### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word misrâh (`{{H4951}}`) is derived from the verbal root śārâh (`{{H8280}}`), which carries the primary semantic range of "to rule," "to contend," or "to be a prince/ruler." Consequently, misrâh fundamentally signifies the concept of "rule," "dominion," "sovereignty," or "government." It encapsulates the authority, administration, and sphere of influence inherent in a position of power. Its semantic scope is quite focused, referring specifically to the act of governing, the domain over which one governs (an empire), or the structured system of governance itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term misrâh (`{{H4951}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence exceptionally significant.
* [[Isaiah 9:6]] (or [[Isaiah 9:5]] in some English translations due to verse numbering differences): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government (misrâh) will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
In this profound messianic prophecy, misrâh is directly attributed to the promised child. The phrase "and the government will be upon his shoulder" immediately follows a series of divine and royal epithets, indicating that this child, the Messiah, will possess ultimate and tangible authority. The "shoulder" serves as a common biblical metaphor for bearing responsibility, burdens, or authority. Here, it explicitly points to the Messiah's role as the supreme ruler, one who personally carries the weight and responsibility of governance. This singular usage, though limited in frequency, is immensely weighty due to its eschatological and Christological implications, clearly designating the Messiah as a figure of ultimate political and cosmic authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for misrâh (`{{H4951}}`) is its verbal root śārâh (`{{H8280}}`), meaning "to rule," "to contend," or "to be a prince." This root gives rise to several related nouns that illuminate the concept of authority and leadership:
* śar (`{{H8269}}`): "prince," "chief," "ruler," "official." This is a very common term in the Hebrew Bible, denoting various levels of leadership, from military commanders to royal officials and even angelic beings. Notably, the Messiah in [[Isaiah 9:6]] is also called "Prince of Peace" (śar shalom).
* śārâ (`{{H8282}}`): "princess," "noblewoman."
Beyond the direct linguistic family, misrâh is intrinsically linked to broader biblical themes of kingship (melekh `{{H4428}}`), kingdom (malkhut `{{H4438}}`), and dominion (mamlakah `{{H4467}}`). It speaks to the exercise of power and the structure of rule, whether human or, in this unique case, divine. The concept of Messianic rule, as depicted throughout the prophetic literature, is the overarching theological context for misrâh, portraying a future reign characterized by justice, peace, and universal dominion.
### Theological Significance
The singular, yet profoundly impactful, appearance of misrâh (`{{H4951}}`) in [[Isaiah 9:6]] carries immense theological significance. It unequivocally attributes ultimate governmental authority to the promised Messiah. This prophecy directly refutes any notion of a Messiah whose influence is merely spiritual or advisory; instead, it declares that the Messiah will bear the full weight and responsibility of divine governance. His rule is not depicted as transient or limited, but as eternal and universal, as further elaborated in the subsequent verse: "Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore" ([[Isaiah 9:7]]).
The phrase "upon his shoulder" emphasizes the personal nature of this rule; it is not delegated or symbolic, but directly borne by the Messiah himself. This points to the incarnation and the direct involvement of God in human affairs through the person of the Messiah. For Christian theology, this verse is foundational for understanding Jesus Christ's dual role as both Savior and King. He is the one who bears the government, fulfilling the prophetic expectation of an eternal ruler from the line of David. His authority extends over all creation, and His reign brings forth righteousness and enduring peace.
### Summary
The Hebrew word misrâh (`{{H4951}}`), derived from the root śārâh (`{{H8280}}`), signifies "government," "dominion," or "sovereignty." Its sole, yet profoundly significant, occurrence is found in the messianic prophecy of [[Isaiah 9:6]]. Here, the phrase "and the government will be upon his shoulder" powerfully declares that the promised Messiah, identified with divine titles, will personally bear ultimate governmental authority. This unique usage underscores the comprehensive, enduring, and personal nature of the Messiah's rule, establishing Him not only as a spiritual deliverer but also as the supreme, sovereign King who brings eternal justice and peace. The theological weight of misrâh thus lies in its direct attribution of universal and personal dominion to the Christ.
TRV