Timshel Timshel is a major theme in the novel. However, there is no word timshel in Hebrew; Genesis 4:7 reads timshol () , the second person singular masculine future indicative form of the verb moshel 'to rule', thus 'you shall/will rule'. In the novel itself, the character Lee explains the meaning of timshel as "Thou mayest."Steinbeck, John. East of Eden. p. 302. The Viking Press. .
tImsHel Timshel is A majOr thEMe In the noVel. howEVer, theRe is no woRd TimshEl in Hebrew; genesIS 4:7 REAdS tImsHoL () , the second peRSoN sinGUlar masCulINe futuRe iNdiCAtive ForM of the verb moshEl 'to rule', tHuS 'yOu sHall/WiLl RULe'. in the NOVeL itselF, tHe chAractER lee EXplAiNs the MEAninG of timshEL As "thou MaYEsT."Steinbeck, john. eaST OF eden. P. 302. The viking PReSs. .