For centuries, Christians have pointed to Isaiah 53 as undeniable proof that Jesus was foretold — “pierced for our transgressions… by his wounds we are healed.”

But what if this famous prophecy isn’t about one man at all?

In this episode of By the Book: Christ or Mashiach, Tassja Cadoch dives into the Hebrew text to uncover who Isaiah was really describing.

If you’ve ever wondered why Judaism sees Isaiah 53 differently, this episode will change how you read it forever.

Thanks for listening to Christ or Mashiach: By the Book.

Join the conversation with me on Instagram @jewgreekanmama.

⭐ If this episode gave you something to think about, the best way to support the show is by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Because if we’re going to talk about the Jewish Messiah… we’ve got to go by the book.

For many Christians, Isaiah 7:14 is the ultimate proof text: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son.” It’s quoted every Christmas as prophecy fulfilled in Jesus’ birth.

But what if that’s not what Isaiah meant at all?

In this episode, host Tassja Cadoch goes back to the Hebrew text, where the word almah means “young woman,” not “virgin.” We’ll look at how the Septuagint’s Greek translation changed the meaning, and why Matthew quoted that version instead of the original Hebrew.

Was a virgin birth ever part of the Jewish expectation of Messiah? And if not, what does Isaiah 7:14 really teach us about signs, lineage, and God’s presence in history?

Thanks for listening to Christ or Mashiach: By the Book.

Join the conversation with me on Instagram @jewgreekanmama.

⭐ If this episode gave you something to think about, the best way to support the show is by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Because if we’re going to talk about the Jewish Messiah… we’ve got to go by the book.

When Christians say “Christ” and Jews say “Mashiach,” are they talking about the same thing? Not exactly.

In this opening episode, host Tassja Cadoch takes us straight to the Hebrew Bible — the Torah, Prophets, and Writings — to uncover what the word Mashiach really means. From King David to the Persian ruler Cyrus, “anointed one” has always described a human leader set apart for a mission.

So what does the Tanakh actually say about the Messiah of the future? What will he do, and why is he never described as divine? And how does that definition compare to the Christian framework of a savior from sin?

This episode lays the foundation for the series, showing why Jews and Christians can use the same word “Messiah” but picture two completely different figures.

Whether you grew up Christian, Jewish, or somewhere in between, this is your chance to see what the text itself says, and why definitions matter before we ever get to prophecy.

Thanks for listening to Christ or Mashiach: By the Book.

Join the conversation with me on Instagram @jewgreekanmama.

⭐ If this episode gave you something to think about, the best way to support the show is by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Because if we’re going to talk about the Jewish Messiah… we’ve got to go by the book.