Biblical Meaning of the Name Jesus

Choosing a name for your child is an important decision. It's a name that will stay with them for the rest of their lives and can have a significant impact on their identity. For many Christians, the name Jesus holds a special significance. It's the name of their savior, the one who died on the cross for their sins. But what does the name Jesus actually mean? And what is its biblical significance?

The name Jesus comes from the Greek name Iēsous, which is a transliteration of the Hebrew name Yeshua. Yeshua was a common name in ancient Israel and is derived from the Hebrew word yasha, which means 'to save.' So, the name Jesus literally means 'savior' or 'the Lord saves.'

The name Jesus appears throughout the New Testament, and its significance is clear. In Matthew 1:21, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream and tells him that Mary will give birth to a son, and he is to name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins. This verse establishes the connection between the name Jesus and his role as savior.

In addition to his role as savior, the name Jesus is also significant because it identifies him as the Son of God. In John 20:31, the apostle John writes that the purpose of his gospel is 'that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.' The name Jesus is therefore intimately connected with his identity as the Son of God and the source of eternal life.

Throughout the New Testament, the name Jesus is associated with power and authority. In Acts 4:12, Peter declares that 'there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.' This verse emphasizes the unique power of the name Jesus to save us from our sins and grant us eternal life. In Philippians 2:9-11, Paul writes that God has highly exalted Jesus and given him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This passage emphasizes the authority of the name Jesus and its power to bring all things under his control.

For Christians today, the name Jesus continues to hold great significance. It's a reminder of his role as savior and the source of eternal life. It's a name that represents power and authority, and it's a name that we can call upon in times of need. The name Jesus is also a symbol of hope, reminding us that no matter what challenges we face in life, we can find strength and comfort in him.

If you're considering the name Jesus for your child, it's important to understand its biblical significance. It's a name that carries a lot of weight and should be chosen with care. Some Christians choose to name their children after biblical figures as a way of honoring their faith and passing on their values to the next generation. However, it's important to remember that the name Jesus is not just any name. It's the name of our savior, and it should be treated with reverence and respect.

The name Jesus is one of the most significant names in the Bible. It represents his role as savior, his identity as the Son of God, and his power and authority. For Christians today, the name Jesus continues to hold great significance and is a symbol of hope and comfort. If you're considering the name Jesus for your child, it's important to understand its biblical meaning and to choose it with care and reverence.