מֶשֶׁק

possession

Definition

The Hebrew noun מֶשֶׁק (mesheq) refers to a possession or property held by someone, specifically something acquired or inherited. In its sole biblical occurrence in Genesis 15:2, it describes the 'son of my house' (בֶּן־מֶשֶׁק בֵּיתִי) who is the heir of Abram's estate. The term implies legal ownership and stewardship over assets, extending beyond mere physical objects to include dependents within a household. It conveys the idea of something held in trust or managed, which aligns with its translation as 'steward' in the KJV.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Genesis 15:2. Here, Abram laments that since he is childless, his chief servant, Eliezer of Damascus, will be the one to inherit his household as the 'son of possession' (בֶּן־מֶשֶׁק). The context is a legal and familial discussion about inheritance rights within a patriarchal society, highlighting the transfer of property and authority to a designated heir who manages the estate.

Etymology

מֶשֶׁק derives from an unused Hebrew root meaning 'to hold' or 'to possess.' It is related to the verb מָשַׁק (māšaq, H4941), which appears in the Old Testament meaning 'to run' or 'to move quickly,' though the semantic connection to possession is unclear. The noun form specifically denotes the state or result of holding—i.e., a possession. Cognates in other Semitic languages, such as Akkadian, also show roots related to acquiring or holding property.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it touches on themes of covenant, inheritance, and divine promise. In Genesis 15:2, Abram's concern about his 'possession' (מֶשֶׁק) sets the stage for God's covenant promise that Abram's own biological son will be his heir (Genesis 15:4). This underscores that true inheritance in God's plan is not merely about human stewardship but about God's sovereign gift, foreshadowing the spiritual inheritance promised to believers (e.g., Galatians 3:29). Understanding מֶשֶׁק enriches the reading by highlighting the tension between human arrangements and divine provision.

In ancient Near Eastern culture, a 'possession' (מֶשֶׁק) like a household steward could legally inherit an estate if the family patriarch had no biological son, as seen in laws from Nuzi and other contemporary societies. This practice ensured the continuity of the household and its assets. Abram's reference reflects this custom, but God's intervention redefines inheritance by promise rather than conventional law, marking a departure from typical cultural expectations.

נַחֲלָה (nakhalah, H5159) — inheritance or patrimony, often land passed down through generations. יְרֻשָּׁה (yerushshah, H3423) — possession acquired by inheritance or conquest. קִנְיָן (qinyan, H7075) — property or acquisition gained through purchase or effort.

Word Details

Scripture References