What is the meaning of "Messiah"?

Definition and Etymology

The term “Messiah” originates from the Hebrew “Mashiach,” meaning “Anointed One.” In the Greek New Testament, this title is rendered as “Christos.” Throughout Scripture, “anointed” individuals were those set apart for a divine mandate—priests, prophets, or kings charged with special tasks. The Messianic concept, woven through many Old Testament passages, culminates in the New Testament with the person of Jesus, identified as the Christ.

Origins and Significance of Anointing in the Old Testament

From the earliest scriptural references, anointing symbolized divine approval and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. God instructed Moses to anoint Aaron and his sons, setting them apart as priests (Exodus 28–29). Similarly, prophets like Samuel anointed kings such as Saul (1 Samuel 10:1) and David (1 Samuel 16:13). This ritual signified God’s choice and foreshadowed the ultimate “Anointed One,” the Messiah who would fulfill God’s plan for redemption and restoration.

The Messianic Hope in the Hebrew Scriptures

Various Old Testament writings refer to a future Deliverer. Passages such as:

• Genesis 3:15 – Often cited as the earliest promise of a coming Redeemer who would crush evil.

• 2 Samuel 7:12–13 – Prophesies an eternal dynasty through David, pointing toward a ruler whose kingdom will never end.

• Psalm 2:2,7 – Speaks of the Lord’s Anointed and the declaration “You are My Son.”

• Isaiah 9:6–7 – Foretells a child who will bear such titles as “Mighty God,” “Everlasting Father,” and “Prince of Peace.”

• Isaiah 53 – Describes a suffering servant who would bear humanity’s sins.

• Daniel 9:25–26 – Specifically mentions “the Anointed One” who comes and is “cut off,” highlighting both His arrival and subsequent suffering.

These prophecies together provided a composite portrait: a King, a Priest, a Prophet, and a Suffering Servant. Ancient Jewish communities, such as the Qumran sect responsible for some of the Dead Sea Scrolls, anticipated this figure. Certain scroll fragments refer to a coming Redeemer who would accomplish divine deliverance.

Messiah in Intertestamental and Rabbinic Thought

Between the close of the Old Testament era and the opening of the New Testament period, Jewish writings continued discussing the anticipated Anointed One. Works like the Psalms of Solomon and the writings found among the Dead Sea Scrolls speak of a righteous leader who would bring salvation. Early rabbinic references, while diverse, often focus on the Messiah’s lineage from David and His role in final redemption.

Fulfillment in the New Testament

When the New Testament writers speak of “Jesus Christ,” they are literally calling Him “Jesus the Messiah.” Key references include:

• John 4:25–26 – The Samaritan woman mentions the Messiah, to which Jesus replies, “I who speak to you am He.”

• Matthew 16:16 – Peter’s confession: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

• Luke 4:18–21 – Jesus quotes Isaiah 61:1–2, applying the “anointed” prophecy to Himself.

• Acts 2:36 – Peter proclaims that God has made Jesus “both Lord and Christ.”

In these accounts, the New Testament authors present Jesus as the culmination of all Messianic hopes. His miracles, teachings, sacrificial death, and bodily resurrection (documented by multiple eyewitness accounts in the Gospels and attested by early Christian writers such as Clement of Rome) reflect the fulfillment of Old Testament anticipations.

Archaeological and Manuscript Corroboration

Archaeological discoveries in the region of the Levant and the meticulous cataloging of Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic manuscripts consistently show that the biblical presentation of the Messiah was not a later invention. The Dead Sea Scrolls (discovered at Qumran) date as early as the third century BC and contain fragments resonating with Messianic prophecies found in the canonical Hebrew Scriptures. Additional corroboration comes from:

• The Masoretic Text – Preserved with remarkable consistency, aligned with older sources like the Dead Sea Scrolls.

• Greek New Testament manuscripts – Such as Papyrus 52 (circa AD 125), showing close textual fidelity to latter copies.

• Josephus’ writings (late first century AD) – While debated in certain passages, still referencing the historicity of Jesus.

These documents support the reliability of the biblical message regarding a Messiah promised, expected, and proclaimed as fulfilled in Jesus.

The Role and Expectations of the Messiah

The Messiah, as portrayed in Scripture, holds several essential roles:

1. Deliverer and Redeemer – Freed people spiritually by overcoming sin (Romans 8:2) and offering reconciliation with God.

2. King and Ruler – Carries the authority to govern with justice and righteousness (Revelation 19:16).

3. High Priest – Mediates the new covenant (Hebrews 9:15), permanently interceding for believers.

4. Prophet – Announces the Word of God (John 8:26) and reveals truth by His teachings and life.

These attributes unify the biblical narrative from the Law and the Prophets to the Gospels and the Epistles, illustrating that the Messiah would be both fully human and fully divine—a theme culminating in the person of Jesus.

Messiah and the Resurrection

A pivotal sign of the Messiah’s identity in the New Testament is His resurrection. As recorded in Matthew 28:5–6, the angel at the tomb proclaimed: “He is not here; He has risen.” This event, consistently referenced in each Gospel account and affirmed by eyewitness testimonies (1 Corinthians 15:3–8), solidifies Jesus’ claim to be the prophesied Messiah and underscores the Christian hope in victory over death.

Implications for Faith and Practice

Those who embrace Jesus as the Messiah see in Him the fulfillment of millennia of prophecy. Scripture presents Him as the only path to reconciliation with God, and His teachings form the foundation for Christian ethics and worship. Through belief in His atoning work and resurrection, individuals find spiritual renewal and a call to live in a manner that reflects His character and mission.

Conclusion

The term “Messiah” is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures, describing God’s chosen, anointed Deliverer. Old Testament prophecies and Jewish intertestamental writings anticipate this figure, while the New Testament proclaims Jesus as their ultimate fulfillment. Archaeological and manuscript evidence undergirds the biblical record, pointing to a coherent testimony over centuries. At the heart of this title is the declaration that Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, is indeed the promised Anointed One—both Savior and King.