Mashiach

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A messianic figure in Jewish tradition believed to bring about an era of peace and divine redemption for the Jewish people
2. A prophesied leader who is expected to restore Israel and enact positive change, often associated with fulfillment of biblical prophecies
3. In religious contexts, this term refers to the anointed one envisioned to deliver salvation and establish God's kingdom on Earth

Etymology: "Mashiach" is a transliteration of the Hebrew מָשִׁיחַ, which literally means "anointed one." In ancient Israel, kings and priests were anointed with oil as they took office, so the word was used for any person set apart in this way. Its root, "m-sh-ḥ," carries the sense of smearing or anointing, and the same root gives the Hebrew word for oil. Over time the term narrowed. In later Jewish writing it came to refer to a future descendant of King David who would restore Israel, and "the mashiach" became the name for this expected deliverer. English borrowed the word in this sense, which is why it appears as a term for a promised savior rather than simply for anyone who had been anointed. The spelling varies because the Hebrew sound has no exact English equivalent. "Moshiach" is the more common form in Jewish usage today, and "mashiach" reflects a closer transliteration of the original vowels.

Synonyms: messiah, savior, redeemer, deliverer, liberator