Messiah
מָשִׁיחַ (mashiach)
The Anointed One — God's chosen deliverer and king.
Mashiach is the Hebrew word for Messiah, meaning 'anointed one.' It refers to God's promised deliverer, the king who would save His people. Christians identify Jesus of Nazareth as the fulfillment of this promise.
"Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks." — Daniel 9:25 (KJV)
Key Verses
Daniel 9:25
“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks.”Read in context
John 1:41
“He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.”Read in context
John 4:25-26
“The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H4899 — Messiah (מָשִׁיחַ (mashiach))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where מָשִׁיחַ (mashiach) appears.
Open Strong's H4899Etymology and Original Meaning
Mashiach comes from the Hebrew verb mashach, meaning 'to anoint' — to pour oil upon someone as a sign of divine commissioning. Kings, priests, and prophets were anointed in ancient Israel. Over time, 'the Mashiach' came to refer specifically to the ultimate anointed one — God's chosen deliverer who would restore Israel and establish God's eternal kingdom.
Messianic Prophecy
The Old Testament contains hundreds of prophecies pointing to the Messiah: born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), from David's line (Isaiah 11:1), a suffering servant (Isaiah 53), entering Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9), and reigning forever (Daniel 7:13-14). These prophecies span over a thousand years, creating a composite portrait of God's anointed.
Jesus as Messiah
The Greek translation of mashiach is Christos — Christ. The New Testament presents Jesus as the fulfillment of messianic prophecy. Peter's confession at Caesarea Philippi — 'Thou art the Christ' (Matthew 16:16) — is the pivotal recognition. Jesus fulfilled prophecies of both a suffering servant and a conquering king, combining roles that first-century Jews often separated.
The Messiah's Two Comings
Christians understand messianic prophecy through the lens of two comings: the first coming in humility to save (Isaiah 53), and the second coming in glory to reign (Revelation 19:11-16). This framework explains why Jesus did not immediately establish a political kingdom — His first mission was to deal with sin through the cross, with the full kingdom awaiting His return.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Messiah mean?
Messiah (mashiach) means 'anointed one.' It refers to God's promised deliverer — a king, priest, and prophet — who would save His people and establish His eternal kingdom.
Is Jesus the Messiah?
Christians affirm that Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled hundreds of Old Testament messianic prophecies through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, identifying Him as the promised Messiah (Christ).
Which Bible verse uses the word "Messiah"?
Daniel 9:25 — "Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks" (KJV). It also appears in John 1:41, John 4:25-26.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Messiah" matter?
Mashiach comes from the Hebrew verb mashach, meaning 'to anoint' — to pour oil upon someone as a sign of divine commissioning. English uses one word, "Messiah", where the Hebrew מָשִׁיחַ (mashiach) carries the fuller sense: the anointed one — god's chosen deliverer and king.
Related Words
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Messiah (מָשִׁיחַ (mashiach))
The Anointed One — God's chosen deliverer and king.
Strong's H4899 — Messiah
מָשִׁיחַ (mashiach) • The Anointed One — God's chosen deliverer and king.
Isaiah 61:1 Commentary
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Micah 5:2 Commentary
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Isaiah 9:6 — Meaning & Devotional
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