Messiahs, in religious context, refer to individuals who are believed to be divine beings or chosen by a higher power, sent to Earth to fulfill a specific role or save humanity. The term "Messiah" originates from the Hebrew word "māšîaḥ," which translates to "anointed one."
In Jewish tradition, messiahs are prophesied saviors who will restore the world to its ideal state by establishing a messianic kingdom. Generally, messiahs are expected to bring peace, justice, and spiritual redemption to their followers. Judaism views these messianic figures as mortal humans who possess exceptional qualities, wisdom, and righteousness.
Christianity recognizes Jesus Christ as the central and ultimate Messiah, believed to be the Son of God and the savior of humanity. Christians regard Jesus' life, crucifixion, and resurrection as the fulfillment of messianic prophecies from the Old Testament. Jesus is considered the divine figure who redeemed mankind's sins and granted eternal salvation through his teachings and sacrifice.
Apart from religious contexts, "messiahs" can also be used metaphorically to describe influential or highly respected leaders, reformers, or figures who bring about significant positive changes in various domains, such as politics, society, or culture. These individuals are often seen as guiding lights and sources of hope for their followers or supporters.
In summary, "messiahs" predominantly relate to religious figures, supremely significant in particular traditions, believed to possess divine qualities and fulfill a designated purpose. It can also metaphorically refer to influential leaders with transformative impact outside of religious settings.
