מָשַׁח (ma.shach)
ma.shach
to anoint
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 61 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb mashach means to smear or spread a liquid, most commonly oil, over a surface. In the Old Testament, this physical act carries significant weight as a ritual of consecration. By rubbing oil on a person or object, the Israelites set it apart for sacred use, marking a transition from ordinary to holy status.
While the word can describe painting a house with color (Jeremiah 22:14) or treating leather shields to make them durable (Isaiah 21:5), its primary biblical function is religious inauguration. It establishes priests (Exodus 28:41), prophets (1 Kings 19:16), and kings (1 Samuel 10:1). The act signifies that the individual or item now belongs to God’s service.
Translators typically render mashach as "anoint," which captures the ceremonial gravity of the term. The sources highlight that this was not merely decorative but a formal installation into an office, such as when David was anointed king in Bethlehem (1 Samuel 16:13). The physical application of oil served as the visible seal of divine selection and authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mashach describes the physical act of pouring or rubbing oil over someone or something to set them apart for God. In the Old Testament, this ritual marked a serious transition from ordinary life to sacred service. When Moses anointed Aaron and his sons, he was not just applying a perfume; he was publicly confirming that these men now belonged entirely to Yahweh’s work.
This practice reminds us that our roles in the church are also gifts of grace, not achievements we earn. Just as the oil signified God’s choice, your service flows from His selection rather than your own strength. The ritual points forward to Jesus, the true Anointed One, who fulfills all priestly and kingly duties perfectly.
When you serve today, remember that you are part of a long line of believers called to holy work. God sets us apart not for our pride, but for His glory and the good of others. This assurance helps us serve with confidence, knowing that He who calls us is faithful to complete the work He began in us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 61 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ you will anoint11×
- and/ he anointed6×
- smeared4×
- and/ they anointed4×
- you will anoint3×
- was anointed3×
- I anoint/ you3×
- you anointed2×
- he has anointed/ you2×
- and/ they anointed/ him2×
- to/ anoint/ you1×
- to/ anoint1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מָשַׁחְתָּ֥4×
- מְשֻׁחִ֣ים3×
- תִּמְשַׁ֥ח2×
- מְשַׁחְתִּ֥י/ךָֽ2×
- וּ/מָשַׁחְתָּ֣2×
- וַ/יִּמְשַׁ֨ח2×
- וַ/יִּמְשַׁ֥ח2×
- וַ/יִּמְשְׁח֧וּ2×
- הִמָּשַׁ֣ח2×
- תִּמְשָׁ֑ח1×
- נִמְשַׁ֨ח1×
- מֹשְׁחִ֨ים1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 29:7
Then you shall take the anointing oil, and pour it on his head, and anoint him.
This verse specifies pouring oil on the head as the definitive act of consecration for the high priest, establishing the pattern for royal and prophetic anointing.
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Exodus 28:41
You shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to me in the priest’s office.
This command connects the physical act of anointing directly with the legal and spiritual status of ministering in the priest’s office, showing that the oil signifies official authority.
-
Leviticus 8:12
He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.
The specific detail of pouring oil on Aaron’s head illustrates the abundance of the Spirit’s presence required for high priestly duties.
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Numbers 7:10
The princes gave offerings for the dedication of the altar in the day that it was anointed. The princes gave their offerings before the altar.
This verse shows that the anointing of the altar was a communal event where leaders presented offerings, linking sacred space with corporate worship.