מָשִׁיחַ (ma.shi.ach)
ma.shi.ach
anointed
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 29 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mashiach denotes one who has been consecrated through anointing with oil, marking them as set apart for a sacred role. While the term translates to "anointed" and applies broadly to high priests and patriarchs, it is most frequently associated with the kings of Israel. In texts like 1 Samuel 24:7, David refuses to harm King Saul because he recognizes him as "the Lord’s anointed," viewing the office itself as holy regardless of the individual’s personal failings.
Its theological weight deepens when applied to Cyrus, the Persian king in Isaiah 45:1. By calling a foreign ruler God’s mashiach, the text expands the concept beyond Israel’s monarchy to include any leader commissioned by God for a specific purpose. This usage demonstrates that the title signifies divine appointment rather than ethnic identity or religious affiliation.
In later Jewish and Christian interpretation, the word evolved into a specific title for the expected deliverer. The Greek translation of Daniel 9:25 uses Messias, which becomes the basis for the English "Messiah." This shift reflects a growing expectation that God would ultimately install a perfect king to restore justice, moving from historical figures like David to a future, ideal ruler.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mashiach simply means anointed. It marks someone as set apart for a sacred role by God. In the Old Testament, this title applied to high priests and Israel’s kings. David refused to harm King Saul because he respected the office of the Lord’s anointed, even when Saul acted unjustly. This shows that authority comes from God, not just human merit.
The concept expands in Isaiah 45:1, where Cyrus, a foreign ruler, is called God’s anointed. This teaches us that God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes. The title eventually pointed toward a future deliverer who would bring perfect justice. For believers, this highlights God’s sovereignty over history and His commitment to restore what is broken.
Understanding this word helps us see how God chooses leaders and tools for His work. It reminds us that true authority is rooted in divine appointment. We can trust that God remains faithful to His promises, even when human leaders fail. This hope anchors our faith in His ultimate plan.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 29 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- anointed/ his6×
- [the] [one] anointed of5×
- on/ [the] [one] anointed of3×
- <the>/ anointed3×
- to/ anointed/ his2×
- anointed/ your2×
- an anointed [one]2×
- <in>/ anointed [ones]/ my2×
- for/ anointed/ my1×
- anointed/ my1×
- anointed [one]/ your1×
- [was] anointed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְשִׁיחֽ/וֹ\׃2×
- מְשִׁ֥יחַ2×
- מְשִׁ֣יחַ2×
- הַ/מָּשִׁ֖יחַ2×
- בִּ/מְשִׁ֥יחַ2×
- מָשִׁ֥יחַ1×
- מָשִׁ֣יחַ1×
- מָשִׁ֖יחַ1×
- מְשִׁיחֽ/וֹ\׃\ \פ1×
- מְשִׁיחֶֽ/ךָ\׃1×
- מְשִׁיחֶ֑י/ךָ1×
- מְשִׁיחֶ֑/ךָ1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 26:9
David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him, for who can stretch out his hand against Yahweh’s anointed, and be guiltless?”
David refuses to kill Saul because he recognizes the sacredness of the office held by Yahweh’s anointed.
-
Isaiah 45:1
Yahweh says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held to subdue nations before him and strip kings of their armor, to open the doors before him, and the gates shall not be shut:
Cyrus is called God’s anointed, showing that divine commission extends beyond Israel to foreign rulers.
-
Psalms 2:2
The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against Yahweh, and against his Anointed, saying,
Rebellious kings plot against Yahweh and His Anointed, highlighting the cosmic conflict over God’s chosen king.
-
II Samuel 22:51
He gives great deliverance to his king, and shows loving kindness to his anointed, to David and to his offspring, forever more.”
God shows loving kindness to His anointed, specifically linking this mercy to David and his offspring.
-
Leviticus 4:3
if the anointed priest sins so as to bring guilt on the people, then let him offer for his sin which he has sinned a young bull without defect to Yahweh for a sin offering.
The anointed priest offers a sin offering if he sins, showing that even consecrated leaders are accountable for their actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does mashiach mean in the Old Testament?
Is mashiach only used for Jewish kings?
How does this word relate to Jesus?
Why did David respect Saul even when he was wrong?
Every Occurrence (29 verses across 10 books)
Leviticus 3 verses
if the anointed priest sins so as to bring guilt on the people, then let him offer for his sin which he has sinned a…
Leviticus 4:5The anointed priest shall take some of the blood of the bull, and bring it to the Tent of Meeting.
Leviticus 4:16The anointed priest shall bring some of the blood of the bull to the Tent of Meeting.