphological derivation from `{{H7218}}` and the potential meaning such a formation *would* convey. Therefore, any discussion of its meaning is necessarily etymological, rather than grounded in attested biblical usage. The absence of `{{H4761}}` from the biblical corpus is a significant detail for scholars, indicating that while the concept it describes is central, this particular lexical item was not employed by the biblical authors.
### Related Words & Concepts
Despite the absence of `{{H4761}}` itself, the underlying concept of "headship," "dominion," and "principality" is profoundly expressed throughout the Hebrew Bible through a rich array of related terms. The root `{{H7218}}` (רֹאשׁ, *roʼsh*) is foundational and frequently used to denote:
* **Physical Head:** As in [[Genesis 3:15]] where the serpent will bruise the woman's heel, and she will bruise his head.
* **Chief or Leader:** Referring to individuals or groups in positions of authority, such as the "heads" of the tribes of Israel ([[Numbers 25:4]]) or the promise that Israel would be the "head and not the tail" among nations ([[Deuteronomy 28:13]]).
* **Beginning or First:** As seen in [[Genesis 1:1]] ("In the beginning, God created...") or [[Exodus 12:2]] concerning the first month.
Other Hebrew words that convey concepts of dominion, rule, and authority, which are semantically related to what `{{H4761}}` would signify, include:
* `{{H4478}}` (מֶמְשָׁלָה, *memshalah*): Meaning "dominion" or "rule," often used in reference to cosmic or political authority (e.g., [[Genesis 1:16]] regarding the sun and moon having dominion).
* `{{H8289}}` (שַׂר, *sar*): Denoting a "prince," "chief," or "ruler" (e.g., [[Genesis 12:15]] concerning the princes of Pharaoh).
* `{{H4910}}` (מָשַׁל, *mashal*): A verb meaning "to rule," "to have dominion," or "to govern" (e.g., [[Genesis 3:16]] where the husband shall rule over his wife).
These terms collectively articulate the multifaceted nature of authority, leadership, and sovereignty within the biblical worldview.
### Theological Significance
Although `{{H4761}}` is not found in the biblical text, the theological concepts it describes—"headship," "dominion," and "principality"—are central pillars of biblical theology.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The paramount theological significance lies in God's ultimate "headship" and "dominion." Yahweh is consistently portrayed as the supreme ruler over all creation ([[Psalm 103:19]]), over all nations ([[Psalm 22:28]]), and uniquely over His covenant people ([[Isaiah 43:15]]). His rule is absolute, eternal, and righteous, establishing the framework for all other forms of authority.
* **Delegated Human Authority:** God, in His wisdom, delegates forms of "headship" and "dominion" to humanity. This includes the call for humanity to "have dominion" over creation ([[Genesis 1:26]]), the establishment of human rulers like kings and judges ([[Deuteronomy 17:15]]), and the structure of family leadership ([[Ephesians 5:23]]). This delegated authority is always understood as derivative and accountable to God's ultimate sovereignty.
* **Spiritual Principalities:** While more explicitly developed in the New Testament, the concept of "principalities" as spiritual powers or authorities has roots in the Old Testament understanding of heavenly hosts and divine council. Had `{{H4761}}` been present, it would have served to underscore these various dimensions of authority, both divine and human, within the divinely ordered cosmos. The very idea of "headship" speaks to order, hierarchy, and the source of power—themes deeply embedded in the biblical narrative.
### Summary
`{{H4761}}` (מַרְאָשָׁה), etymologically derived from `{{H7218}}` (roʼsh, "head"), signifies "headship," "dominion," or "principality." However, this lemma is not found in the standard Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible, meaning its definition is based purely on its morphological structure rather than attested scriptural usage. Despite its absence, the *concepts* of headship, dominion, and authority are profoundly significant in biblical theology. These concepts are extensively conveyed through numerous other Hebrew terms, including the root `{{H7218}}` itself, `{{H4478}}` (memshalah), and `{{H8289}}` (sar). They underscore God's ultimate and absolute sovereignty over creation and humanity, as well as the various forms of delegated authority He establishes within His divine order.
TRV