Meschach
/ˈmiːʃæk/noun
A traditional English spelling of Meshach, one of the three Jewish men cast into Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace in the Book of Daniel.
Did you know?The biblical Book of Daniel says Meschach survived a furnace because, according to the story, a fourth figure appeared in the flames beside him and his companions.
Etymological Timeline
6th Century BCE
Aramaic
מֵישַׁךְ (Mēshakh)
“The Aramaic form used for the Babylonian name of one of Daniel’s companions.”
6th Century BCE
Akkadian
Mīša-ku / Mīshaaku (proposed)
“A proposed Babylonian name; its interpretation is uncertain, though some scholars connect its final element with Aku, a lunar deity.”
2nd–1st Century BCE
Greek
Μισάχ (Misách)
“The form appearing in the Greek Septuagint tradition of Daniel.”
4th Century CE
Latin
Misach
“The Latin biblical form transmitted through Christian scripture.”
Middle English
English
Meschac / Meschach
“Medieval English spellings influenced by Latin and French biblical traditions.”
Modern English
English
Meschach / Meshach
“A traditional biblical proper name, with Meshach now the more common spelling.”