The Messiah is understood as "the anointed one," a savior or chosen figure sent by God. In Christianity, the Messiah is Jesus Christ, believed to be the prophesied savior who brings salvation through his death and resurrection. The term Messiah comes from the Hebrew word "mashiach," meaning "anointed one," and its Greek equivalent is "Christos," hence Jesus is often called Jesus Christ, meaning Jesus the Messiah.

Christians view Jesus as fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah through his miracles, resurrection, and role as prophet, priest, and king who brings spiritual salvation to humanity. In Jewish belief, the Messiah is a future king from the line of David who will deliver the Jewish people and establish justice on earth.

Thus, the Messiah in Christianity is specifically Jesus of Nazareth, regarded as the promised Savior, while in Judaism, the Messiah is traditionally awaited as a future redeemer. The concept of Messiah signifies an anointed leader chosen by God to fulfill a divine mission of salvation or redemption.