Leader or saviour (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: MESSIAH (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Leader or saviour" with 7 letters is "MESSIAH".Messiah refers to a leader or savior, often seen as a divine figure or a person destined to bring salvation or deliverance. In religious contexts, the term is used to describe a prophesied figure who would bring peace and restoration, such as in Judaism and Christianity, where it signifies the promised deliverer.
Why “Messiah” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (7 letters) meaning “leader or saviour.” The answer, MESSIAH, fits exactly:
- Leader or saviour: Messiah refers to a prophesied or chosen leader, saviour, or liberator, in both religious and figurative contexts.
- Direct match: With 7 letters, messiah perfectly matches the clue’s enumeration.
- Precise synonym: It captures the exact sense of a figure who leads, saves, or delivers others.
The word Messiah has deep historical and cultural resonance:
- Origin and usage: From Hebrew māšîaḥ (“anointed one”), translated into Greek as Christos, it initially referred to kings or priests consecrated with oil. In Christian belief, Jesus is called the Messiah, while in Judaism it denotes the awaited saviour.
- Contextual use: Beyond religion, the term is often used metaphorically to describe someone seen as a rescuer or revolutionary figure.
- Examples: “Many awaited the Messiah foretold by the prophets,” or “Fans regarded the new coach as a messiah for the struggling team.”
Quick crossword clues like “leader or saviour (7)” often blend literal and figurative definitions:
- Alternatives like prophet (7) or redeemer (8) may surface, but only messiah fits the 7-letter requirement and captures both senses of leadership and salvation.
- The enumeration points directly to a singular, significant figure.
- With its exact length, religious weight, and everyday metaphorical extension, messiah is the correct and fitting solution.