Topical Encyclopedia The term "Messiah" (Hebrew: מָשִׁיחַ, Mashiach) and its Greek equivalent "Christ" (Χριστός, Christos) mean "Anointed One." In the Old Testament, the concept of an anointed figure is deeply rooted in the practices of anointing kings, priests, and prophets, signifying their consecration and divine appointment. The anticipation of a future Messiah, a deliverer and king, is a central theme in Jewish eschatology and is fulfilled in the New Testament through the person of Jesus Christ.Old Testament Background The expectation of a Messiah is woven throughout the Old Testament. The first hint of a coming deliverer is found in Genesis 3:15, often referred to as the Protoevangelium, where God promises that the seed of the woman will crush the serpent's head. This promise sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of redemption. The Davidic Covenant, as recorded in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, further develops the messianic hope by promising that David's throne will be established forever. This covenant is foundational for the Jewish expectation of a Messiah who would be a descendant of David and reign with justice and righteousness. Prophetic books such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel provide additional insights into the nature and mission of the Messiah. Isaiah 9:6-7 speaks of a child born to us, a son given, who will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 53 presents the Messiah as a suffering servant who bears the iniquities of the people. Daniel 7:13-14 describes a "Son of Man" who is given dominion and glory, an everlasting kingdom that will not pass away. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the term "Messiah" is explicitly linked to Jesus of Nazareth. The Gospel of Matthew opens with a genealogy that traces Jesus' lineage back to David, emphasizing His rightful claim to the messianic title (Matthew 1:1). The angel's announcement to Mary in Luke 1:31-33 declares that her son will inherit the throne of David and reign over the house of Jacob forever. Jesus Himself affirms His messianic identity in various ways. In John 4:25-26, during His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, He reveals, "I who speak to you am He," in response to her mention of the coming Messiah. In Matthew 16:16-17, Peter's confession, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," is met with Jesus' affirmation of this revelation from the Father. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are central to His messianic mission. As the suffering servant, He fulfills the prophecies of Isaiah 53, taking upon Himself the sins of humanity. His resurrection is the ultimate vindication of His messianic claims, as Paul writes in Romans 1:4, "and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord." Messianic Titles and Roles Throughout the New Testament, various titles and roles are ascribed to Jesus, each reflecting different aspects of His messianic mission. He is the "Son of David" (Matthew 21:9), emphasizing His royal lineage. As the "Son of Man" (Mark 10:45), He identifies with humanity and fulfills the vision of Daniel. He is the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), signifying His role as the sacrificial atonement for sin. The Book of Hebrews presents Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, surpassing the Levitical priesthood and offering a once-for-all sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 4:14-16; 9:11-14). Revelation portrays Him as the triumphant King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who will return to establish His eternal kingdom (Revelation 19:11-16). Conclusion The concept of the Messiah is a cornerstone of biblical theology, fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus embodies the hopes and promises of the Old Testament, inaugurating the kingdom of God and offering salvation to all who believe. ATS Bible Dictionary Messiah or MessiasAnointed, a title given principally, or by way of eminence, to that sovereign Deliverer promised to the Jews. They were accustomed to anoint their kings, high priests, and sometimes prophets, when they were set apart to their office; and hence the phrase, "to anoint" for an employment, sometimes signifies merely a particular designation or choice for such an employment. Cyrus, who founded the empire of the Persians, and who set the Jews at liberty, is called, Isaiah 45:1, "the anointed of the Lord;" and in Ezekiel 28:14, the epithet "anointed" is given to the king of Tyre. But, as we have already observed, MESSIAH is the designation given by the Hebrews, eminently, to that Savior and Deliverer whom they expected, and who was promised to them by all the prophets. As the holy unction was given to kings, priests, and prophets, by describing the promised Savior of the world under the name of Christ, Anointed, or Messiah, it was sufficiently evidenced that the qualities of king, prophet, and highpriest would eminently center in him, and that he should exercise them not only over the Jews but over all mankind, and particularly over those who should receive him as their Savior. See CHRIST. That Jesus Christ was the true MESSIAH of the Old Testament, the "Shiloh" of Jacob, the "Redeemer" of Job, the "Angel of the Covenant," is abundantly clear. The time of his appearance was predicted in Genesis 49:10 Daniel 9:20,25 Haggai 2:7 Malachi 3:1. At the time when the Savior actually came, and then only, could these predictions meet: then the seventy weeks of years were ended; and soon after, the scepter was torn forever from the hands of Judah, the only tribe that could then claim the headship of the Jews; and the temple in which the Messiah was to appear was annihilated. Then also the genealogical lists were extant, which proved the descent of Christ from the line predicted. Numerous and clear detached predictions respecting the birth, character, life, sufferings, and death of Christ, his resurrection, ascension, and kingdom, were all in him perfectly fulfilled, John 1:41 4:25. Greek 3323. Messias -- Messiah, the OT title corresponding to Christ ... Messias. 3324 . Messiah, the OT title corresponding to Christ. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Messias Phonetic Spelling: (mes-see'-as) Short ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3323.htm - 6k Library "We have Found the Messias" Preaching for the Poor The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ... Appendix xiv. The Law in Messianic Times. The Dove of God Elucidations. The First Disciples. At Jacob's Well The Name Above Every Name The Servant of the Lord Resources What does Messiah mean? | GotQuestions.orgWhich psalms predict the coming of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.org Does the Old Testament truly predict a second advent of the Messiah? | GotQuestions.org Messiah: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |