Can the Mashiach be a Non-Jew?

Question

I know this might sound obvious, but I found it interesting that Cyrus the Great was described in the Tanakh as G-d’s “Anointed One ” who allowed the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem. If a non-Jew could be a little Mashiach, then why not the final Mashiach?

I understand that verses like 2 Samuel 7:12-16 and Jeremiah 23:5 seem to assume a descendant of David, but is there any reason, in principle, there could not be a Non-Jewish Mashiach alongside a Jewish one?

Thanks 🙂

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    The word “Mashiach” means “anointed one.” It is used in Isaiah to denote that Cyrus was chosen by God to conquer Babylon. It does not mean that Cyrus had any Messianic qualities.

    According to Jewish Law, the Mashiach, on the other hand, must be a direct descendent of King David. Anyone else cannot be the Mashiach. That means that a non-Jew cannot be the Mashiach, just as any Jew who is not from an unbroken male line back to King David also cannot be the Mashiach.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team