from an unused root meaning to hold; possession; [phrase] steward.
Transliteration:mesheq
Pronunciation:meh'-shek
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word *mesheq* (מֶשֶׁק, `{{H4943}}`) is derived from an unused root that conveys the idea of "holding" or "grasping." From this foundational sense, the primary meaning extends to "possession." In its sole biblical occurrence, it is understood in a derived, specialized sense, often translated as "steward" or "possessor" within a household context. This indicates one who holds, manages, or is entrusted with the possessions of another, thereby implying a significant role in household administration and, by extension, potential inheritance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *mesheq* (מֶשֶׁק, `{{H4943}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Genesis 15:2]]. The verse reads: "And Abram said, 'Lord GOD, what will you give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?'" (ESV).
The precise interpretation of "דַּמֶּשֶׂק אֱלִיעֶזֶר" (Dammeseq Eli'ezer) has been a subject of scholarly discussion. The Masoretic pointing connects *mesheq* to the city name "Damascus," leading to translations like "Eliezer of Damascus." However, the most widely accepted interpretation, particularly in modern scholarship, understands *mesheq* as a common noun meaning "possessor" or "steward" that has been joined with "Damascus" possibly through wordplay or a scribal nuance. In this reading, Eliezer is identified as the "steward of my house" or the "possessor of my household" who, in the absence of a direct heir, would inherit Abraham's vast possessions.
This verse is pivotal in the narrative of God's covenant with Abraham. Abraham's lament about his childlessness and the prospect of a servant inheriting his estate underscores the urgency and desperation of his situation. His acknowledgment of Eliezer as the potential "steward/heir" serves as a dramatic setup for God's subsequent, miraculous promise of a biological heir and innumerable descendants, thereby highlighting the divine nature of the covenant's fulfillment.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that *mesheq* derives from an unused root, direct lexical cognates are not readily identifiable within biblical Hebrew. However, its semantic field connects it to several key concepts and related terms:
* **Stewardship/Management:** The role of a steward is to manage the affairs and possessions of another. Other Hebrew terms related to oversight or management include *pāqîd* (פָּקִיד, `{{H6485}}`), meaning "overseer" or "officer," and *nāśî'* (נָשִׂיא, `{{H5324}}`), which can denote a "chief" or "leader."
* **Possession/Property:** The core meaning of *mesheq* is "possession." Related terms include *qin'yān* (קִנְיָן, `{{H7075}}`), meaning "possession" or "property," and *'ăḥuzzâ* (אֲחֻזָּה, `{{H270}}`), referring to "possession" or "holding" of land.
* **Inheritance/Heir:** Although *mesheq* itself does not directly mean "heir," its contextual use in [[Genesis 15:2]] implies the role of an heir. The verb *yāraš* (יָרַשׁ, `{{H3423}}`) means "to inherit" or "to take possession," and its nominal forms refer to an "inheritor" or "heir."
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of *mesheq* in [[Genesis 15:2]] carries profound theological weight, primarily by setting the stage for God's covenantal promise to Abraham.
1. **Divine Promise vs. Human Arrangement:** Abraham's reliance on Eliezer as the "steward/possessor" highlights the human expectation of passing on an inheritance through established social structures. This contrasts sharply with God's promise of a direct, biological heir (Isaac), demonstrating that God's covenantal promises are fulfilled through divine intervention and supernatural means, not human ingenuity or existing arrangements. It underscores the theme that God's ways transcend human limitations and expectations.
2. **The Nature of Stewardship:** While *mesheq* is rare, the concept of stewardship is pervasive throughout Scripture. Eliezer's role as the trusted manager of Abraham's vast household foreshadows the broader biblical understanding that humanity is called to be stewards of God's creation, resources, and even His covenant blessings. It implies responsibility, faithfulness, and accountability in managing what ultimately belongs to another (in this case, Abraham; ultimately, God).
3. **Faith and Patience:** Abraham's lament, which includes the mention of *mesheq*, reveals his deep longing for an heir and his initial struggle to fully grasp the nature of God's promise. This moment of doubt and human reasoning serves to magnify God's faithfulness in fulfilling His word, cultivating Abraham's faith through a period of waiting and testing.
### Summary
The Hebrew word *mesheq* (מֶשֶׁק, `{{H4943}}`) signifies "possession" and, by extension, refers to a "steward" or "possessor" of a household. Its sole appearance in [[Genesis 15:2]] is crucial to the biblical narrative, where Abraham identifies Eliezer as the potential inheritor of his vast estate due to his own childlessness. This lament serves as a dramatic backdrop for God's miraculous promise of a biological heir, Isaac, thereby emphasizing the divine nature of the Abrahamic covenant. The word highlights the theme of human stewardship and contrasts human arrangements for inheritance with God's sovereign fulfillment of His promises, underscoring the importance of faith in God's supernatural provision.
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