What is the Hebrew word for 'anointed one'?

What is the Hebrew word for 'anointed one'?

• A. Prophet
• B. Savior
• C. Messiah
• D. King

Answer: (C)

The key idea is recognizing a term that literally means “one who is anointed.” In Hebrew, the word māšîaḥ comes from the act of pouring oil to set someone apart for a special role, usually a king or priest. Because of that ceremony, māšîaḥ came to denote someone who is chosen and empowered by God. Over time, this title was used as a name for the designated future leader, so Messiah literally means “the anointed one.” That’s why this option is the best answer: it directly corresponds to the literal meaning of the term. The other options describe different roles—prophet is a messenger from God, a savior is someone who saves, and a king is a ruler—so they don’t carry the exact sense of “the one anointed by God.”

The key idea is recognizing a term that literally means “one who is anointed.” In Hebrew, the word māšîaḥ comes from the act of pouring oil to set someone apart for a special role, usually a king or priest. Because of that ceremony, māšîaḥ came to denote someone who is chosen and empowered by God. Over time, this title was used as a name for the designated future leader, so Messiah literally means “the anointed one.” That’s why this option is the best answer: it directly corresponds to the literal meaning of the term. The other options describe different roles—prophet is a messenger from God, a savior is someone who saves, and a king is a ruler—so they don’t carry the exact sense of “the one anointed by God.”