3.45 – Mary! Surely God gives you good news of a word from him

This verse describes ‘Īsā as the Messiah and a word from Allah. For the quranic name ‘Īsā, see the explanation at 2.87.

The Quran gives the title “Messiah” (al-Masīḥ) to ‘Īsā in a number of other passages (4.157, 171, 172; 5.17, 72, 75; 9.30, 31) but seems to understand the term as simply part of ‘Īsā’s name. It is a good example of the crucial significance in a biblical term that did not make it through to the Quran. The original meaning of Messiah as one who is “anointed” is never explained. The Quran seems to strip “Messiah” of its biblical meaning and use the term in a unique way.

As for describing ‘Īsā as “a word” (kalima) from Allah, many Christians have wondered whether there is a link from this to the “Word” who was in the beginning with God in the Gospel according to John (1:1). ‘Īsā is also referred to as “a word from God” in Q 3.39, as the word of God (“his word”) in 4.171, and possibly as “a statement of the truth” in 19.34. For the Quran’s response to this question, see verse 47.