Messiah

Douay Bible, Mes·si·as

[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. 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.

Messiah

²

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

³

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.

Other Word Forms

• Messiahship noun
• Messianic adjective
• Messianically adverb
• pre-Messianic adjective
• pseudo-Messianic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Messiah¹

First recorded before 900; 1660–70 Messiah for def. 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

He’s set to begin filming the third installment of the “Dune” film franchise, titled “Dune: Messiah,” this summer, according to Deadline.

From Los Angeles Times

Villeneuve is expected to start shooting Dune Messiah, the third movie of the Dune franchise, later this year with a potential release date in 2026.

From BBC

"Many people think Mark Carney is some kind of Messiah," she said.

From BBC

Content creator Bethel Getahun won over insurance agent Messiah Hailemeskel in Latey: Looking for Love - a reality TV show that ignited debates about dating norms in the conservative East African country.

From BBC

"Many people are calling me the Messiah," he said.

From Salon

Related Words

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