Bible Dictionary
APPOINT
To appoint means to designate, select, assign, place in charge, send, or command. Scripture frequently presents God as directing people, offices, events, and circumstances for particular purposes.
Definition
To appoint is to stipulate, designate, select, assign, send, command, place in office, or put in charge. The word covers a broad range of actions by which people, offices, duties, events, and circumstances are given a particular position or purpose.
Biblical Usage
Biblical usage includes appointing officers, selecting people, assigning duties, setting places apart, sending persons, and commanding action. The supplied material also presents God as calling men into office and using events and forces of nature for special purposes.
Historical Background
The English word represents numerous Hebrew originals and the Greek term used for designation or selection. Their meanings range from placing in office to choosing and commanding.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a-point': This word is used for the expression of a large variety of ideas and the translation of almost as many words. naqabh = "stipulate" (Ge 30:28). paqadh = "put into office" (Ge 41:34; Nu 1:50; Es 2:3); "select" (Jer 51:27); "put in charge" (Jer 49:19; 50:44); "assign" (Nu 4:27; Jer 15:3); "send" (Le 26:16); "designate," "select" (Ex 21:13; Nu 4:19; 2Sa 7:10; Isa 61:3); "single out" (1Sa 8:11,12; Ho 1:11). nathan = "designate," "select" (Nu 35:6 the King James Version; Jos 20:2 the King James Version; Eze 45:6); "set aside" (Ex 30:16). shith = "designate," "select" (Job 14:13; Isa 26:1). So also `amadh (1Ch 15:16; Ne 7:3); so shalach (1Ki 5:9); qarah (Nu 35:11). tsawah = "choose" (2Sa 6:21). bachar = "select" (2Sa 15:15 the King James Version). 'amar = "command" (1Ki 5:6 the King James Version). tithemi = "designate," "select" (Mt 24:51; Lu 12:46). A careful reading of the above passages will bring to mind the doctrine that with reference to the world's work, God Himself calls men into office, selecting them from among the multitude and setting them aside for His special purposes; and that He calls to His assistance not only men but also events and forces of Nature (Le 26:16).</p><p>Frank E. Hirsch</p>