Messianic Jew

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Pronunciations

Messianic Jew (mes-ee-a-nik JOO) listen
Jews for Jesus (JOOZ fur JEE-zus) listen

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Definitions

  • n. Any religious sect that follows some of the beliefs of Judaism but also believes that Jesus is the son of God.

Example Sentences

  • "No Jewish movements or denominations recognize 'Christian Jews,' 'Jews for Jesus,' 'Messianic Jews,' 'Torah Observant Christians,' 'Christian Hebrews,' etc. as Jews and, instead, view them as Christian." (source)

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Languages of Origin

  • English

Who Uses This

  • Jews: Jews of diverse religious backgrounds and organizational involvements
  • Non-Jews: (words that have spread outside of Jewish networks)

Regions

  • North America

Dictionaries

  • The JPS Dictionary of Jewish Words, by Joyce Eisenberg and Ellen Scolnic, (Philadelphia, 2001).

Alternative Spellings

Jews for Jesus

Notes

  • Also called Jews for Jesus.

    "Although Messianic Jews share some of the texts and ideas of Judaism, the central tenet of Messianic Jews—that Jesus is the Messiah—is diametrically opposed to the very foundations of Judaism. Many of their other beliefs also differ significantly and importantly from Judaism. For example, Messianic Jews believe that man can atone for sin and find redemption through Jesus, who can forgive all sin. Jews believe that God can forgive sin but also that people can forgive those who wronged them. Messianic Jews believe that Jesus is a deity to be worshiped as the son of God. The first commandment of Judaism is that there is only one God. Messianic Jews actively proselytize and work to recruit new members; Jews rarely do this. Although they often use Hebrew words—for example, they call Jesus “Yeshua”—no movement of Judaism considers Messianic Jews to be members of the Jewish faith." (JPS)

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