What does messiah mean?
In modern English, a messiah is someone presented as a saviour, deliverer, or liberator. The word has a prominent religious meaning: in Christian usage, “the Messiah” is Jesus Christ, understood as the anointed one sent to bring salvation. In broader and often secular contexts, it can refer to a political leader, reformer, or popular figure whom supporters believe will deliver a people from hardship or crisis. Such uses tend to be strongly laudatory and may also carry an ironic implication, as in references to a “messiah complex.” The word can therefore be powerful and celebratory, but it may also suggest grandiosity or cultish devotion. It is not ordinarily used for an ordinary, successful leader; the claim implied by the term is one of exceptional or even messianic importance. The expression remains prominent in religious language and modern political rhetoric.
nounA person regarded as a divinely appointed saviour or deliverer, especially Jesus Christ. More generally, it refers to a revered leader who is expected to liberate a people or bring a difficult situation to an end.
- A person regarded as a divinely appointed saviour or deliverer, especially Jesus Christ.
- A revered leader, reformer, or liberator acclaimed as a saviour by supporters.
"During the crisis, the young reformer was proclaimed a messiah by her supporters."
"Thousands gathered to hear the proclaimed messiah speak."
"For Christians, the coming of the Messiah is a central part of the biblical narrative."
The plural is uncommon and is used mainly when several different people are being described as acclaimed saviours.
"Each revolution produced its own messiahs, none of whom retained power for long."
Originally meaning “anointed,” the word became the title of Jesus and later a way to acclaim anyone who promises to save a nation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does messiah come from?
The word entered English in the late 16th century through Greek and Latin forms of the Hebrew māšîaḥ, meaning “anointed” or “one who is anointed.” Greek speakers used messias as a title for Christ, and the term passed into Latin as messias before becoming established in English. Other transliterations, including Mashiach and Massiah, reflect the same Hebrew source word.
Related word forms
How messiah is actually used
The word is capitalized when referring specifically to Jesus Christ. In the broader secular sense, it is often highly grandiose, promotional, or ironic and may imply that a leader has an exaggerated or cult-like status.
Easily confused with messiah
A messiah is a revered or expected deliverer, whereas a message is a communication, piece of information, or electronic notification.