Lexical Summary mimshach: Anointing, spreading out, expansion Original Word: מִמְשַׁח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance anointed From mashach, in the sense of expansion; outspread (i.e. With outstretched wings) -- anointed. see HEBREW mashach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom mashach Definition perhaps expanded or far-reaching wings NASB Translation anointed (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִמְשַׁח noun [masculine] dubious; only in כְּרוּב מִמְשַׁח הַסּוֺכֵךְ Ezekiel 28:14 cherub of expansion (then with Assyrian mašâhu, measure, Aramaic מְשַׁח id., etc.) that covereth, after ᵑ9 cherub extentus (far-reaching wings), "far-covering cherub," Ew (Or "umspannender"); the anointed cherub that covereth, AV RV, so Hä. Co thinks gloss, and reads אֶתכְּֿרוּב נְתַתִּיךָ; text dubious according to SiegfKau SS Buhl Berthol. מַשְׁחִית, [מַשְׁחֵת], מִשְׁחַת, [מָשְׁחָת] see שׁחת. מִשְׁחָר see שׁחר. מִשְׁטוֺחַ, [מִשְׁטָח] see שׁטח. [מִשְׁטָר] see שׁטר. Topical Lexicon Biblical occurrence Ezekiel 28:14 — “You were an anointed guardian cherub, for I had ordained you; you were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones.” Context in Ezekiel 28 Ezekiel’s lament over the king of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:11-19) quickly rises beyond any earthly monarch, describing a radiant, pre-fall being who served in the immediate presence of God. The single use of מִמְשַׁח marks this figure as uniquely consecrated yet tragically fallen. By coupling the title “anointed” with “cherub,” the prophet links the hubris of Tyre’s ruler to the primordial rebellion of a once-glorious guardian. Anointing beyond earthbound offices Priests, kings, and even furnishings were anointed for sacred service (Exodus 29:7; 1 Samuel 16:13). Here, however, anointing characterizes a celestial guardian. The consecration of an angelic being underscores that the realm of worship and stewardship begins in heaven itself. The term therefore bridges the earthly sanctuary with its heavenly counterpart. Guardian-cherub imagery Cherubim stretched their wings over the mercy seat (Exodus 25:20) and later guarded Eden (Genesis 3:24). The “anointed” cherub combined both roles: covering God’s throne and securing holy space. His original charge anticipates Jesus Christ, who “ever lives to make intercession” (Hebrews 7:25), the true Protector of God’s people. The fall and its theological weight Ezekiel 28:15-16 recounts how unrighteousness shattered the cherub’s perfection, leading to expulsion from “the holy mount of God.” The text prefigures New Testament teaching on Satan’s pride and downfall (1 Timothy 3:6; Revelation 12:7-9). Thus מִמְשַׁח stands as a hinge between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament demonology, illuminating a consistent scriptural narrative about sin’s origin. Christological contrast Where the anointed cherub failed, the true Anointed—Jesus Christ—prevails. Hebrews 1:9 cites Psalm 45:7 to affirm that the Son is anointed “above Your companions,” highlighting His superiority over every created being. The isolated use of מִמְשַׁח throws into bold relief the glory of the One whose anointing can never be forfeited. Ministry implications 1. Privilege demands humility: exalted status before God is no safeguard against pride. Summary מִמְשַׁח appears once, yet its single occurrence reverberates through biblical theology. It reveals the dignity of service in God’s immediate presence, the peril of pride, and the necessity of a flawless Anointed Redeemer. The word invites sober reflection and steadfast hope in the One who “is able to keep you from stumbling” (Jude 24). Forms and Transliterations מִמְשַׁ֖ח ממשח mim·šaḥ mimšaḥ miShachLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 28:14 HEB: אַ֨תְּ־ כְּר֔וּב מִמְשַׁ֖ח הַסּוֹכֵ֑ךְ וּנְתַתִּ֗יךָ NAS: You were the anointed cherub KJV: Thou [art] the anointed cherub INT: you cherub were the anointed covers placed 1 Occurrence |
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