What does Messiah mean?

• A. Anointed One
• B. Messiah is a military ruler only
• C. Prophet of God
• D. Servant of the Lord

Answer: (A)

Messiah means the Anointed One. In Hebrew, mashiach describes someone set apart by God for a special task, marked by anointing with oil—usually a king, priest, or prophet commissioned for a divine mission. The word signals divine appointment rather than a single specific job, so it isn’t limited to a military ruler even though some expectations included political deliverers. In Christian faith, Jesus is identified as the Messiah (the Christ) because he embodies that anointing for salvation. The other options point to roles Jesus can fulfill (prophet, servant, or a political ruler) but they don’t capture the essential idea of being divinely designated and empowered as God’s chosen one.