Timshel

It has been argued that the Hebrew word "Timshel" is the most powerful word in the Holy Scriptures. The word translates to mean "thou mayest" - and some theologians also translate it as "thou shalt". It's what elevates and empowers mankind with the unmeasurable gift of free will.

In the Garden of Eden, God told Adam not to eat the fruit of the tree, "nevertheless, thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee..." (Moses 3:17)

In the King James version of the Holy Bible, in the Book of Genesis, before Cain slew Abel, God told Cain that Satan desired to have him, but that "if thou doest well... thou shalt rule over [Satan]." Some other versions translate this passage as "thou mayest rule over him." (Genesis 4:7)

John Steinbeck also goes into more detail describing analysis of the word in his epic novel, East of Eden.

We can often choose what we want to do and what we want to be, but we often don't get to choose what trials or afflictions life throws our way; but we exercise our free will in how we choose to deal with them. We are human, however, and sometimes weakness of the mind, the body, or the spirit keeps us from being able to reach those aspirations or to overcome difficulties; and for this reason we need help from each other and from above.

What actually introduced me to this word is a beautiful song written by Mumford & Sons. In their song, "Timshel", the message of hope and comfort that the word carries is intended to be transmitted to the one who struggles. And that, with the help of loved ones and with the good Lord's help, we may/shall overcome.

The final stanza emphasizes that those loved ones would do everything they can to help, but ultimately it's the actual person who must overcome - or "move the mountains", so to speak. And so it is in life: help stands nearby, ready to hold our hand and support us, but ultimately each of us must use our free will and navigate our own way through it.

Despite the linguistic and theological debate as to the proper translation of the word, Timshel, I would like to focus more on the messages both translations carry and dedicate them and this song to a loved one very dear to me who struggles with depression and anxiety. As one who occasionally deals with the same, I know it is an incredibly difficult and debilitating road to travel. When in the throws of it, you feel completely alone, weak, and horrifically vulnerable. It is an unenviable yoke to bear. I hope that the message of this song brings the comfort of knowing that I stand by her, that countless others stand by her, and that we love her very much.

I particularly like the repetition of the most important line: "You are not alone in this". I pray it gives hope and encouragement to her, should she read this, as well as to any listener or reader who goes to battle every day against something that often feels insurmountable.

Thou mayest
Thou shalt




Cold is the water
It freezes your already cold mind
Already cold, cold mind
And death is at your doorstep
And it will steal your innocence
But it will not steal your substance

But you are not alone in this
And you are not alone in this
As brothers we will stand and we'll hold your hand
Hold your hand

And you are the mother
The mother of your baby child
The one to whom you gave life
And you have your choices
And these are what make man great
His ladder to the stars

But you are not alone in this
YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS
As brothers we will stand and we'll hold your hand
Hold your hand

But I will tell the night
And Whisper, "Lose your sight"
But I can't move the mountains for you