Definition. Messiah is the transliteration of a Hebrew term, Mashiach. The New Testament (Greek) equivalent is Christos. Both terms mean "the anointed one." The verb mashach, found about 140 times in the Old Testament, means "to smear, anoint, or spread."

Description. The verb was frequently used for the ceremonial induction into leadership. Three types of leaders were anointed:

Prophets  represented God among the people (1 Kings 19:15-16).

Priests  represented the people before God through sacrifices and prayers (Ex. 28:40-41).

Kings  defended and ruled over the people on Gods behalf
(1 Sam.16:12-13).

Implications. The anointing meant that someone was authorized to serve God in a position of honor and responsibility. Divine enablement often accompanied the anointing. While many were anointed, only One was given the title of "the Anointed One."