The words Messiah and Saviour are often used interchangeably, especially when speaking of Jesus. Yet in the Bible, these words come from different languages, highlight different truths, and together reveal the fullness of Christ’s mission. If you’ve ever wondered, “Saviour vs Messiah—what’s the difference?”, this is for you.
The Messiah: God’s Anointed One #
The word “Messiah” comes from the Hebrew word “Mashiach,” which means “the Anointed One.” In the Old Testament, kings, priests, and prophets were set apart for service by being anointed with oil. David was anointed as king while still a shepherd boy:
“Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed David in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward.”
— 1 Samuel 16:13 (AMP)
The Jewish people longed for the coming of the Anointed One—the Messiah—who would fulfil God’s promises, defeat their enemies, and bring in His everlasting kingdom. Daniel 9:25 even spoke of this coming ruler as the “Anointed One, the Prince.”
To call Jesus Messiah is to declare Him as the King chosen and empowered by God, the One who brings the fulfilment of all God’s covenant promises.
The Saviour: God’s Rescuing Deliverer #
The word “Saviour” comes from the Greek “Sōtēr,” which means deliverer, rescuer, or one who saves. Unlike the title Messiah, which speaks of His kingship and calling as the Anointed One, Saviour highlights His active work. It is not only who He is, but what He does.
The angel announced His birth with both dimensions joined together:
“For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
— Luke 2:11 (AMP)
Here the titles meet. He is the Saviour who rescues us from the dominion of sin, and He is the Christ (Messiah) who reigns as Lord. His very name, Jesus (Yeshua), carries this message—The Lord saves.
Old and New: Shadows and Fulfilment #
In the Old Testament, God raised saviours for Israel—Moses delivered them from Egypt, the judges rescued them from oppressors, and David delivered them from their enemies. Yet these were only temporary shadows. Each of them pointed to the true and final Deliverer.
- Moses brought Israel out of Egypt, but Christ brings us out of Adam into a new creation.
- Joshua led them into the promised land of Canaan, but Jesus (the greater Joshua) brings us into the promised rest of the Spirit.
- The Judges saved Israel for a season, but Christ’s salvation is eternal.
The Cross: Centre of Salvation #
To call Jesus Saviour is to confess His saving work. It is His Cross where He bore the weight of sin and broke the curse of Adam. It is His Resurrection that triumphed over death and gave us His life. It is His ongoing ministry where He delivers us daily from sin’s grip, from the lies of Satan, and the power of death.
Salvation is not only an event but a Person. To know Christ as Saviour is to continually experience His life, delivering us from the old Adamic nature and bringing us into His fullness.
| Shadow (Old Covenant) | Fulfilment (Christ as Saviour) |
|---|---|
| Moses delivered Israel from Egypt | Jesus delivers us from sin and death |
| Joshua brought them into Canaan | Jesus brings us into the rest of His Spirit |
| Judges rescued Israel from oppressors | Jesus gives eternal deliverance from Satan |
| Animal sacrifices covered sin | Jesus removes sin by His one sacrifice |
Messiah and Saviour: Two Titles, One Christ #
While these titles are different, they meet perfectly in Jesus. The Messiah (Anointed King) is also the Saviour (Delivering Redeemer). His identity and His mission cannot be separated.
- As Messiah, He fulfils Israel’s hope, rules as God’s King, and brings the kingdom.
- As Saviour, He rescues humanity from sin and reconciles us to God.
| Title | Language & Meaning | Focus in Christ | Scripture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Messiah (Mashiach) | Hebrew – “Anointed One” | His kingship, divine appointment | Daniel 9:25 |
| Saviour (Sōtēr) | Greek – “Deliverer, Rescuer” | His redemptive saving work | Luke 2:11 |
When we confess Jesus as both Messiah and Saviour, we are saying: He is the King who reigns, and the Redeemer who saves.
Why This Difference Matters #
If we only see Jesus as Saviour, our faith may become individualistic—focused only on personal forgiveness while ignoring His lordship over every area of life.
If we only see Him as Messiah, we risk reducing Him to Israel’s national hope without embracing the salvation He brings through the Cross.
The gospel requires both: the Anointed King who reigns, and the Rescuing Lord who saves.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me” (Luke 4:18 AMP) — Messiah.
“He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 AMP) — Saviour.
“God has made Him both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36 AMP) — both together.
In Christ,
Godwin.
