### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **misrâh**, represented by `{{H4951}}`, means **empire; government**. Derived from the root word for prince or ruler, it appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, both within a significant Messianic prophecy. Its rarity highlights its specific application to a divine and eternal form of government.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Both occurrences of `{{H4951}}` are found in the book of Isaiah and describe the coming rule of a prophesied child. The text states that for a child who is born, "the **government** shall be upon his shoulder" [[Isaiah 9:6]]. This connects the concept of rule directly to the person of the Messiah, who is called "The Prince of Peace." The subsequent verse elaborates that "Of the increase of his **government** and peace there shall be no end" [[Isaiah 9:7]], tying this rule to the everlasting throne of David and his kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the nature of this government:
* `{{H8269}}` **sar** (a head person... prince): This word identifies the one who wields the `misrâh`. The prophecy explicitly names the coming ruler as the "**Prince** of Peace" [[Isaiah 9:6]].
* `{{H4467}}` **mamlâkâh** (dominion... kingdom): Used in conjunction with `misrâh`, this term defines the realm of authority. The prophesied government will be established upon David's **kingdom** [[Isaiah 9:7]].
* `{{H3559}}` **kûwn** (to set up... establish... ordain, order, perfect): This verb describes the action taken to found the government. The kingdom is to be **ordered** with divine precision and authority [[Isaiah 9:7]].
* `{{H4941}}` **mishpâṭ** (a verdict... judgment, justice): This defines a foundational principle of the `misrâh`. It is a government established with **judgment**, signifying its basis in divine law and right decrees [[Isaiah 9:7]].
* `{{H6666}}` **tsᵉdâqâh** (rightness... justice): Paired with judgment, this word emphasizes the moral character of the government. It will be upheld with **justice**, indicating a rule of perfect virtue and righteousness [[Isaiah 9:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4951}}` is centered on its prophetic context:
* **Messianic Authority:** The term is used exclusively to define the rule of the promised Messiah. The **government** is not seized but is divinely placed "upon his shoulder" as part of his identity, alongside names like "The mighty God" and "The everlasting Father" [[Isaiah 9:6]].
* **Eternal Dominion:** Unlike earthly empires, this **government** is characterized by unending increase and peace. It will be established "from henceforth even for ever" [[Isaiah 9:7]], signifying its permanent and eternal nature.
* **Righteous Foundation:** The `misrâh` is not a government of arbitrary power. It is explicitly founded "with judgment and with justice" [[Isaiah 9:7]], making righteousness the very basis of its administration.
* **Divine Fulfillment:** The establishment of this perfect government is not a human achievement. The prophecy concludes that "The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this" [[Isaiah 9:7]], underscoring it as a sovereign work of God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4951}}` represents the ultimate form of divinely-ordained rule. Though used only twice, **misrâh** encapsulates the promise of the Messiah's perfect and everlasting government. It describes a dominion that is not only infinite in its scope but is also perfectly established in judgment and justice, borne on the shoulder of the Prince of Peace and brought into being by the power of God Himself.
TRV