Words · Greek Words · Lesson 4, word 2 of 5
Χριστόςchristos
The Anointed One, the Greek of mashiach, Messiah.
Why this word is here. The title (not surname) that became Jesus' most common designation; John 1:41 itself translates it for the reader.
What it means
Abbott-Smith: as an adjective, anointing, to be used as ointment; of persons, anointed, in the Septuagint for Hebrew mashiach. 'The anointed one of the LORD' is used of priests and of the Messiah. As a substantive, ho Christos, the Messiah, the Christ, joined with Jesus' name in both orders (Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus) until it functions almost as a name itself.
Every time the New Testament says 'Christ', it is making the mashiach claim: this is the anointed king and priest the Scriptures promised.
Where you meet it
He first found his brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated as Christ).
John 1:41 (BSB)
Andrew tells Simon, 'We have found the Messiah', 'which is translated Christ (christos)'. The Bible does its own word study here: mashiach in Greek is christos.
Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!
Luke 2:11 (BSB)
The angel: 'Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ (christos) the Lord.' Two titles at the cradle.
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:16 (BSB)
Anchor verse Peter's confession: 'You are the Christ (christos), the Son of the living God.'
Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!”
Acts 2:36 (BSB)
Pentecost's conclusion: 'God has made Him both Lord and Christ (christos), this Jesus whom you crucified.' The title is argued from Psalm 110 and Psalm 16, not assumed.
Why it matters
Christos is Christianity in one word: Jesus is not merely a teacher who earned an honorific, but the anointed figure in whom Israel's kingship, priesthood and prophecy converge. Knowing it is a translation of mashiach also keeps the faith's Jewish roots visible, which the New Testament itself insists on.
Watch out
The beginner's misconception is worth correcting plainly: Christ is not Jesus' family name. He is Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus son of Mary; 'Christ' is his title, confessed by Peter, announced by angels and argued by apostles. The reverse error also exists, treating 'Christ' as a distant office so that 'Jesus' becomes a separate, merely human figure. The New Testament's habit of running the names together (Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus) refuses the split.
In this lesson
- parakletos (παράκλητος): One called alongside to help: advocate, intercessor, comforter.
- kyrios (κύριος): Lord, master, the word the Greek Bible uses for God's name.
- baptizo (βαπτίζω): To dip, immerse, wash, to baptise.
- hagios (ἅγιος): Holy, sacred, and 'the saints', ordinary believers.
Sources
- Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon (1889)
- STEP Bible lexicon data (Abbott-Smith)
- SBL Greek New Testament (SBLGNT)
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