What does 'Christ' mean?

from the old testament

• The Hebrew equivalent to "Christ" is Mashiach, or "Messiah" (Daniel 9:26; Psalm 2:2).
• "Christ" is the title that was given to Him to signify His identity as King and Deliverer (Daniel 9:25; Isaiah 32:1).
• Christ means “anointed one” or “chosen one.” The process of anointing is a symbolic act to indicate God's choosing (e.g., 1 Samuel 24:6). Kings and prophets were anointed as a way of setting them apart as chosen by God. This came from the tradition in ancient Israel of pouring oil on the head of someone who was given authority (e.g., 1 Samuel 10:1).

from the new testament

• "Christ" comes from the Greek word Christos, which means "anointed one" or "chosen one" (John 1:41; Luke 4:18).
• Jesus had many names that brought glory to His identity as Son of God. "Jesus" is His human name, which was given to Mary by Gabriel (Luke 1:31). His human name and the title Christ placed together (Jesus Christ) mean "Jesus the Messiah" or "Jesus the Anointed One."
• The literal definition of "anointed" refers to the application of oil, although it also refers to one's consecration by God (Hebrews 1:9).

implications for today

The Old Testament is full of prophetic passages that refer to a Messiah who would deliver His people (e.g., Isaiah 61:1; Daniel 9:26). Ancient Israel waited anxiously for their Messiah to come with great strength and a great army to save them from years of oppression. Jesus Christ is revealed in the New Testament to be the Messiah who offered something far better—deliverance from sin and God's righteous wrath (Luke 4:18; Romans 6:23).

Jesus was also literally anointed with ointment on what seem to be three separate occasions, giving even more weight to the meaning of His title, "Christ" (Matthew 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9; Luke 7:36–50; John 12:1–8). The most significant anointing in His life was from the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38). The title "Christ" means that Jesus was chosen to deliver God's people. It means that He is the One who fulfills the Old Testament prophecies, and He is God's Anointed One. The title "Christ" dignifies Jesus' time on earth as the King of kings and Savior. He came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15) and will one day return to establish His kingdom on earth (Zechariah 14:9).

Because Jesus is the Christ—the Anointed One sent by God—we are called to respond with faith, worship, and obedience. We must turn from sin and trust in Him as our only Savior. As followers of Christ, we proclaim His name, reflect His character, and live as citizens of His coming kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:20; Colossians 3:17). We are to honor Him not only with our words but with our lives. We are to submit to His authority as King and rely on His Spirit to walk in righteousness (Galatians 2:20; Romans 12:1). Knowing Jesus is the Christ should move us to faithful action until He returns in glory.