messiaans

Messiaans refers to things related to the Messiah or to messianism. The term stems from the Hebrew mashiach and is the basis of the English words messianic and Messiah. In religious discussions, it can refer to the concept of a coming savior, messianic age, or to groups and movements that emphasize such beliefs.

In Judaism, the messiah is expected as a future human leader from the Davidic line who will rebuild the Temple, gather Jews to Israel, bring about world peace, and fulfill biblical prophecies; beliefs vary on the timing and nature of this figure, and not all Jewish denominations describe a personal messiah in the same way.

In Christianity, Jesus is identified as the Messiah (the Christ), whose life and resurrection are seen as the fulfillment of messianic prophecies; Christian eschatology holds that he will return. In Islam, Jesus is also called al-Masih (the Messiah) but his role emphasizes prophethood and his future return as part of eschatology; Islam regards the Messiah as a human figure, not divine.

Modern usage includes movements such as Messianic Judaism, which combines Jewish practice with the belief that Jesus is the Messiah; the term is also used in secular contexts to describe leaders or movements seen as savior-like, sometimes with critical or evaluative connotations.