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מִמְשַׁח

𐤌𐤌𐤔𐤇

mimshach

H4473 noun

SILEX Entry

Root משח to smear, to anoint, to spread, to overlay

Definition

An outspreading, specifically referring to an expanse as with outstretched wings. In the sole attestation of this noun (Ezekiel 28:14,16), the term is used in the phrase "cherub mimshach," describing a cherub associated with some form of spreading or covering, likely in the sense of protection or oversight. Unlike the verbal root, which means 'to anoint,' this nominal form only carries the semantic field of spreading, not anointing.

Semantic Range

outspreading, spreading, overlay, covering; contextually: attribute of a cherub depicting expansive or overarching aspect (especially in Ezekiel 28:14,16)

Root / Etymology

From the root מָשַׁח (m-sh-ch), which generally means 'to smear, to anoint.' In this form, however, the nominal pattern appears to draw on a secondary semantic development of the root relating to an act of spreading or overlaying more generally. The direct connection to anointing is not present in this noun, rather the focus is on the idea of something spread out.

Historical & Contextual Notes

מִמְשַׁח (mimshach) is rare in biblical usage, with its only appearances in Ezekiel 28:14 and 28:16. In both instances, it modifies 'cherub,' suggesting a specific type or attribute of cherub as 'covering' or 'outspreading'—likely in reference to the cherub's protective, overarching wings or presence on the divine throne. Later Jewish exegetical tradition sometimes connects the word to 'anointing,' but this interpretation relies heavily on the verbal root and not the immediate context of the noun's use. The term is not directly related to liturgical anointing or consecration, nor does it parallel more common words for 'spread' (e.g., פָּרַשׂ). English translations vary, some rendering as 'anointed' cherub, others as 'covering' or 'outspread' cherub, reflecting uncertainty over the precise nuance.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from מָשַׁח, in the sense of expansion; outspread (i.e. with outstretched wings); anointed.

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Root Family

משח (m-š-ḥ) — to smear, to anoint, to spread, to overlay

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4886 מָשַׁח to be anointed
H4887 מְשַׁח anointing oil
H4888 מִשְׁחָה the anointing oil
H4893 מִשְׁחָת anointing oil of
H4899 מָשִׁיחַ in an anointed one of

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H4473-01 מִמְשַׁ֖ח mimeshach HNcmsc anointed outspreading of 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H4473-01 Ezekiel 28:14 מִמְשַׁ֖ח mimeshach HNcmsc anointed outspreading of
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