Messiah

[ mi-sahy-uh ]

noun

1. the Messiah, the promised and expected deliverer of the Jewish people.
2. the Messiah, Jesus Christ, regarded by Christians as fulfilling the Old Testament promise and expectation of a deliverer.
3. Usually messiah. any expected deliverer or savior:

   Despite the promise and potential that his election represents, we have to accept that our desire for a messiah to bring us sweeping change is not realistic.

4. Usually messiah. a zealous leader of some cause or project:

   She was a charismatic, powerful messiah who led her party to numerous political victories.

5. (italics) an oratorio (1742) by George Frideric Handel.

Messiah

/ mɪˈsaɪə /

noun

1. Judaism the awaited redeemer of the Jews, to be sent by God to free them
2. Jesus Christ, when regarded in this role
3. an exceptional or hoped for liberator of a country or people

Messiah

¹

1. In Judaism and Christianity , the promised “anointed one” or Christ ; the Savior. Christians (see also Christian ) believe that Jesus was the Messiah who delivered mankind from original sin (see also original sin ). Jews (see also Jews ) believe that the Messiah has not yet come.

Messiah

²

1. An oratorio by George Frederick Handel on the life of Jesus . Written for solo singers, chorus, and orchestra , it contains the “ Hallelujah Chorus .” In the United States, it is often sung during the Christmas season.

Messiah

³

1. For Jews (see also Jews ) and Christians (see also Christian ), the promised “anointed one” or Christ ; the Savior. Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah who delivered mankind from its sins. Jews believe that the Messiah has not yet come.

Derived Forms

• Mesˈsiahˌship, noun

Other Words From

• Mes·si·ah·ship noun
• Mes·si·an·ic [mes-ee-, an, -ik], adjective
• Mes·si·an·i·cal·ly adverb
• pre-Mes·si·an·ic adjective
• pseu·do-Mes·si·an·ic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Messiah¹

First recorded before 900; 1660–70 Messiah fordef 4; from Late Latin Messīās, from Greek Messī́ās, from Aramaic mĕshîkha, from Hebrew māshîakh, literally, “anointed,” from māshakh “to anoint”

Word History and Origins

Origin of Messiah¹

C14: from Old French Messie, ultimately from Hebrew māshīach anointed

Example Sentences

“Yes, he did live in Egypt for three-and-a-half years. But it was not illegal. If he had broken the law, then he would have been sinful and he would not have been our Messiah.”

From Salon

The success of Get Out propelled Kaluuya to global fame, leading to roles in Black Panther and an Oscar-winning performance in Judas and the Black Messiah.

From BBC

“What is it like to grow up with the Messiah as your brother?” said Burgess.

From Los Angeles Times

“But I had always thought of it as an oratorio,” along the lines of Handel’s “Messiah.”

From Seattle Times

If you get sucked into a cult, there is this psychology of worshipping the Dear Leader, he or she is omniscient, the Messiah.

From Salon

Related Words

• defender
• guardian angel
• hero
• liberator
• protector
• salvation