a primitive root; to rub with oil, i.e. to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint; anoint, paint.
Transliteration:mâshach
Pronunciation:maw-shakh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H4886}}` (mâshach) is a primitive root primarily signifying the physical act of "to rub with oil" or "to smear." This base meaning extends to "to anoint," which carries significant ritual and theological implications. By implication, the act of anointing leads to "consecration," setting apart a person or object for a sacred purpose. A less common but distinct semantic range for `{{H4886}}` is "to paint," referring to the application of pigment to a surface, as seen in a secular context. The core action involves the application of a substance to an object or individual, transforming its status or appearance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H4886}}` in the Hebrew Bible predominantly fall into two categories: sacred anointing and secular painting.
1. **Sacred Anointing (Consecration and Appointment):**
* **Priests:** Aaron and his sons were anointed to consecrate them for their priestly service, making them holy to the Lord ([[Exodus 28:41]], [[Exodus 29:7]], [[Leviticus 8:12]], [[Leviticus 8:30]]). This act imbued them with the divine authority necessary to mediate between God and Israel.
* **Kings:** The anointing of kings, such as Saul ([[1 Samuel 9:16]], [[1 Samuel 10:1]]), David ([[1 Samuel 16:12]], [[1 Samuel 16:13]]), and Solomon ([[1 Kings 1:34]], [[1 Kings 1:39]]), signified their divine appointment and endowment with the Spirit of the Lord for leadership. This act established their legitimacy and authority as God's chosen representatives.
* **Prophets:** While less frequent, prophets could also be anointed, as seen in God's command to Elijah to anoint Elisha as his successor ([[1 Kings 19:16]]). This implies a divine commissioning for prophetic ministry.
* **Objects:** The Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the altar, ark, and various vessels, were anointed to hallow them and set them apart for sacred use in divine worship ([[Exodus 30:26]], [[Exodus 30:28]], [[Exodus 40:9]], [[Exodus 40:10]]). This rendered them holy and fit for God's presence.
2. **Secular Painting:**
* In a singular instance, `{{H4886}}` is used to describe the act of "painting" a house with vermilion, emphasizing a decorative or structural application rather than a sacred one ([[Jeremiah 22:14]]). This usage highlights the versatility of the root's physical meaning.
In most contexts, the act of anointing with oil signifies a divine act of setting apart, empowering, and sanctifying. It is not merely a ritual but a profound declaration of God's choice and the impartation of spiritual authority or holiness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The verb `{{H4886}}` is foundational to several crucial biblical concepts and related terms:
* **`{{H4899}}` (mâshîach):** This is the masculine noun derived directly from `{{H4886}}`, meaning "anointed one." This term is famously transliterated into English as "Messiah" and becomes the central figure of Israel's eschatological hope.
* **`{{H4888}}` (mishchah):** A feminine noun also derived from `{{H4886}}`, referring to the "anointing oil" itself, particularly the sacred anointing oil used for consecration.
* **`{{H8081}}` (shemen):** The general Hebrew word for "oil," often used in conjunction with `{{H4886}}` to specify the substance used for anointing.
* **Consecration:** The act of anointing inherently involves setting something or someone apart for sacred use, making it holy to the Lord.
* **Divine Appointment:** Anointing serves as a visible sign of God's sovereign choice and commissioning for a specific role (king, priest, prophet).
* **Empowerment:** Often, the anointing is associated with the bestowal of the Spirit of the Lord, providing the necessary ability and authority for the appointed task ([[1 Samuel 16:13]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4886}}` is profound, extending far beyond a simple physical act.
1. **Divine Selection and Consecration:** Anointing signifies God's direct involvement in selecting and setting apart individuals or objects for His service. It marks them as belonging to Him and being dedicated to His purposes. This act transforms the ordinary into the sacred.
2. **Impartation of Authority and Power:** The anointing, especially of kings and priests, was understood as a tangible sign of divine empowerment. It was not merely symbolic but conveyed a measure of God's Spirit and authority necessary for their divinely ordained roles.
3. **Symbol of the Holy Spirit:** In prophetic literature and later theological understanding, the anointing oil increasingly became a symbol of the Holy Spirit. For example, [[Isaiah 61:1]] speaks of the Spirit of the Lord anointing the speaker to bring good news, a passage directly quoted by Jesus in [[Luke 4:18]], underscoring the spiritual nature of the anointing.
4. **Foundation of the Messianic Hope:** The most significant theological contribution of `{{H4886}}` is its close relationship with the noun `{{H4899}}` (mâshîach), "Messiah." The expectation of a future "Anointed One" who would deliver Israel and establish God's eternal kingdom is deeply rooted in the concept of divine anointing. This hope culminates in the New Testament with Jesus Christ, whose title "Christos" (`{{G5547}}`) is the Greek equivalent of "Messiah," meaning "Anointed One." His anointing was not with oil but with the Holy Spirit without measure.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H4886}}` (mâshach) fundamentally describes the act of "to rub with oil" or "to anoint." While it can refer to secular "painting," its primary and most significant biblical usage is in the context of sacred anointing. This act served as a powerful symbol and means of divine consecration, setting apart priests, kings, and objects for holy service. It signified God's sovereign selection, the impartation of authority, and often the bestowal of the Holy Spirit. Crucially, `{{H4886}}` is the root of `{{H4899}}` (mâshîach), "Messiah," thereby laying the linguistic and theological groundwork for the central figure of Israel's hope—the divinely Anointed One who would fulfill God's redemptive purposes. The physical act of anointing thus points to a profound spiritual reality of divine appointment and empowerment.
TRV