What does messianic mean?
Messianic is an adjective relating to a Messiah, a term for a divinely anointed deliverer or redeemer. In Jewish and Christian traditions, messianic ideas can involve expectations of a coming king, prophet, or saviour, and the adjective may describe associated prophecy, belief, hope, or movement. The word also has a figurative use for a person, cause, event, or historical period portrayed as bringing ultimate renewal or salvation, as in political language about revolution or utopian transformation. This figurative application can be neutral, but it often carries critical implications because it may suggest claims of unprecedented importance or perfect deliverance. Messianic is related etymologically to Messiah and messianism, ultimately reflecting the Hebrew concept of the “anointed one.”
adjectiveRelating to the Messiah, especially to expectations of a divinely appointed deliverer. By extension, it describes beliefs or movements that regard a particular person, event, or era as a decisive salvation or renewal.
- Relating to the Messiah or to Jewish, Christian, or other traditions concerning an expected redeemer.
- Characterizing a person, movement, or doctrine that expects or claims a decisive divinely appointed deliverance.
- Used metaphorically for a person, event, or era presented as bringing sweeping moral, political, or social renewal.
"The sermon drew on a long tradition of messianic prophecy."
"The movement combined messianic expectations with intense political protest."
"Some commentators use messianic language when describing the reformer's appeal to a transformed age."
"The passage was interpreted as a messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus."
A word shaped by the Hebrew idea of an “anointed one,” “messianic” still lends its name to political and religious dreams of ultimate redemption.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does messianic come from?
Messianic entered English in the early 17th century from the New Latin form messianus, derived from messias, “Messiah.” The Latin word continues Greek messias, itself a Greek rendering of Hebrew māšîaḥ, “anointed one.” The same root also underlies Messiah, messianism, and the verb messianize, the last of which is uncommon.
Related word forms
How messianic is actually used
The term is most common in theology and religious history, but it is also used figuratively in political and cultural commentary. In such extended use, it can sound critical or polemical, especially when applied to revolutionary or utopian claims.
Easily confused with messianic
Messiah is a noun for the anointed or chosen deliverer, especially Jesus in Christian belief, whereas messianic is an adjective describing beliefs, expectations, or claims connected with such a deliverer.