מָשַׁח
Mashach
To anoint, to smear with oil
Mashach (מָשַׁח) is a Hebrew word meaning “to anoint, to smear with oil,” pronounced “ma-SHAKH.” Derived from the root מ-שׁ-ח, mashach appears 70 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H4886).
| Hebrew | מָשַׁח |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Mashach |
| Pronunciation | ma-SHAKH |
| Meaning | To anoint, to smear with oil |
| Root Letters | מ-שׁ-ח |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 70× |
| Key Verse | 1 Samuel 16:13 |
| Strong's Number | H4886 |
| Category | Actions & Verbs |
The word that changed history forever comes from a simple Hebrew verb: mashach (מָשַׁח), to anoint. From this root comes 'Mashiach' — Messiah — 'the Anointed One.' In ancient Israel, anointing with oil was the act that set kings, priests, and prophets apart for God's service. When Samuel poured oil on David's head, 'the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward' (1 Samuel 16:13). The oil was not magical; it was the outward sign of an inward reality — God's Spirit empowering someone for a divine assignment. Every king of Israel was a mashiach (anointed one), but the prophets spoke of a future Mashiach who would be King, Priest, and Prophet in one — the ultimate Anointed One. Daniel 9:25 prophesies 'Mashiach the Prince.' Isaiah 61:1 says, 'The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has mashach-ed me to bring good news.' When Jesus read this passage in the Nazareth synagogue and said, 'Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing' (Luke 4:21), He was claiming to be the Mashiach — the one the entire anointing tradition pointed toward. Understanding mashach reveals that 'Christ' is not Jesus' last name but His title: Christos is the Greek translation of Mashiach, the Anointed One.
Key Bible Verse: 1 Samuel 16:13
“Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed (vayimshach) him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward.”
What Is the Root of Mashach in Hebrew?
Mashach comes from the root מ-שׁ-ח (mem-shin-chet), meaning 'to smear, to anoint.' The derived noun 'Mashiach' (Messiah) means 'Anointed One.' The Greek translation 'Christos' (Christ) carries the identical meaning. Every time you say 'Christ,' you are saying 'Mashiach' in Greek.
What Does Mashach Mean in the Bible?
Mashach appears approximately 70 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes the anointing of priests (Exodus 28:41), kings (1 Samuel 10:1, 16:13), and the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:9). The title 'Mashiach' appears in Daniel 9:25-26 as a prophetic figure, and throughout the Psalms for Israel's kings.
How Is Mashach Used in Modern Hebrew?
Jewish messianic expectation remains strong. The Amidah prayer includes a petition for the coming of the Mashiach. In Chabad tradition, the Rebbe is often associated with messianic hope. The concept of mashiach has shaped Jewish hope through exile, persecution, and return.
How to Use Mashach in Prayer & Worship
Thank God for His Mashiach — Jesus the Anointed One. Ask for a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit on your life, your work, and your ministry. The same Spirit that rushed upon David is available to empower you for your calling today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mashach
How do you say “To anoint” in Hebrew?
“To anoint” in Hebrew is Mashach (מָשַׁח), pronounced “ma-SHAKH.” Mashach comes from the root מ-שׁ-ח (mem-shin-chet), meaning 'to smear, to anoint.' The derived noun 'Mashiach' (Messiah) means 'Anointed One.' The Greek translation 'Christos' (Christ) carries the identical meaning. Every time you say 'Christ,' you are saying 'Mashiach' in Greek.
What does Mashach mean in the Bible?
Mashach (מָשַׁח) means “To anoint, to smear with oil” in Biblical Hebrew. Mashach appears approximately 70 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes the anointing of priests (Exodus 28:41), kings (1 Samuel 10:1, 16:13), and the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:9). The title 'Mashiach' appears in Daniel 9:25-26 as a prophetic figure, and throughout the Psalms for Israel's kings.
How do you pronounce Mashach?
Mashach is pronounced “ma-SHAKH.” The word comes from the Hebrew root מ-שׁ-ח.
What is the connection between Messiah and Christ?
They are the same word in different languages. Mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ) is Hebrew for 'Anointed One.' Christos (Χριστός) is its Greek translation. When the New Testament calls Jesus 'the Christ,' it is calling Him 'the Mashiach' — the Anointed King that Israel had been waiting for. 'Christ' is not a surname but a royal title.
Why was anointing done with oil?
Olive oil was one of the most precious substances in ancient Israel — used for food, light, medicine, and beauty. Anointing with oil symbolized God's Spirit being poured out on someone, empowering them for service. The oil represented abundance, blessing, and the Spirit's empowerment. Psalm 133 compares unity to 'precious oil' poured on Aaron's head.
Who was anointed in the Bible?
Three offices were anointed in Israel: priests (Exodus 28:41), kings (1 Samuel 10:1, 16:13), and occasionally prophets (1 Kings 19:16). The Mashiach was expected to fulfill all three roles. Jesus was anointed not with oil but with the Holy Spirit at His baptism (Luke 3:22), confirmed as Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15), Priest (Hebrews 4:14), and King (Revelation 19:16).
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H4886: Mashach
- Bible Gateway — 1 Samuel 16:13 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for מ-שׁ-ח
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