מָשִׁיחַ
Mashiach
Anointed one, Messiah
Mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ) is a Hebrew word meaning “anointed one, messiah,” pronounced “ma-SHEE-akh.” Derived from the root מ-שׁ-ח, mashiach appears 39 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H4899).
| Hebrew | מָשִׁיחַ |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Mashiach |
| Pronunciation | ma-SHEE-akh |
| Meaning | Anointed one, Messiah |
| Root Letters | מ-שׁ-ח |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 39× |
| Key Verse | Daniel 9:25 |
| Strong's Number | H4899 |
| Category | Additional Important Words |
The word that changed the world is mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ) — Messiah. Translated into Greek as 'Christos' and into English as 'Christ,' this Hebrew word literally means 'anointed one.' In ancient Israel, anointing with oil was the sacred act that consecrated someone for divine service: priests were anointed (Exodus 29:7), prophets were anointed (1 Kings 19:16), and kings were anointed (1 Samuel 16:13). When Samuel poured oil on David's head, the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him — anointing was the moment when human calling met divine empowerment. Over time, 'mashiach' came to refer specifically to the ultimate Anointed One — the king from David's line whom God would send to redeem Israel and establish His eternal kingdom. Daniel 9:25-26 prophesies the coming and cutting off of 'Mashiach the Prince.' Christians believe Jesus of Nazareth is the fulfillment of every mashiach prophecy — the anointed Prophet, Priest, and King who brings salvation to all nations.
Key Bible Verse: Daniel 9:25
“Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one (mashiach), a prince, there shall be seven weeks.”
What Is the Root of Mashiach in Hebrew?
Mashiach comes from the root מ-שׁ-ח (mem-shin-chet), meaning 'to smear, anoint.' The act of anointing with olive oil symbolized being chosen and empowered by God for a specific purpose. The same root gives us the verb 'mashach' (to anoint).
What Does Mashiach Mean in the Bible?
Mashiach appears 39 times in the Hebrew Bible. It refers to anointed kings (1 Samuel 24:6, David calls Saul 'the LORD's mashiach'), the anointed priest (Leviticus 4:3), Cyrus of Persia (Isaiah 45:1, called God's mashiach), and the eschatological Anointed One (Daniel 9:25-26, Psalm 2:2).
How Is Mashiach Used in Modern Hebrew?
The expectation of Mashiach remains central to Jewish faith. The Amidah prayer asks God to speedily bring 'the offspring of David, Your mashiach.' Maimonides listed belief in the coming of the Mashiach as one of Judaism's 13 fundamental principles of faith.
How to Use Mashiach in Prayer & Worship
Worship Jesus as the Mashiach — the Anointed Prophet who speaks God's word, the Anointed Priest who mediates for you, and the Anointed King who reigns over all. And remember: as believers, you too are anointed — 'you have an anointing from the Holy One' (1 John 2:20).
Frequently Asked Questions About Mashiach
How do you say “Anointed one” in Hebrew?
“Anointed one” in Hebrew is Mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ), pronounced “ma-SHEE-akh.” Mashiach comes from the root מ-שׁ-ח (mem-shin-chet), meaning 'to smear, anoint.' The act of anointing with olive oil symbolized being chosen and empowered by God for a specific purpose. The same root gives us the verb 'mashach' (to anoint).
What does Mashiach mean in the Bible?
Mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ) means “Anointed one, Messiah” in Biblical Hebrew. Mashiach appears 39 times in the Hebrew Bible. It refers to anointed kings (1 Samuel 24:6, David calls Saul 'the LORD's mashiach'), the anointed priest (Leviticus 4:3), Cyrus of Persia (Isaiah 45:1, called God's mashiach), and the eschatological Anointed One (Daniel 9:25-26, Psalm 2:2).
How do you pronounce Mashiach?
Mashiach is pronounced “ma-SHEE-akh.” The word comes from the Hebrew root מ-שׁ-ח.
Is Messiah and Christ the same word?
Yes — Mashiach (Hebrew) and Christos (Greek) both mean 'Anointed One.' When the New Testament calls Jesus 'the Christ,' it is declaring Him the Mashiach prophesied in the Hebrew Bible. 'Jesus Christ' is not a first and last name — it is a name and a title: 'Jesus, the Anointed One.'
What does the Bible prophesy about the Mashiach?
The Hebrew Bible prophesies that the Mashiach will be from David's line (2 Samuel 7:16), born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), anointed with God's Spirit (Isaiah 61:1), bring justice and peace (Isaiah 9:6-7), suffer for the people (Isaiah 53), and establish an eternal kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14). Christians see all these fulfilled in Jesus.
Why was anointing with oil significant?
Oil in the ancient world was precious — it healed, illuminated, and preserved. Anointing with oil symbolized God pouring His Spirit and favor upon a person for sacred service. The oil didn't create the calling; it publicly confirmed what God had already chosen. When the Spirit rushed upon David after anointing (1 Samuel 16:13), heaven's power confirmed earth's ceremony.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H4899: Mashiach
- Bible Gateway — Daniel 9:25 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for מ-שׁ-ח
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