Changes

[[Christians]] believe that prophecies in the [[Hebrew Bible]] refer to a [[spiritual]] savior, partly evidenced in passages from the [[Book of Isaiah|Isaiah]] "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:  The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.""But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;

[[Christians]] believe that prophecies in the [[Hebrew Bible]] refer to a [[spiritual]] savior, partly evidenced in passages from the [[Book of Isaiah|Isaiah]] "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:  The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.""But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.", and believe [[Jesus]] to be that Messiah (Christ). The ([[Greek]]) [[Septuagint]] version of the [[Old Testament]] renders all thirty-nine instances of the Hebrew word for ''anointed'' (''Mašíaḥ'') as ''Khristós'' (Χριστός) [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=messiah]. The [[New Testament]] records the Greek transliteration Μεσσίας, ''Messias'', twice, in [[Gospel of John|John]].

the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.", and believe [[Jesus]] to be that Messiah (Christ). The ([[Greek]]) [[Septuagint]] version of the [[Old Testament]] renders all thirty-nine instances of the Hebrew word for ''anointed'' (''Mašíaḥ'') as ''Khristós'' (Χριστός) [https://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=messiah]. The [[New Testament]] records the Greek transliteration Μεσσίας, ''Messias'', twice, in [[Gospel of John|John]].

In [[Islam]], (Jesus) is also called the Messiah (''Masih''), but like in [[Judaism]] he is not considered to be the literal physical Son of God.

In [[Islam]], (Jesus) is also called the Messiah (''Masih''), but like in [[Judaism]] he is not considered to be the literal physical Son of God.

== Judaism ==

== Judaism ==

The concept of the messiah is neither common nor unified in the [[Tanakh]]. The term is used in the [[Hebrew Bible]] to describe Israelite priests, [[prophet]]s, and kings who were anointed with oil in consecration to their respective offices. For example, [[Cyrus the Great]], the king of Persia, is referred to as "God's anointed" (Messiah) in the Bible. As explained by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan,[http://jewsforjudaism.org/index2.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=5&Itemid=47 online here]

The concept of the messiah is neither common nor unified in the [[Tanakh]]. The term is used in the [[Hebrew Bible]] to describe Israelite priests, [[prophet]]s, and kings who were anointed with oil in consecration to their respective offices. For example, [[Cyrus the Great]], the king of Persia, is referred to as "God's anointed" (Messiah) in the Bible. As explained by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan,[https://jewsforjudaism.org/index2.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=5&Itemid=47 online here]

<blockquote>The Hebrew word for “Messiah” is “Moshiach” The literal and proper translation of this word is “anointed,” which refers to a ritual of anointing and consecrating someone or something with oil. (I Samuel 10:1-2) It is used throughout the Jewish Bible in reference to a wide variety of individuals and objects; for example, a Jewish king (I Kings 1:39), Jewish priests (Leviticus 4:3), prophets (Isaiah 61:1), the Jewish Temple and its utensils (Exodus 40:9-11), unleavened bread (Numbers 6:15), and a non-Jewish king (Cyrus king of Persia, Isaiah 45:1).</blockquote>

<blockquote>The Hebrew word for “Messiah” is “Moshiach” The literal and proper translation of this word is “anointed,” which refers to a ritual of anointing and consecrating someone or something with oil. (I Samuel 10:1-2) It is used throughout the Jewish Bible in reference to a wide variety of individuals and objects; for example, a Jewish king (I Kings 1:39), Jewish priests (Leviticus 4:3), prophets (Isaiah 61:1), the Jewish Temple and its utensils (Exodus 40:9-11), unleavened bread (Numbers 6:15), and a non-Jewish king (Cyrus king of Persia, Isaiah 45:1).</blockquote>

The Tanakh contains a number (the number is debated) of prophecies concerning a future descendant of King David who will be anointed as the Jewish people's new leader (''moshiach''). Rabbi Kaplan states: <blockquote>To the Jew, the Messiah has a most important mission, namely to bring the world back to G-d, and make it a place of peace, justice and harmony. When Jesus failed to accomplish this, the early Christians had to radically alter the very concept of the Messiah. This, in turn, transformed Christianity from another Jewish Messianic sect into a religion that is quite alien to many basic Jewish teachings.</blockquote>

The Tanakh contains a number (the number is debated) of prophecies concerning a future descendant of King David who will be anointed as the Jewish people's new leader (''moshiach''). Rabbi Kaplan states: <blockquote>To the Jew, the Messiah has a most important mission, namely to bring the world back to G-d, and make it a place of peace, justice and harmony. When Jesus failed to accomplish this, the early Christians had to radically alter the very concept of the Messiah. This, in turn, transformed Christianity from another Jewish Messianic sect into a religion that is quite alien to many basic Jewish teachings.</blockquote>

[http://jewsforjudaism.org/index2.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=2&Itemid=47 online here]</ref>.

[https://jewsforjudaism.org/index2.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=2&Itemid=47 online here]</ref>.

Jews believe that Daniel (Hebrew: דָּנִיֵּאל, or Daniyyel) was a prophet and gave an indication of when the Messiah, the prince ''mashiyach nagiyd'', would come. Daniel's prophecies refer to him as a descendant of King David who will rebuild the [[nation]] of Israel, destroy the wicked, and ultimately [[judge]] the whole world.

Jews believe that Daniel (Hebrew: דָּנִיֵּאל, or Daniyyel) was a prophet and gave an indication of when the Messiah, the prince ''mashiyach nagiyd'', would come. Daniel's prophecies refer to him as a descendant of King David who will rebuild the [[nation]] of Israel, destroy the wicked, and ultimately [[judge]] the whole world.

As noted above, the Hebrew word for messiah translates to "anointed". [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=messiah Etymology Online]  Reform Jews believe there have been many messiahs—all the anointed kings and priests, including David, Solomon, Aaron, and Saul.  Saul, the first king, is designated the "Anointed of the Lord".

As noted above, the Hebrew word for messiah translates to "anointed". [https://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=messiah Etymology Online]  Reform Jews believe there have been many messiahs—all the anointed kings and priests, including David, Solomon, Aaron, and Saul.  Saul, the first king, is designated the "Anointed of the Lord".

When speaking of ''the Messiah'' of the future, modern Jews speak of two potential messiahs: ''Moshiach ben Yossef'' (Messiah son of Joseph) and ''Moshiach ben David'' (Messiah son of David) [http://moshiach.com/discover/tutorials/moshiach_ben_yossef.php Tutorial: Moshiach Ben Yossef] The Hebrew ''ben'' can mean either son or descendant. In this sense it can also mean "in the [[manner]] of," i.e., there will be a "suffering servant" messiah in the manner of Joseph, son of Jacob, and a different messiah in the manner of King David.

When speaking of ''the Messiah'' of the future, modern Jews speak of two potential messiahs: ''Moshiach ben Yossef'' (Messiah son of Joseph) and ''Moshiach ben David'' (Messiah son of David) [https://moshiach.com/discover/tutorials/moshiach_ben_yossef.php Tutorial: Moshiach Ben Yossef] The Hebrew ''ben'' can mean either son or descendant. In this sense it can also mean "in the [[manner]] of," i.e., there will be a "suffering servant" messiah in the manner of Joseph, son of Jacob, and a different messiah in the manner of King David.

A common modern rabbinic interpretation is that there is a ''potential'' messiah in every generation. The Talmud, which often uses stories to make a moral point (''aggadah''), tells of a highly respected rabbi who found the Messiah at the gates of Rome and asked him, "When will you finally come?" He was quite surprised when he was told, "Today." Overjoyed and full of anticipation, the man waited all day. The next day he returned, disappointed and puzzled, and asked, "You said messiah would come 'today' but he didn't come! What happened?" The Messiah replied, "Scripture says, 'Today, 'if you will but hearken to His voice.'"  

A common modern rabbinic interpretation is that there is a ''potential'' messiah in every generation. The Talmud, which often uses stories to make a moral point (''aggadah''), tells of a highly respected rabbi who found the Messiah at the gates of Rome and asked him, "When will you finally come?" He was quite surprised when he was told, "Today." Overjoyed and full of anticipation, the man waited all day. The next day he returned, disappointed and puzzled, and asked, "You said messiah would come 'today' but he didn't come! What happened?" The Messiah replied, "Scripture says, 'Today, 'if you will but hearken to His voice.'"  

"I saw in the night [[vision]]s, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of [[heaven]], and came to the [[Ancient of days]], and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and [[language]]s, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."

"I saw in the night [[vision]]s, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of [[heaven]], and came to the [[Ancient of days]], and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and [[language]]s, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."

Because Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah, and that he claimed to be the Son of Man referred to by Daniel, Christianity interprets Daniel|7:13-14 as a statement of the Messiah's [[authority]] and that the Messiah will have an everlasting kingdom. Jesus' use of this title is seen as a direct claim to be the Messiah.[http://www.truevictories.com/2001/01/recorded-lectures-person-work-of-christ.html]

Because Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah, and that he claimed to be the Son of Man referred to by Daniel, Christianity interprets Daniel|7:13-14 as a statement of the Messiah's [[authority]] and that the Messiah will have an everlasting kingdom. Jesus' use of this title is seen as a direct claim to be the Messiah.[https://www.truevictories.com/2001/01/recorded-lectures-person-work-of-christ.html]

Some identified Jesus as the Messiah (Bibleref2|Mark|8:29), his opponents accused him of such a claim (Bibleref2|Luke|23:2), and he is recorded at least twice as asserting it himself directly (Bibleref2|Mark|14:60-62, Bibleref2|John|4:25-26).

Some identified Jesus as the Messiah (Bibleref2|Mark|8:29), his opponents accused him of such a claim (Bibleref2|Luke|23:2), and he is recorded at least twice as asserting it himself directly (Bibleref2|Mark|14:60-62, Bibleref2|John|4:25-26).

=== Ahmadiyya ===

=== Ahmadiyya ===

The Ahmadiyya faith, believes that the terms "Messiah" and "Mahdi" (Messiah of Islam) are synonymous terms for one and the same person. Like the term Messiah which, among other meanings, in [[essence]] means being ''anointed'' by God or ''appointed'' by God the term "Mahdi" means ''guided'' by [[God]], thus both imply a direct ordainment and a [[spiritual]] nurturing by God of a divinely chosen [[individual]]. According to Ahmadiyya thought, Messiahship is a [[phenomenon]], through which a special emphasis is given on the transformation of a people by way of offering suffering for the sake of God instead of giving suffering (i.e. refraining from revenge). Ahmadis believe that this special emphasis was given through the person of [[Jesus]] and [[Mirza Ghulam Ahmad]] [http://www.askislam.org/concepts/prophecy_and_prophethood/question_577.html] among others.

The Ahmadiyya faith, believes that the terms "Messiah" and "Mahdi" (Messiah of Islam) are synonymous terms for one and the same person. Like the term Messiah which, among other meanings, in [[essence]] means being ''anointed'' by God or ''appointed'' by God the term "Mahdi" means ''guided'' by [[God]], thus both imply a direct ordainment and a [[spiritual]] nurturing by God of a divinely chosen [[individual]]. According to Ahmadiyya thought, Messiahship is a [[phenomenon]], through which a special emphasis is given on the transformation of a people by way of offering suffering for the sake of God instead of giving suffering (i.e. refraining from revenge). Ahmadis believe that this special emphasis was given through the person of [[Jesus]] and [[Mirza Ghulam Ahmad]] [https://www.askislam.org/concepts/prophecy_and_prophethood/question_577.html] among others.

Ahmadis hold that the prophesied [[eschatological]] figures of various [[religions]], the coming of the Messiah and Mahdi in fact were to be fulfilled in one person who was to represent all previous prophets.[http://www.alislam.org/quran/tafseer/?page=2739&region=E1&CR=] The prophecies concerning the Mahdi or the second coming of Jesus are seen by Ahmadis as [[metaphor]]ical, in that one was to be born and rise within the dispensation of [[Muhammad]], who by virtue of his similarity and affinity with Jesus of [[Nazareth]], and the similarity in nature, temperament and disposition of the people of Jesus' time and the people of the time of the promised one (the Mahdi) is called by the same name.

Ahmadis hold that the prophesied [[eschatological]] figures of various [[religions]], the coming of the Messiah and Mahdi in fact were to be fulfilled in one person who was to represent all previous prophets.[https://www.alislam.org/quran/tafseer/?page=2739&region=E1&CR=] The prophecies concerning the Mahdi or the second coming of Jesus are seen by Ahmadis as [[metaphor]]ical, in that one was to be born and rise within the dispensation of [[Muhammad]], who by virtue of his similarity and affinity with Jesus of [[Nazareth]], and the similarity in nature, temperament and disposition of the people of Jesus' time and the people of the time of the promised one (the Mahdi) is called by the same name.

Numerous Hadith are presented by the Ahmadis in support of their view such as one from [[Sunan Ibn Majah]] which says:

Numerous Hadith are presented by the Ahmadis in support of their view such as one from [[Sunan Ibn Majah]] which says:

# Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."

# Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."

# But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

# But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

# [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=messiah Etymology Online] [1]

# [https://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=messiah Etymology Online] [1]

# Arabic for Messiah

# Arabic for Messiah

# Kaplan, Rabbi Aryeh (2001). The Jewish Response to Missionaries (Fourth Edition, Revised). Jews for Judaism International Inc.. pp. 29.  [http://jewsforjudaism.org/index2.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=5&Itemid=47 online here]

# Kaplan, Rabbi Aryeh (2001). The Jewish Response to Missionaries (Fourth Edition, Revised). Jews for Judaism International Inc.. pp. 29.  [https://jewsforjudaism.org/index2.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=5&Itemid=47 online here]

# Rabbi Kaplan states: To the Jew, the Messiah has a most important mission, namely to bring the world back to G-d, and make it a place of peace, justice and harmony. When Jesus failed to accomplish this, the early Christians had to radically alter the very concept of the Messiah. This, in turn, transformed Christianity from another Jewish Messianic sect into a religion that is quite alien to many basic Jewish teachings.

# Rabbi Kaplan states: To the Jew, the Messiah has a most important mission, namely to bring the world back to G-d, and make it a place of peace, justice and harmony. When Jesus failed to accomplish this, the early Christians had to radically alter the very concept of the Messiah. This, in turn, transformed Christianity from another Jewish Messianic sect into a religion that is quite alien to many basic Jewish teachings.

# See, e.g., [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=messiah Etymology Online]

# See, e.g., [https://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=messiah Etymology Online]

# Israel H. Levinthal, Judaism: An Analysis and an Interpretation

# Israel H. Levinthal, Judaism: An Analysis and an Interpretation

# [http://moshiach.com/discover/tutorials/moshiach_ben_yossef.php Tutorial: Moshiach Ben Yossef] (Moshiach.com)

# [https://moshiach.com/discover/tutorials/moshiach_ben_yossef.php Tutorial: Moshiach Ben Yossef] (Moshiach.com)

# Schwartzman, 2004

# Schwartzman, 2004

# Ankerberg & Weldon, pp. 218-223

# Ankerberg & Weldon, pp. 218-223

# [http://www.truevictories.com/2001/01/recorded-lectures-person-work-of-christ.html The Deity of Christ].  

# [https://www.truevictories.com/2001/01/recorded-lectures-person-work-of-christ.html The Deity of Christ].  

# [http://www.askislam.org/concepts/prophecy_and_prophethood/question_577.html Ask Islam: What is the different between a messiah and a prophet?]

# [https://www.askislam.org/concepts/prophecy_and_prophethood/question_577.html Ask Islam: What is the different between a messiah and a prophet?]

# http://www.alislam.org/quran/tafseer/?page=2739&region=E1&CR=

# https://www.alislam.org/quran/tafseer/?page=2739&region=E1&CR=

==References==

==References==

Kaplan, Aryeh. FROM MESSIAH TO CHRIST. 2004. Orthodox Union. New York, NY 10004.

Kaplan, Aryeh. FROM MESSIAH TO CHRIST. 2004. Orthodox Union. New York, NY 10004.

== External links ==

== External links ==

* [http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/MEC_MIC/MESSIAH_Dan_x_25_26_.html Messiah] in the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica

* [https://encyclopedia.jrank.org/MEC_MIC/MESSIAH_Dan_x_25_26_.html Messiah] in the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica

* [http://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=510&letter=M&search=Messiah Jewish Encyclopedia: Messiah]

* [https://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=510&letter=M&search=Messiah Jewish Encyclopedia: Messiah]

* [http://www.ummah.net/khoei/mahdi.htm The Concept of Messiah in Islam]

* [https://www.ummah.net/khoei/mahdi.htm The Concept of Messiah in Islam]

[[Category: Political Science]]

[[Category: Political Science]]

[[Category: Religion]]

[[Category: Religion]]