There are words in Scripture that carry a promise within them—words that point beyond themselves to something God has been preparing from the beginning. The Hebrew word Mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ — mah-SHEE-akh), meaning “Anointed One,” is one of those words.
In the Hebrew Bible, to be “anointed” was not symbolic—it was purposeful. Kings, priests, and sometimes prophets were anointed with oil as a sign that they were set apart and chosen by God for a specific calling. In 1 Samuel 16:13, when David is anointed, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him. The anointing marked identity, calling, and empowerment—it was God’s way of saying, “This one is Mine.” But over time, Mashiach began to carry a deeper expectation. It was no longer only about individuals anointed for a role—it pointed forward to One who would come as the ultimate Anointed One. A King who would not only rule, but restore. A Redeemer who would not only lead, but save.
This hope is woven throughout the prophets. In Isaiah 61:1, we read: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me…” The anointing here is not for position—it is for purpose: to bring good news to the poor, healing to the brokenhearted, freedom to the captives, and comfort to those who mourn.
The Mashiach would not come only with authority, but with compassion.
When we come to the New Testament, this promise is fulfilled in Yeshua. The word “Christ” is simply the Greek equivalent of Mashiach. In Luke 4:18, Yeshua reads from Isaiah and declares that this Scripture is fulfilled in Him. What was long-awaited is now present.
Yeshua is not simply one who is anointed—He is the Anointed One. The One set apart from the beginning to bring redemption, healing, and restoration. The One in whom God’s purpose is fully expressed—not only in what He teaches, but in how He lives, how He loves, and ultimately, how He gives Himself.
And through Him, something changes for us.
The story of Mashiach does not end with recognition—it leads to a relationship. In Acts 10:38, we read that “God anointed Yeshua of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.” The same Spirit that rested upon Him is now given to those who follow Him. What was once seen from a distance is now something we are invited into.
For us today, Mashiach is not just a title—it is deeply personal. It reminds us that our faith is not built on an idea, but on a living person. The Anointed One who came near, who made a way, and who continues to work in our lives.
It also reminds us that we are not walking alone. Because of Him, we are strengthened, guided, and equipped to live in a way that reflects His life.
To know Yeshua as Mashiach is to recognize that God has already provided the One we need. The One who leads us, restores us, and brings us into relationship with Him.
And this gives shape to how we live each day. We don’t have to strive to become something on our own—we learn to stay close to Him. To listen, to follow, and to trust His leading. In every situation, we can return to this simple truth: the One who is anointed is also the One who leads us. And as we walk with Him, our lives begin to reflect His presence more and more.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for sending Yeshua, the Mashiach. Thank You that You have given us the One who brings redemption, healing, and new life. Help us to know Him more, to follow Him closely, and to walk in the power and presence You have given us through Him. In Yeshua’s name, amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Israel Pochtar
P.S. Please feel free to use our Hebrew Word of the Week teachings in your home groups, prayer gatherings, or church meetings—wherever they can bring encouragement and deepen understanding.
