Messiah
Messiah
Messiah (/mɪˈsaɪ.ə/; Hebrew: מָשִׁיחַ, Modern: Māšîaḥ, Tiberian: Māšîaḥ; in modern Jewish texts in English spelled Mashiach) is a term used in the Hebrew Bible to describe priests and kings, who were traditionally anointed with holy anointing oil as described in Exodus 30:22-25.
Etymology
The term Messiah comes from the Hebrew word māšîaḥ (מָשִׁיחַ), which means "anointed one" or "chosen one". The Greek translation Christos is the source of the English term Christ.
Usage
In the Hebrew Bible, the term Messiah is primarily used to refer to the Jewish kings from the Davidic line, who were anointed with holy anointing oil, and secondarily for the Jewish High Priest, who was anointed with the same oil. However, in Jewish eschatology, Messiah refers to a future Jewish king from the Davidic line, who will rule the united tribes of Israel and herald the Messianic Age.
In Christianity, the Messiah is called the Christ, the savior and redeemer who would bring salvation to the Jewish people and mankind. Christians believe that prophecies in the Old Testament regarding the Messiah refer to a coming leader or savior, and that these prophecies were fulfilled in the life and death of Jesus, whom they believe to be the Christ.
In Islam, the Messiah (Isa, or Jesus) is seen as a prophet and messenger of God, and the second-most important prophet in Islam after Muhammad.
Related Terms
- Anointing: The ritual act of pouring aromatic oil over a person's head or entire body.
- Christ: The Greek translation of the Hebrew Mashiach (Messiah). In Christianity, it is the title of Jesus of Nazareth.
- Eschatology: A part of theology concerned with the final events of history, or the ultimate destiny of humanity, commonly referred to as the end of the world.
- Prophet: An individual who is regarded as being in contact with a divine being and is said to speak on behalf of that being.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Messiah
- Wikipedia's article - Messiah
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