From: jwest@Highland.Net
Date: Tue Apr 17 2001 - 08:54:13 EDT
> I have looked everywhere, and have searched out what the exact root
> meaning of Xristos. I have seen Xristos' meaning listed in a traditional
> dictonary as "the messiah", however, I am not sure if this is taken to
> simply mean the Jesus of Nazareth was the messiah (as it is listed in the
> dictonary as a proper name), or if the original greek meaning of the base
> word etc. meant "a messiah", and if this is true than does this mean that
> Xristos means the same as messiah (anointed one). Esentially I am seeking
> out the absoulute base word root and meaning of xristos. Any additional
> history concerning why the greeks/romans may have called Jesus this would
> also be helpful.
> Thank you!
> Sincerely,
> Amber Laws
hi amber
christos is simply a greek word that meant *anointed*- i.e., one ritually
purified with oil or wine for some royal or religious function. this is the
same thing as the hebrew word *mashiah* whence comes the word *messiah*.
the two are not related. its simply that both languages share an idea just as
english shares the idea with hebrew of *peace*- in english the word is peace
and in hebrew it is *shalom* but of course the two words are in no way related
genetically.
best
jim
++++++++++++++++++++++
Jim West ThD
http://web.infoave.net/~jwest
Biblical Studies Resources
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