Hook Statement
Many people treat “Christ” as a name — but in Scripture it describes a role. Understanding that difference changes how we understand Jesus and his mission.
Short Description
Explore the biblical meaning of the title “Christ,” its original purpose, and how it explains the mission and life of Jesus of Nazareth.
Introduction
Many people treat the word Christ as if it
were part of Jesus’ personal name.
In the Scriptures, however, it functions as a title.
Understanding that title is necessary before any discussion
about who Jesus is can be meaningful. A misunderstanding of the word produces a
misunderstanding of the person.
For the full definition of Jesus as the Christ, see: Christology
of Jesus of Nazareth.
The question is therefore simple:
What did the word Christ originally mean?
The Hebrew Word Mashiach
The English word Christ comes from the
Greek Christos.
The Greek word translates the Hebrew term Mashiach.
Mashiach means anointed one.
In the Hebrew Scriptures, anointing involved applying oil to
a person as a visible sign that God had appointed him to a role. The act did
not change the person’s nature; it identified his commission.
The anointing indicated:
- selection
by God
- authorization
for a task
- responsibility
to carry out a mission
The authority belonged to God.
The anointed person carried it.
Therefore the meaning of Christ begins with
appointment, not identity of essence.
Who Were Called “Anointed”
The Hebrew Scriptures apply anointing to multiple kinds of
servants. The title did not belong to only one category of person.
Kings
Kings were anointed to govern the people under God’s law.
Their authority depended on their faithfulness to God’s will.
Prophets
Prophets were set apart to speak God’s message.
They did not speak from themselves but conveyed what they received.
Judges and Chosen Servants
Certain leaders were raised for specific purposes —
deliverance, guidance, or restoration — and were recognized as chosen
instruments of God.
In every case, the pattern remains consistent:
The anointed person serves under God.
God does not serve under the anointed person.
Thus, the title describes function and relationship, not
divinity.
What Anointing Does Not Mean
Because the term later became associated with developed
theological systems, assumptions were attached to it that are not present in
its original usage.
Within the scriptural framework, anointing does not mean:
- The
person becomes God,
- the
person possesses independent divine authority
- The
person cannot obey or disobey
- the
person is removed from human responsibility
Instead, anointing establishes accountability.
The one chosen must act faithfully because he acts on behalf of God.
The greater the commission, the greater the responsibility.
Understanding this prevents the title from being interpreted
in ways unrelated to its original purpose.
Applying the Title to Jesus of Nazareth
When the title Christ is applied to Jesus,
the meaning must remain consistent with its established scriptural usage.
The title identifies him as:
- appointed
by God
- sent
with purpose
- authorized
to carry out God’s will
His authority therefore reflects the One who appointed him.
The focus shifts from speculation about nature to
recognition of mission.
The title explains why he teaches, acts, and calls others to live in a
particular way.
Rather than redefining the word, the Scriptures apply the
existing word to a specific person whose life embodies its meaning.
Why the Meaning Matters
If Christ is understood as a role of divine
appointment, then his life becomes instructional.
His actions demonstrate how a servant of God lives.
His obedience shows what faithfulness looks like in practice.
His teaching calls others to the same alignment with God.
If the word is misunderstood, the practical purpose of his
life becomes unclear.
But when understood in its original sense, the title connects identity and
responsibility.
Christ is not merely identified — he is followed.
Q&A Portion
Q: Is “Christ” the last name of Jesus?
No. “Christ” is a title meaning the anointed one — a person appointed and empowered for a divine purpose.
Q: Does the title automatically mean divinity?
In biblical usage, it identifies a chosen and commissioned servant, not a separate deity.
Q: Why is understanding the title important?
Because the mission of Jesus is understood through what the anointing signifies — authority, responsibility, and obedience.
Q: Can someone believe in Jesus but misunderstand “Christ”?
Yes. Many focus on identity labels while overlooking the function the title describes.
Conclusion
The word Christ does not function as a
surname.
It is a description of calling.
From the Hebrew Scriptures onward, the anointed one is a
servant chosen by God and entrusted with a task. The title defines mission and
authority within a relationship of obedience.
Understanding the title clarifies how Jesus is to be
understood and why his life carries meaning for those who listen to his
teaching.
This role is summarized in the central reference: Christology
of Jesus of Nazareth.
Call to Action
Consider the difference between a name and a calling. Re-examine familiar terms and let their original meaning guide your understanding. Share this with someone studying the life and mission of Jesus.
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