ma.shi.ach denotes a person marked out in contexts of priesthood, kingship, protection, and divine action.

The term most often identifies a king or ruler designated in relation to the LORD, especially where that person is protected, strengthened, or associated with David. It also identifies the priest in Leviticus and is applied to other persons or groups, including prophets, Cyrus, and the figure described in Daniel.

1. A designated king or royal figure · dominant

   In 1 Samuel 26:9, the singular construct form occurs in David's warning not to destroy the LORD's anointed; the APB renders the clause, "who can stretch out his hand against the LORD's anointed and remain guiltless?" In 2 Samuel 22:51, the same construct form is placed alongside "his king" and then David and his offspring, while Psalm 132:17 links the term with David, a horn, and a lamp.

   1 Samuel 26:91 Samuel 26:112 Samuel 1:142 Samuel 22:512 Samuel 23:1Psalm 132:17
2. The priest identified for sacrificial service · occasional

   In Leviticus 4:3, the singular absolute form identifies the priest whose sin brings guilt on the people and who brings a bull as a sin offering. In Leviticus 4:5 and Leviticus 4:16, the same form identifies the priest who takes the bull's blood into the tent of meeting; the APB renders the phrase "The anointed priest."

   Leviticus 4:3Leviticus 4:5Leviticus 4:16
3. Other persons or groups marked out · common

   The plural construct form in Psalm 105:15 occurs in the command not to touch "my anointed ones" and not to harm "my prophets." Isaiah 45:1 applies the singular construct form to Cyrus in a clause about subduing nations, while Daniel 9:25 and Daniel 9:26 use singular absolute forms for an anointed leader or one who is cut off.

   Psalm 105:151 Chronicles 16:22Isaiah 45:1Daniel 9:25Daniel 9:26Habakkuk 3:13

In the Anselm Project Bible: Across the supplied verses, the APB commonly uses "anointed," "anointed one," or "anointed priest," and in several royal contexts it says "the LORD's anointed." Some supplied verses do not visibly render the term in the English translation, so the translation cannot by itself settle every occurrence's specific contribution.