Messiah

The term "Messiah" appears twice in the New Testament, both times in the Gospel of John (Jhn.1.41; 4:25). The word "Messiah" comes from the Hebrew "mashiach," meaning "anointed one." In the Old Testament, this term was used for kings, priests, and prophets who were anointed with oil as a sign of their divine appointment. <BR>In the New Testament, "Messiah" is used as a title for Jesus Christ, indicating his role as the promised savior and deliverer of God's people. In Jhn.1.41, Andrew tells his brother Simon Peter, "We have found the Messiah" (which means Christ). In Jhn.4.25, the Samaritan woman at the well says to Jesus, "I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ)." <BR>The Greek equivalent of "Messiah" is "Christos," from which the title "Christ" is derived. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is identified as the Messiah, the one anointed by God to bring salvation and establish his kingdom.