Christs

Christ is a title derived from the Greek christos, meaning “anointed one.” In Christian usage, Christ refers to Jesus of Nazareth, whom Christians affirm as the Messiah and the Son of God. In many languages, Christ functions as both a title and a name for Jesus, and it is common to see “the Christ” or “Jesus Christ” in religious texts.

The plural Christs appears mainly in historical or scholarly discussions. It is used to refer to multiple individuals who claimed or were claimed to be the Messiah, or to discuss varied messianic expectations within Judaism and early Christianity. In the Second Temple period, various groups anticipated a messianic deliverer, and several self-proclaimed or widely claimed figures attracted followings. The term helps historians distinguish between the single central figure of Christian belief and the broader landscape of messianic claims in antiquity.

Theologically, mainstream Christian traditions identify Jesus as the Christ in a unique sense and teach that he fulfills the messianic role described in Jewish scriptures. The use of the plural Christs does not imply multiple, equal figures within Christian faith; rather, it reflects historical diversity in messianic ideas and the existence of other claimants in ancient memory. In modern usage, discussions of Christs often arise in comparative religion, biblical studies, and discussions of early Christian origins.