of Hebrew origin (מָשִׁיחַ); the Messias (i.e. Mashiach), or Christ:--Messias.
Transliteration:Messías
Pronunciation:mes-see'-as
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Μεσσίας (Messías, `{{G3323}}`) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew word מָשִׁיחַ (mashiach, `{{H4899}}`), which means "anointed one." The core meaning thus points to an individual who has been consecrated or set apart by anointing, typically with oil, for a specific divine purpose or office. In the ancient Near East and Israel, kings, priests, and sometimes prophets were anointed, signifying their divine appointment and empowerment. The semantic range of Messías specifically narrows this general meaning to refer to *the* Anointed One, the anticipated deliverer and king of Israel, whose coming was prophesied in the Old Testament. The New Testament explicitly links this term to Χριστός (Christos, `{{G5547}}`), the Greek equivalent of "anointed one," underscoring its specific eschatological and redemptive significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Μεσσίας (Messías, `{{G3323}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, both within the Gospel of John, and in both instances, the evangelist immediately provides its Greek translation, Χριστός (Christos, `{{G5547}}`).
1. **[[John 1:41]]**: Andrew declares to his brother Simon Peter, "We have found the Messiah" (εὑρήκαμεν τὸν Μεσσίαν). John then clarifies, "which means Christ" (ὅ ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενον Χριστός). This occurrence highlights the initial recognition of Jesus' identity by His earliest disciples. Andrew's declaration reflects a direct fulfillment of Jewish messianic expectation, immediately interpreted for a broader audience by the evangelist.
2. **[[John 4:25]]**: The Samaritan woman at the well says to Jesus, "I know that Messiah is coming (who is called Christ)" (Οἶδα ὅτι Μεσσίας ἔρχεται, ὁ λεγόμενος Χριστός). Jesus' subsequent response, "I who speak to you am he," directly confirms His identity as the long-awaited Messiah. This passage is significant because it shows that messianic expectation was not confined to Judea but was also present among the Samaritans, and that Jesus openly affirmed this identity even to an outcast woman.
In both contexts, the term Messías serves as a bridge, connecting the specific Jewish expectation with the broader Christian understanding of Jesus as the Christ. John's immediate translation emphasizes the continuity of God's plan and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Jesus.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Μεσσίας (Messías, `{{G3323}}`) naturally involves several interconnected terms and ideas:
* **מָשִׁיחַ (mashiach, `{{H4899}}`):** The direct Hebrew origin of Messías. This term is used throughout the Old Testament to refer to divinely appointed individuals, such as kings (e.g., David, [[1 Samuel 16:6]]), priests (e.g., [[Leviticus 4:3]]), and even a foreign king like Cyrus ([[[[Isaiah 45:1]]]]), all of whom were "anointed" for their roles. Over time, it developed a specific eschatological sense, referring to the ultimate deliverer.
* **Χριστός (Christos, `{{G5547}}`):** The Greek translation of mashiach, meaning "Anointed One." This is the predominant term used in the New Testament to refer to Jesus, becoming virtually a proper name for Him (Jesus Christ). Its widespread use signifies the universal application of Jesus' messianic identity beyond Jewish confines.
* **Anointing:** The act of anointing (Hebrew: מָשַׁח `{{H4886}}`; Greek: χρίω `{{G5548}}`) is foundational to the concept of the Messiah. In the New Testament, Jesus' anointing is understood not through physical oil but by the Holy Spirit (e.g., [[Luke 4:18]], [[Acts 10:38]]), signifying His divine empowerment for His prophetic, priestly, and kingly offices.
* **King, Priest, Prophet:** The traditional roles associated with anointing in the Old Testament provide the framework for understanding the multifaceted nature of the Messiah's work. Jesus is understood to fulfill all three roles perfectly.
* **Son of David:** A key messianic title (`{{H1732}}`) rooted in Old Testament prophecy (e.g., [[2 Samuel 7:12-16]]), emphasizing the Messiah's royal lineage and eternal kingdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Μεσσίας (Messías, `{{G3323}}`) is profound and central to Christian theology:
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The term encapsulates the culmination of centuries of Old Testament expectation concerning a coming deliverer. Jesus' identification as the Messiah signifies that God's promises to Israel, particularly those concerning a king from David's line, have been faithfully fulfilled in Him.
* **Divine Appointment and Empowerment:** To be the "Anointed One" implies divine election and empowerment. Jesus' messianic identity signifies that He was specifically chosen and equipped by God, through the Holy Spirit, for His unique redemptive mission. His anointing is not merely ceremonial but a dynamic reality of divine presence and authority.
* **Redemptive Identity:** The Messiah's role is inherently redemptive. He is the one who brings salvation, liberates humanity from sin and death, and establishes God's righteous kingdom. While Jewish expectations often focused on a political liberator, the New Testament reveals Jesus as a suffering servant (cf. [[Isaiah 53]]) who achieves spiritual liberation through His atoning sacrifice.
* **Bridging Old and New Covenants:** The use of Messías by John, alongside its Greek equivalent Christos, serves as a crucial theological bridge. It affirms the continuity of God's salvific plan from the Old Covenant, rooted in the promises to Israel, to the New Covenant, inaugurated by Jesus Christ, which extends salvation to all nations.
* **Identity of Jesus:** Ultimately, the term Messías is integral to understanding the identity of Jesus of Nazareth. He is not merely a prophet or a good teacher, but the divinely appointed, long-awaited Anointed One, the Christ, through whom God's ultimate purposes for creation and humanity are realized.
### Summary
Μεσσίας (Messías, `{{G3323}}`) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew mashiach (`{{H4899}}`), meaning "Anointed One." It appears exclusively in John's Gospel ([[[[John 1:41]]]], [[John 4:25]]), where it is consistently clarified by its Greek equivalent, Χριστός (Christos, `{{G5547}}`). The term denotes a divinely appointed individual, specifically the long-awaited deliverer and king prophesied in the Old Testament. Its theological significance lies in its affirmation of Jesus as the fulfillment of messianic prophecies, divinely chosen and empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish God's redemptive plan. The dual usage of Messías and Christos in John's Gospel underscores the continuity between Jewish expectation and the universal Christian confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Anointed One who brings salvation.
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