Series
Lost Meanings of the Bible
Christ is not Jesus' last name. It is a title. The Greek word Christos means “Anointed One” and corresponds to the Hebrew Mashiach, from which English gets the word Messiah.
The Clear Answer
“Jesus Christ” means, in effect, “Jesus the Christ” or “Jesus the Messiah.” Early Christians used the title to confess that Jesus is the Anointed One promised and expected within Israel's Scriptures and hopes.
What Does Christ Mean?
The New Testament was written in Greek, and its word Christos means anointed one.
The corresponding Hebrew term is Mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ), transliterated into English as Messiah.
The linguistic path can be summarized simply:
Hebrew: Mashiach, Anointed One
Greek: Christos
Latin: Christus
English: Christ
What Did Anointing Mean in the Bible?
Anointing with oil could mark a person as consecrated for a particular office or mission.
Kings such as Saul and David were anointed. Priests were also consecrated with anointing in the Torah.
Prophetic language can also use anointing in connection with a divine commission, as in Isaiah 61, which Jesus reads in Luke 4. It is more precise, however, not to imply that every biblical prophet underwent the same formal oil-anointing rite as Israel's kings and priests.
Why Were People Waiting for a Messiah?
Jewish hopes in the Second Temple period were diverse rather than uniform. Biblical promises concerning David's line, restoration, God's kingdom and deliverance contributed to expectations of an anointed figure.
Christians believe these hopes find their definitive fulfillment in Jesus, but the New Testament also shows that His way of being Messiah surprised even His own disciples.
He does not simply become an earthly political king. His messianic mission leads through service, suffering, the Cross and Resurrection.
Peter's Confession: “You Are the Christ”
Matthew 16 records Jesus asking His disciples who they say He is. Peter responds that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
This confession is central because “Christ” is not merely a label added after Jesus' death. The Gospel presents recognition of His messianic identity as a decisive question.
Immediately afterward, however, Jesus begins teaching about His coming suffering, showing that the disciples must also learn what kind of Messiah He is.
Christ as King, Priest and Prophet
Catholic theology reflects on Jesus as fulfilling the biblical roles of king, priest and prophet.
- King: He proclaims and embodies the Kingdom of God.
- Priest: Hebrews presents Him as the great high priest whose self-offering is definitive.
- Prophet: He proclaims God's word and perfectly reveals the Father.
These roles help explain the richness of calling Jesus the Anointed One.
Was Jesus Called “Jesus Christ” During His Lifetime?
People could confess Him as the Christ, but “Christ” was not used like a modern hereditary surname.
The Gospels also identify Him as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus the Nazarene, son of Joseph, teacher and other titles depending on context.
This distinction also helps explain the Hebrew word Notzri, historically connected with Jesus the Nazarene. Read Why Are Christians Called Notzrim in Hebrew?.
Jesus vs. Christ: What Is the Difference?
Jesus is His personal name. Christ is a title identifying Him as the Messiah.
The name Jesus is related to the Hebrew name Yeshua and to the idea that the Lord saves. Matthew 1 connects the name with Jesus' saving mission.
So the phrase “Jesus Christ” contains both a personal name and a confession about who Christians believe He is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Christ Jesus' surname?
No. Christ is a title meaning Anointed One.
Are Christ and Messiah the same title?
Yes. Greek Christos and Hebrew Mashiach express the same basic idea.
What does anointed mean?
In biblical settings, anointing can signify consecration or appointment to a God-given office or mission.
Why do Christians believe Jesus is the Messiah?
Christians read His life, teaching, death and Resurrection as the fulfillment of Israel's Scriptures and God's saving promises.
Why is He also called Jesus of Nazareth?
Nazareth was the town associated with His upbringing, and ancient people were often identified by place as well as family relationships.
Final Thoughts
Every time Christians say “Jesus Christ,” they are saying more than a familiar name. They are making a claim of faith: Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One. Recovering that meaning helps one of Christianity's most familiar phrases become meaningful again.
