What Does “Messiah” Mean in the Bible and Why It Matters for Christians

The word Messiah is one of the most significant terms in the entire Bible. It comes from the Hebrew word Mashiach, meaning “the anointed one.” In the Old Testament, anointing with oil signified being chosen and consecrated by God for a sacred mission. Kings, priests, and prophets were anointed to serve the people on God’s behalf (Exodus 29:7; 1 Samuel 10:1; 1 Kings 19:16). Yet behind these individual callings was a much greater promise — the coming of one ultimate Anointed One who would bring salvation to all.

If we look closely, this hope runs through the entire Old Testament. God promised David that one of his descendants would reign forever (2 Samuel 7:12–13). The prophet Isaiah spoke of a child who would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). The prophet Daniel also foretold the coming of an Anointed One who would establish righteousness and end sin (Daniel 9:24–26). The people of Israel waited for centuries for this promised deliverer, the Messiah, who would restore justice and bring peace.

In the New Testament, this long-awaited hope is fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. The Greek translation of Mashiach is Christos, from which we get the title Christ. When we say “Jesus Christ,” we are actually declaring “Jesus the Messiah,” or “Jesus the Anointed One.” Peter recognized this truth when he said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).

The Bible reveals that Jesus fulfills all three of the anointed offices found in Scripture — Priest, Prophet, and King. As Priest, He offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:11–12). As Prophet, He speaks the very Word of God and calls humanity to repentance (John 12:49–50). As King, He reigns not through earthly power but through mercy and truth (John 18:36). His kingdom begins now in the hearts of those who believe and will be fulfilled completely when He returns in glory.

It is important to understand that when Scripture calls Jesus a Prophet, it does not mean He is only a prophet, as some later religions or denominations claim. The prophetic role is part of His mission as the Messiah, but it does not define His full identity. Jesus is not merely a messenger who speaks about God — He is God made flesh (John 1:14). The same Lord who sent the prophets came personally to fulfill what they had foretold. This is what makes the Messiah unique: He is both the promised Savior and the divine Son, as will be seen more clearly in later questions.

Understanding what Messiah means helps us see that Christmas and Easter are part of one continuous story. The child born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:11) was the long-promised Savior — God’s own Son, anointed not with oil but with the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38). To believe in Jesus as the Messiah is to recognize that God has kept His promise and continues to invite us into His kingdom of love and redemption.

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