Χριστός (Christos)
Christos
Christ
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 532 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word Christos means "anointed" and serves as the Greek translation of the Hebrew term Messiah. Originally an adjective describing things used as ointment or people who had been ritually smeared with oil, it became a title for kings and priests in the Old Testament, such as the high priest in Leviticus 4:5. In the New Testament, it functions as a substantive noun referring to the promised deliverer.
Its theological weight comes from its connection to God's chosen ones. The sources note that early Christian usage often paired it with Jesus' name, as seen in Mark 1:1 or Romans 6:3, effectively merging the personal name with the messianic title. This reflects the belief that Jesus of Nazareth was the specific individual anointed by God to fulfill the role of Messiah.
Translators typically keep "Christ" as a proper name rather than translating it back to "anointed one," which preserves its function as a unique identifier for Jesus. The term appears frequently in Paul's letters, such as Romans and Corinthians, where it defines the central identity of the believer's faith and the subject of apostolic preaching.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Christos translates the Hebrew concept of Messiah, meaning "anointed one." In the ancient world, kings and priests were anointed with oil to signal God’s selection for a specific task. When the New Testament applies this title to Jesus, it is not merely using a name but declaring His identity as the definitive deliverer promised in Scripture.
For your faith, this means that Jesus is not just a historical teacher but the focal point of God’s rescue plan. When Peter confessed, “You are the Christ,” he recognized this divine appointment. You can trust that the same One anointed by God to save is actively involved in your life today.
This title bridges the Old and New Testaments, showing continuity in God’s promises. Whether you read it as a name or a title, it invites you to rest in the certainty that God has provided exactly what was needed for redemption.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 532 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Christ326×
- of Christ58×
- Christ.52×
- Christ,46×
- of Christ.17×
- Christ;15×
- of Christ,14×
- Christ?8×
- of Christ;7×
- Christ:4×
- from Christ2×
- [is] Christ2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Χριστοῦ158×
- Χριστῷ81×
- Χριστὸς59×
- Χριστοῦ,44×
- Χριστὸν40×
- Χριστοῦ.¶24×
- Χριστοῦ.22×
- χριστὸς18×
- Χριστοῦ·15×
- χριστὸν14×
- Χριστῷ,13×
- χριστός,8×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 16:16
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Peter uses this term to identify Jesus as the divine deliverer, linking the title directly to the Son of the living God.
-
Mark 1:1
The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
The Gospel opens by defining the entire message as the Good News centered on Jesus Christ, establishing His role as the primary subject of faith.
-
Matthew 1:1
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
By placing "Christ" immediately after Jesus’ name in the genealogy, the text asserts that He is the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant from the very beginning.
-
Mark 8:29
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”
This confession highlights the personal recognition required of disciples, moving beyond public rumor to a specific acknowledgment of Jesus’ messianic identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "Christ" just a last name for Jesus?
What is the difference between Jesus and Christ?
Why do some Bibles say "Jesus who is called Christ"?
Every Occurrence (532 verses across 26 books)
Matthew 18 verses
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Matthew 1:16Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Matthew 1:17So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the exile to Babylon fourteen…
Matthew 1:18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,…
Matthew 2:4Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ would be born.
Matthew 11:2Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples
Matthew 16:16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:20Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ.
Matthew 16:21From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders,…
Matthew 22:42saying, “What do you think of the Christ? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “Of David.”
Matthew 23:8But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi’, for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers.
Matthew 23:10Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ.
Matthew 24:5For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will lead many astray.
Matthew 24:23“Then if any man tells you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There!’ don’t believe it.
Matthew 26:63But Jesus stayed silent. The high priest answered him, “I adjure you by the living God that you tell us whether you are…
Matthew 26:68saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who hit you?”
Matthew 27:17When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or…
Matthew 27:22Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do to Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let him be crucified!”