What does Christ mean?

Answer  
  

To the surprise of some, “Christ” is not Jesus’ last name (surname). “Christ” comes from the Greek word *Christos*, meaning “[anointed](anointed.html) one” or “chosen one.” This is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word *Mashiach*, or “Messiah.” “Jesus” is the Lord’s human name given to Mary by the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:31\). “Christ” is His title, signifying Jesus was sent from God to be a King and Deliverer (see Daniel 9:25; Isaiah 32:1\). “Jesus Christ” means “Jesus the Messiah” or “Jesus the Anointed One.”  
  

In ancient Israel, when someone was given a position of authority, oil was poured on his head to signify his being set apart for God’s service (e.g., 1 Samuel 10:1\). Kings, priests, and prophets were anointed in such fashion. Anointing was a symbolic act to indicate God’s choosing (e.g., 1 Samuel 24:6\). Although the literal meaning of *anointed* refers to the application of oil, it can also refer to one’s consecration by God, even if literal oil is not used (Hebrews 1:9\).  
  

There are hundreds of prophetic passages in the Old Testament that refer to a coming Messiah who would deliver His people (e.g., Isaiah 61:1; Daniel 9:26\). Ancient Israel thought their Messiah would come with military might to deliver them from decades of captivity to earthly kings and pagan nations. But the New Testament reveals a much better deliverance provided by Jesus the Messiah—a deliverance from the power and penalty of sin (Luke 4:18; Romans 6:23\).  
  

The Bible says Jesus was anointed with oil on two separate occasions by two different women (Matthew 26:6–7; Luke 7:37–38\), but the most significant anointing came by way of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38\). Jesus’ title of “Christ” means He is God’s Anointed One, the One who fulfills the Old Testament prophecies, the Chosen Savior who came to rescue sinners (1 Timothy 1:15\), and the [King of kings](King-of-kings-Lord-of-lords.html) who is coming back again to set up His Kingdom on earth (Zechariah 14:9\).  
  

