Messiah
"Anointed one" — the promised deliverer of Israel foretold throughout the Old Testament, whom Christians believe was fulfilled in Jesus Christ ("Christ" itself being the Greek translation of the same title).
An Old Testament Hope
The Hebrew mashiach, "anointed one," originally described kings and priests consecrated with oil for their office, but came to refer specifically to a future deliverer many Old Testament prophets foretold — one who would restore Israel and establish God's reign. Different strands of Jewish expectation emphasized different aspects of this hope: a royal descendant of David, a suffering servant, or a more directly divine figure, expectations the New Testament presents Jesus as bringing together rather than fulfilling only one.
"Christ" Means "Messiah"
"Christ" is not Jesus' surname but a title — the Greek Christos, meaning exactly the same thing as the Hebrew mashiach: "anointed one." When the New Testament calls Jesus "Christ," it is making the same claim as calling him "Messiah": that he is the promised, anointed deliverer the Old Testament looked forward to, now understood by Christians not primarily as a political liberator but as the one who saves humanity from sin and death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'Christ' Jesus' last name?
No — "Christ" is a title, the Greek translation of "Messiah," meaning "anointed one"; it functions as a claim about who Jesus is, not a family name.
Did all Jews in Jesus' time expect the same kind of Messiah?
No — different strands of Jewish expectation emphasized different aspects (a royal descendant of David, a suffering servant, a more directly divine figure), and the New Testament presents Jesus as bringing these together.