Messiah

/mi'saiə/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The awaited king of the Jews; the promised and expected deliverer of the Jewish people: In Judaism, the Messiah is a future, prophesied leader from the line of King David who will restore Israel and bring peace to the world.
    • Jesus Christ; considered by Christians to be the promised deliverer: In Christianity, Jesus of Nazareth is believed to be the Messiah (often called Christ, which is the Greek translation of Messiah) who came to deliver humanity from sin.
    • Any expected deliverer or savior: A person who is expected to save or liberate a group of people from a difficult situation.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:
    • For centuries, Jewish people have prayed for the coming of the Messiah.
    • Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah who was prophesied in the Old Testament.
    • After the war, the people hailed the general as their political messiah.
Advanced Usage
  • "messianic" (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of a messiah or messianic belief.
    • The leader's messianic fervor inspired his followers.
  • "messianism" (noun): Belief in the coming of a messiah, or belief in a leader as a savior.
    • The cult was built on a foundation of strong messianism.
Variants and Related Words
  • Messiah (capitalized): When capitalized, it specifically refers to the Jewish or Christian concept.
    • They were waiting for the Messiah.
  • Christ: The Greek translation of "Messiah," used as a title for Jesus.
  • Savior: A more general term for a person who saves someone or something from danger.
Synonyms
  • Deliverer: One who rescues or liberates.
  • Savior: One who saves from harm or danger.
  • Redeemer: One who redeems or saves, especially from sin.
Related Phrases and Idioms
  • "A messiah complex": A psychological state in which a person believes they are a savior or are destined to become one.
    • The dictator was said to suffer from a messiah complex.
Noun
  1. an oratorio composed by Handel in 1742
  2. the awaited king of the Jews; the promised and expected deliverer of the Jewish people
  3. Jesus Christ; considered by Christians to be the promised deliverer
  4. any expected deliverer