The Hebrew verb māšal (מָשַׁל) means to rule, have dominion, reign over, or govern. It appears around 80 times in the Old Testament. Distinct from the noun māšāl (proverb, parable — H4912), this verb describes the exercise of authority and leadership over people, nature, or circumstances. It encompasses both human governance and divine sovereignty.
Māšal is central to the biblical understanding of dominion and authority. In Genesis 1:18, God set the sun and moon to rule day and night — framing created order under authoritative governance. Joseph's rise (Genesis 45:8) and David's kingship are described with this verb. Most significantly, the eschatological promise of Messiah's universal dominion uses māšal (Psalm 72:8; Micah 5:2). Ultimately, all authority belongs to God, who alone rules over all the earth (Psalm 59:13).