What Does the Word “Messiah” Mean?

The term Messiah comes from the Hebrew word Mashiach, meaning “Anointed One.” In ancient Israel, anointing someone with oil was a sign that they were being set apart by God for a special role—such as a king, priest, or prophet. This practice symbolized the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for a divine mission.

In Greek, Messiah translates to Christos, or Christ in English. While the Bible speaks of several individuals who were anointed—like King David or the prophet Elisha—there was always the expectation of one ultimate Messiah who would fulfill all of God’s promises: a Savior, a perfect King, and a righteous Judge.

The Messianic Prophecies

Throughout the Old Testament, numerous prophecies pointed to a coming Redeemer:

• Isaiah 7:14 – “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (God with us).”
• Micah 5:2 – The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
• Isaiah 53 – Describes the suffering servant who would bear the sins of many.
• Daniel 9:25-26 – Foretells the timing of the Messiah’s coming and His being “cut off,” a reference to His crucifixion.

Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled every one of these Messianic prophecies. He was born of a virgin (Matthew 1:22-23), in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4-7), lived a sinless life (1 Peter 2:22), died on the cross for our sins (Romans 5:8), and rose again in power (1 Corinthians 15:4).

The Imperfect “Messiahs” of the Old Testament

Figures like Saul and David were called the Lord’s anointed (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:13), but they were human and flawed. David committed adultery and murder; Saul disobeyed God and eventually turned away from Him. Although these men were chosen by God, they were types or shadows pointing toward the true and perfect Anointed One—Jesus Christ.

David himself, in Psalm 110:1, wrote, “The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’” Jesus later used this verse to show that the Messiah would be greater than even King David (Matthew 22:41–46).

Jesus: The True and Perfect Messiah

Unlike the anointed kings and prophets of the Old Testament, Jesus is the sinless Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father (John 1:1–14). He is not just anointed by God—He is God in the flesh, the second Person of the Trinity, sent to accomplish the ultimate work of redemption.

Hebrews 1:8-9

“Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever… Therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”

Jesus taught the law of God perfectly, healed the sick, cast out demons, and forgave sins—something only God can do. He was crucified, died, and rose again, proving His identity as the Christ and confirming our hope of salvation.

Salvation Through the Messiah

Jesus didn’t come just to be a teacher or a prophet—He came to save sinners and reconcile humanity to God.

Acts 4:12 

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

John 14:6:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Believing in Jesus as the Messiah isn’t just an intellectual agreement—it requires faith, repentance, and obedience. That means turning from sin, being baptized in His name (Acts 2:38), and receiving the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live in righteousness.

The Messiah Is Returning

Jesus’ first coming was for salvation. His second coming will be for judgment.

John 5:22

“The Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son.”

Revelation 19:11-16

So the question is:
Have you received Jesus as your Lord and Messiah?
Have you repented of your sins?
Have you been baptized in His name and received His Holy Spirit?

If not, today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Don’t delay. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and let Him transform your life.

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