### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mâshîyach**, represented by `{{H4899}}`, means **anointed** and refers to a consecrated person. It appears 39 times across 38 unique verses in the Bible. While it is often applied to consecrated individuals such as a **king**, **priest**, or **saint**, it is also used specifically to denote the **Messiah**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4899}}` is used to identify individuals set apart for a divine purpose. Most frequently, it designates the king of Israel as "the LORD'S **anointed**" [[2 Samuel 1:16]]. This title applied to both Saul [[2 Samuel 1:21]] and David, to whom God shows mercy as His **anointed** [[Psalms 18:50]]. The term also applies to the consecrated high **priest** who offers sacrifices [[Leviticus 4:3]]. Beyond specific offices, `{{H4899}}` can refer to God's chosen people collectively, as in the command, "Touch not mine **anointed**, and do my prophets no harm" [[Psalms 105:15]]. In a unique instance, the title is given to a foreign ruler, Cyrus, whom the LORD takes by the right hand [[Isaiah 45:1]]. Prophetically, the word points to a future savior, as seen in Daniel's vision of the coming of the **Messiah** the Prince [[Daniel 9:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of divinely appointed leadership and deliverance:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This title is central to the concept of the anointed one, who often serves as a ruler on God's behalf. The LORD is presented as the ultimate **king** over all the earth [[Zechariah 14:9]].
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (a priest): The role of the anointed also extends to the priesthood, those set apart for sacred service. God's covenant with Israel established them as a kingdom of **priests** [[Exodus 19:6]].
* `{{H5057}}` **nâgîyd** (prince): This title of leadership is explicitly connected to the Messianic figure [[Daniel 9:25]]. God designated David to be **captain** over His people Israel [[2 Samuel 5:2]].
* `{{H3468}}` **yeshaʻ** (salvation): The anointed one is God's agent of deliverance. David proclaimed the LORD as his light and his **salvation** [[Psalms 27:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4899}}` is immense, establishing a pattern of divine calling and authority.
* **Divine Consecration:** The title "anointed" signifies a person or group specially chosen and set apart by God for a holy purpose. This is most evident in the recurring phrase "the LORD'S **anointed**" [[1 Samuel 24:10]], which applies to kings and priests.
* **Instrument of God's Power:** God's anointed is empowered to act as His agent on earth. The LORD gives **strength** `{{H5797}}` to His king and exalts the **horn** `{{H7161}}` of His anointed [[1 Samuel 2:10]]. God works through His anointed to bring **salvation** `{{H3468}}` to His people [[Habakkuk 3:13]].
* **Protected Status:** Harming God's chosen representative is a grave offense. David refused to stretch forth his hand against Saul, reasoning, "who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S **anointed**, and be guiltless?" [[1 Samuel 26:9]]. This protection extends to all of God's chosen people, as stated in the command, "Touch not mine **anointed**" [[1 Chronicles 16:22]].
* **Prophetic Hope of the Messiah:** The word culminates in the prophetic promise of a final, ultimate Anointed One. Daniel's prophecy specifies a timeline "unto the **Messiah** the Prince" [[Daniel 9:25]] and foretells that the **Messiah** will be "cut off" [[Daniel 9:26]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4899}}` **mâshîyach** carries profound weight, evolving from a title for consecrated human leaders to the designation for a promised divine deliverer. It defines the sacred roles of **priests** [[Leviticus 4:3]] and kings like **David** [[Psalms 18:50]], setting them apart as God's chosen instruments. The concept establishes a principle of divine authority and protection, culminating in the prophetic hope of the **Messiah** [[Daniel 9:25]], who embodies the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for salvation.
TRV