from מָשַׁח; anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the Messiah; anointed, Messiah.
Transliteration:mâshîyach
Pronunciation:maw-shee'-akh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4899}}` (מָשִׁיחַ - mâshîyach) is a masculine noun derived directly from the verbal root `{{H4886}}` (מָשַׁח - mashach), which signifies "to smear, anoint, rub with oil." Consequently, the core meaning of mâshîyach is "anointed one." Its semantic range extends to encompass any individual consecrated for a special office or purpose through the ritual act of anointing with oil. This typically includes:
* **Kings:** As divinely chosen rulers, they were anointed to signify their selection and empowerment by God (e.g., Saul, David).
* **Priests:** Particularly the High Priest, who was anointed to consecrate him for his sacred duties in the tabernacle/temple.
* **Prophets:** Though less frequently explicitly called mâshîyach, some prophetic figures were understood to be divinely appointed and empowered by the Spirit in a similar fashion.
Beyond these general categories, the term develops a profound eschatological significance, referring specifically to the promised "Messiah," the ultimate Anointed One who would bring about God's redemptive plan.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4899}}` appears numerous times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily designating individuals set apart by God:
* **Kings:** The most common application of mâshîyach is to Israelite kings. David is frequently referred to as "the Lord's anointed" (מְשִׁיחַ יְהוָה), emphasizing his divine selection and the sanctity of his office (e.g., [[1 Samuel 24:6]], [[2 Samuel 22:51]], [[Psalm 18:50]]). This title underscored the king's unique relationship with God and the inviolability of his person. The Davidic covenant further solidified the concept of an enduring line of anointed kings.
* **Priests:** The High Priest is also explicitly called "the anointed priest" (הַכֹּהֵן הַמָּשִׁיחַ) in Leviticus, highlighting his consecrated status and unique mediatorial role in atonement (e.g., [[Leviticus 4:3]], [[Leviticus 4:5]], [[Leviticus 4:16]]).
* **Prophets:** While not directly termed mâshîyach in the same way as kings or priests, the anointing of prophets is implied, particularly in passages like [[Isaiah 61:1]], where the speaker declares, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me."
* **Cyrus:** In a remarkable and unique instance, the Persian king Cyrus is called God's "anointed" ([[Isaiah 45:1]]). This usage demonstrates God's sovereignty extending beyond Israel, utilizing even pagan rulers as instruments for His divine purposes, specifically the restoration of Jerusalem and the return of the exiles.
* **The Eschatological Messiah:** The term's most significant development is its application to the future, ideal King and Deliverer. [[Psalm 2:2]] speaks of "the Lord and against his Anointed (מְשִׁיחוֹ)," a passage understood prophetically to refer to the ultimate King-Messiah. Crucially, [[Daniel 9:25-26]] explicitly mentions "Messiah the Prince" (מָשִׁיחַ נָגִיד) and foretells that "Messiah shall be cut off," providing a key chronological and theological anchor for messianic expectation. [[Habakkuk 3:13]] also references God going forth "for the salvation of your people, for the salvation of your Anointed one." These passages form the bedrock of Old Testament messianic hope.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding `{{H4899}}` is enriched by its connections to several key terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H4886}}` (מָשַׁח - mashach):** The verbal root, meaning "to anoint, to smear." This action is the literal basis for the noun, symbolizing divine selection, consecration, and empowerment.
* **`{{G3323}}` (Μεσσίας - Messias):** This is the direct transliteration of the Hebrew mâshîyach into Greek, found in the New Testament (e.g., [[John 1:41]], [[John 4:25]]). It explicitly links the Old Testament hope to Jesus.
* **`{{G5547}}` (Χριστός - Christos):** The most common Greek translation of mâshîyach, meaning "Anointed One." This title is overwhelmingly applied to Jesus in the New Testament, signifying His fulfillment of the Old Testament messianic prophecies.
* **Spirit of the Lord:** Anointing was often accompanied by the descent of the Spirit of the Lord upon the anointed individual, signifying divine empowerment for their appointed task (e.g., [[1 Samuel 16:13]] for David).
* **King, Priest, Prophet:** These three offices represent the primary ways God's authority and revelation were mediated to Israel. The expectation of the Messiah often involved a figure who would perfectly embody and fulfill all three roles.
* **Covenant:** The concept of the "anointed one" is deeply intertwined with God's covenant promises, particularly the Davidic Covenant, which guaranteed an enduring dynasty for the anointed king ([[2 Samuel 7:12-16]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4899}}` is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Appointment and Consecration:** At its core, mâshîyach signifies that the individual's authority, power, and role are not self-derived but are divinely bestowed. It underscores a sacred, set-apart status, indicating that God has chosen and equipped them for a specific purpose within His redemptive plan.
* **Mediatorial Role:** The anointed figures in the Old Testament—kings, priests, and prophets—served as God's chosen representatives and mediators between God and His people. They were instruments through whom God administered His rule, provided atonement, and delivered His divine word.
* **Eschatological Hope and Expectation:** The most significant theological development of mâshîyach is its evolution into the specific title for the promised Redeemer. As Israel experienced political turmoil, exile, and oppression, the hope for an ultimate mâshîyach intensified. This figure was expected to be more than just another earthly king; he would be a divine agent who would deliver Israel, restore the kingdom, establish righteousness and justice, and usher in an era of peace and salvation.
* **Fulfillment in Jesus Christ:** For Christian theology, Jesus of Nazareth is the quintessential mâshîyach (Christos). He is understood to perfectly fulfill all the Old Testament messianic prophecies and roles: the ultimate King who establishes God's eternal kingdom, the perfect High Priest who offers Himself as the one sufficient sacrifice for sin, and the supreme Prophet who fully reveals God's truth. His anointing was not with oil, but with the Holy Spirit without measure ([[Luke 4:18]] citing [[Isaiah 61:1]]; [[Acts 10:38]]), signifying His unique divine empowerment and authority to accomplish God's redemptive work.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H4899}}` (מָשִׁיחַ - mâshîyach) literally means "anointed one," deriving from the verb `{{H4886}}` (mashach), "to anoint." In the Old Testament, it refers to individuals consecrated by God for special offices, primarily kings (e.g., David, [[Psalm 18:50]]) and high priests ([[Leviticus 4:3]]), signifying their divine selection and empowerment. In a singular instance, even the Persian king Cyrus is called God's "anointed" ([[Isaiah 45:1]]) for a specific divine purpose. However, the term's profoundest theological development is its application as an eschatological title for the promised deliverer of Israel. Prophetic passages like [[Psalm 2:2]] and [[Daniel 9:25-26]] point to a future, ultimate mâshîyach who would establish God's eternal kingdom. This deep-seated hope culminates in the New Testament, where mâshîyach is transliterated as `{{G3323}}` (Messias) and translated as `{{G5547}}` (Christos), definitively identifying Jesus of Nazareth as the divine "Anointed One" who perfectly fulfills the roles of King, Priest, and Prophet, bringing about salvation and eternal righteousness.
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