The Name of Jesus in Hebrew: Why Yeshua Matters to Your Faith
In Hebrew, the name of Jesus is Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ). This name profoundly means ‘Salvation’ or ‘Yahweh is Salvation,’ directly reflecting His divine mission as the Messiah foretold in Scripture. The name ‘Jesus’ is the English form derived from the Greek transliteration, Iēsous, which itself was the Greek way of writing the Hebrew name Yeshua.
For centuries, the name of Jesus Christ has brought hope, conviction, and salvation to billions across the globe. It is a name above all names, before which every knee will one day bow (Philippians 2:9-11). But have you ever considered the language in which our Lord’s name was first spoken? To truly grasp the depth of His identity and mission, we must look beyond the English translation and explore the significance of Jesus in Hebrew.
This journey to the roots of our faith reveals that during His earthly ministry, our Savior was known as Yeshua. Understanding Yeshua in Hebrew is more than a linguistic curiosity; it unlocks deeper layers of meaning about His divine purpose. This name is not just a different pronunciation of Jesus. It encapsulates the essence of His identity as the promised Messiah and the bringer of salvation. It is a name that declares His ultimate authority and unwavering commitment to redeem humanity.
In this article, we will delve into the rich history and powerful meaning behind the name Yeshua. We will examine why this Hebrew name is vital to a comprehensive understanding of our faith. Together, we will uncover how His name encapsulates His identity as the Christ, explore the journey of its translation, and strengthen our conviction in Jesus Christ in Hebrew. He is our Lord and Savior, whose identity and mission remain unchanged, yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
What is the Hebrew name of Jesus?
Yeshua: The Name Above All Names
The name we know as “Jesus” comes from the original Hebrew name Yeshua (ישוע), which was given to Him by divine command. In the Gospel of Matthew, the angel Gabriel told Joseph to name the child Yeshua, explaining, “he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). This angelic instruction reveals the profound meaning held within His Hebrew name.
Yeshua is more than a simple name; it embodies His divine identity and mission. This was the name used by Mary, Joseph, and the disciples in the land of Israel. While “Jesus” is common today, exploring the name “Yeshua” connects us more deeply to the rich Jewish heritage of our Savior.
Furthermore, the Bible declares that God gave Jesus the “name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). This supreme honor applies directly to His Hebrew name, Yeshua, signifying His ultimate authority and divine power. In honor of this name, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Him as Lord—a powerful affirmation of His deity and sovereignty.
- Divine Origin: His name was chosen by God Himself, revealed through an angel.
- Biblical Root: Yeshua grounds our faith in the historical, biblical context of the Messiah.
- Supreme Authority: It reflects the “name above all names,” signifying His divine power (Philippians 2:9-11).
The Meaning of Yeshua: ‘Salvation’
The name Yeshua has a profound theological meaning: it literally means “Yahweh saves” or “The Lord is Salvation.” This definition perfectly encapsulates the purpose of Christ’s earthly ministry, as He came to deliver humanity from sin and death.
Appreciating this meaning helps us understand God’s plan more deeply. It shows that salvation is not just an act but is intrinsically linked to the person of Jesus. He is more than a deliverer; He is the very embodiment of God’s salvation. This truth resonates throughout Scripture, affirming His unique role.
The angel’s announcement in Matthew 1:21 powerfully connects the name to the mission: “You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” The name Yeshua, meaning salvation, was given to Him because His purpose was to be our Savior. As the Bible confirms, there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
The name Yeshua profoundly declares who He is:
- God’s Saving Act: Yeshua points to God the Father’s initiative to rescue humanity.
- Jesus’ Purpose: It reveals Jesus’ ultimate mission to redeem and restore.
- Central to Faith: The meaning of His name confirms Him as the only way to salvation (John 14:6).
What is the meaning of Yeshua HaMashiach?
Understanding ‘Yeshua’: Yahweh is Salvation
The name Yeshua, the original Hebrew form of Jesus, carries profound spiritual meaning. It translates directly to “Yahweh is Salvation” or “The Lord Saves.” More than a simple label, this sacred name is a powerful declaration of God’s core nature.
This name also reveals God’s divine plan for humanity. An angelic messenger instructed Joseph regarding the coming Savior, saying, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The Greek name for Jesus, “Iēsous,” is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew Yeshua, linking His name directly to His mission.
Therefore, Yeshua’s very name embodies His essential mission: to offer salvation and provide deliverance from the bondage of sin and eternal death. His name serves as a constant reminder of His unfailing saving power and God’s boundless redemptive love.
Understanding ‘HaMashiach’: The Anointed One, The Messiah
When paired together, Yeshua HaMashiach forms a powerful title meaning “Jesus the Messiah” or “Jesus the Anointed One.” HaMashiach (pronounced Ha-Mah-shee-akh) is the Hebrew term for “Messiah,” which literally translates to “the Anointed One.”
In ancient Israel, anointing with oil was a significant ritual for kings, priests, and prophets. This act symbolized their divine appointment and set them apart for a specific, God-given purpose. The title “Yeshua HaMashiach” therefore proclaims Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of these sacred roles.
Consider His multifaceted identity:
- The King: He reigns eternally (Luke 1:32-33).
- The High Priest: He offers perfect atonement (Hebrews 4:14-16).
- The Prophet: He reveals God’s truth (Deuteronomy 18:15).
The Old Testament is rich with messianic prophecies that foretold the arrival of a deliverer who would establish God’s eternal kingdom. For instance, Isaiah 9:6 describes a child born as “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” while Daniel 9:25-26 speaks to the Messiah’s appearance and sacrifice.
As Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus is the one God sent to redeem humanity, perfectly fulfilling every messianic prophecy. His anointing was unique; not with physical oil, but with the Holy Spirit itself (Acts 10:38). This divine empowerment equipped Him for His salvific ministry.
Ultimately, the title “Yeshua HaMashiach” declares Jesus’ divine identity and confirms His supreme role as our Savior, sovereign Lord, and Redeemer. This profound name solidifies His central place in salvation history and underscores His ultimate authority over all things.
Why do we say Jesus instead of Yeshua?
From Hebrew to Greek: The Translation to ‘Iēsous’
The name “Jesus” has a rich history that traces directly back to the Hebrew name “Yeshua,” the name our Savior was given at His birth.
Because the New Testament was written in Koine Greek, the name Yeshua had to be translated. This was a standard linguistic process. The Greek translation became ‘Iēsous’ (pronounced roughly “ee-ay-soos”), which was a phonetic adaptation, not a change in meaning.
This translation was based on an existing precedent:
- The Septuagint (LXX), an early Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament, had already rendered the name “Yehoshua” (Joshua)—a longer form of Yeshua—as ‘Iēsous’.
- Early Greek-speaking Christians simply adopted this established form.
- Crucially, the core meaning of the name, “Yahweh is Salvation,” remained fully intact.
Thus, the name ‘Iēsous’ carried the same divine significance, identifying Him as the promised Messiah who brings salvation.
From Greek to English: The Evolution of the Name ‘Jesus’
The journey from ‘Iēsous’ to “Jesus” continued as the name passed through different languages, reflecting the natural development of language over time.
Here is how the name evolved through history:
- From Greek to Latin: The Greek ‘Iēsous’ was adapted into Latin as ‘Iesus’, using a typical ‘s’ ending for male names.
- From Latin to Old French: In Old French, ‘Iesus’ became ‘Jesu’, and the initial ‘I’ sound began to change.
- Into Middle English: The name ‘Jesu’ was adopted into English from French. Over centuries, the letter ‘J’ developed its modern sound, a change that solidified around the 17th century.
- The King James Bible: The 1611 publication of the King James Bible was highly influential, solidifying “Jesus” as the standard in the English-speaking world.
This gradual shift from ‘Iēsous’ to ‘Iesus’ to ‘Jesu’ and finally to “Jesus” resulted from standard linguistic changes, not a deliberate alteration of His identity or message.
Does the Translation Change His Identity? (Romans 10:9)
Some wonder if using “Jesus” instead of “Yeshua” diminishes His identity. The answer, firmly rooted in Scripture, is a resounding no.
Our Savior’s identity is not bound by a single language; it is established by who He is—the Son of God who died for our sins and rose again.
The power resides in the Person, not a specific pronunciation. Because God is sovereign over all languages, He understands the heart and intent behind our worship.
The Bible confirms this truth. Romans 10:9 powerfully states:
“that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
Notice this verse focuses on faith and confession—belief in His Lordship and resurrection—not on a specific linguistic form of His name.
Therefore, whether we say “Yeshua,” “Iēsous,” or “Jesus,” we are calling upon the same Lord and proclaiming the same Savior. His identity as the Christ, the Messiah, remains absolute and unchanging.
His eternal power to save, heal, and deliver is not limited by human translation or linguistic evolution.
Are Yeshua and Yahweh the same?
Are Yeshua and Yahweh the same?
Understanding the relationship between Yeshua and Yahweh is central to Christian faith. This question leads to the profound mystery of the Trinity: one God existing in three distinct Persons. While Yeshua (the Son) and Yahweh (the Father) are not identical Persons, they are eternally one in their divine nature and purpose.
Yahweh: The Covenant Name of God the Father
In the Old Testament, Yahweh is the most sacred and personal name for God. It signifies His eternal, self-existent nature. When Moses asked for God’s name, the response was, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). This name, often translated as LORD in English Bibles, is a powerful declaration of God’s unchanging faithfulness and sovereignty.
Yahweh is the Creator, the Sustainer, and the God who made a covenant with Israel. As the Father, He is the ultimate source of all life and the architect of salvation history. He is the one true God, unique and incomparable.
Yeshua: The Name of God the Son
Yeshua is the original Hebrew name for Jesus. The name itself is rich with meaning that describes His divine mission, as it means “Yahweh saves” or “Yahweh is salvation.” This truth is beautifully captured when the angel told Joseph, “You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
Therefore, Yeshua is Jesus Christ—God the Son and the Messiah. Through Him, Yahweh extends salvation to humanity. Yeshua perfectly embodies the saving power of God, representing Yahweh’s promise of redemption made flesh.
The Divine Unity: One God, Three Persons
So, are Yeshua and Yahweh the same? In their divine nature, yes, they are one God. However, they remain distinct Persons within the Holy Trinity. The Bible clearly teaches that there is one God who exists eternally as Father, Son (Yeshua), and Holy Spirit.
Yeshua Himself affirmed this profound unity when He declared, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). This statement is not a claim that they are the same Person, but rather an affirmation of their shared divine essence and unified purpose.
Consider these key points about their divine unity:
- Shared Divinity: Both Yahweh (the Father) and Yeshua (the Son) possess all the attributes of God. They are equally eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, and omnipresent.
- Distinct Roles: While one in nature, the Father and Son have distinct roles. The Father sent the Son into the world (John 3:16), and the Son willingly came to do the Father’s will (Hebrews 10:7).
- Perfect Harmony: There is never any disagreement or separation between them. Their will, purpose, and love are perfectly unified.
In this way, the name Yeshua points directly back to Yahweh. It reveals that the salvation offered through the Son comes directly from the Father. This connection affirms Jesus’ divinity and His oneness with the Father, making Him the perfect revelation of God to humanity (John 14:9). Ultimately, understanding this unity deepens our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Why is Jesus called Immanuel?
The Prophecy of ‘God With Us’ (Isaiah 7:14)
The name “Immanuel” carries profound theological weight. More than a title, it is a prophecy—a divine promise recorded in scripture centuries before Jesus walked the earth. Understanding this name is key to grasping who Yeshua Jesus truly is.
The prophet Isaiah first proclaimed this remarkable name while speaking to King Ahaz during a time of national crisis. As the king faced grave threats from opposing kingdoms, God offered him a sign of deliverance through Isaiah, but Ahaz refused.
Consequently, God declared He would provide His own sign in Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.” This prophecy revealed two crucial truths:
- A miraculous birth: A virgin would conceive, an unprecedented and supernatural event.
- A profound name: The child’s name would be Immanuel, a Hebrew name that literally means “God With Us.”
As a clear foretelling of the Messiah, this prophecy pointed to a future divine intervention in which God Himself would come to be among His people. It offered hope and reassurance in a turbulent world, ultimately setting the stage for the greatest event in human history: the Incarnation.
The Fulfillment in Christ (Matthew 1:23)
Centuries later, the Gospel of Matthew records the perfect fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in the birth of Jesus Christ. By directly connecting Isaiah’s words to the miraculous conception of Yeshua, Matthew confirms Jesus’ unique identity.
An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, explaining that Mary’s pregnancy was a direct fulfillment of this prophecy. Matthew 1:23 recounts the moment, quoting Isaiah: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’).”
This passage reveals a central truth of the Gospel: Jesus is not just a prophet or a great teacher, but God Incarnate—God in the flesh. Through Him, God literally came to dwell among us. This fulfillment highlights several vital points:
- Jesus’ Divinity: As Immanuel, He is truly God, demonstrating His divine nature.
- God’s Presence: God is not distant but is intimately present with humanity through Christ.
- Salvation’s Source: This “God With Us” relationship is the foundation of our salvation, as He came to reconcile us to God.
Thus, when we call Jesus “Immanuel,” we affirm His divine identity, celebrate God’s incredible love, and acknowledge His mission to redeem us. Jesus, our Yeshua, is indeed “God With Us,” always and forever.
What Knowing His Hebrew Name Means for Believers
A Deeper Connection to the Jewish Roots of Christianity
Understanding Jesus’ Hebrew name, Yeshua, offers believers a profound connection to the ancient heritage of our faith. Christianity did not spring from a vacuum; it grew from the rich soil of Judaism. Knowing Jesus as Yeshua helps us appreciate this vital lineage and reveals God’s faithfulness throughout history.
This insight reveals the continuous thread of God’s plan, showing how He prepared the way for His Son through centuries of covenant and prophecy. Grasping this helps us understand the full context of the New Testament, as the apostles and early believers were often Jewish and saw Jesus through this Hebrew lens.
- Unveiling Scriptural Depth: Many Old Testament prophecies gain new resonance. They show a clearer picture of God’s unfolding redemption plan.
- Appreciating God’s Faithfulness: We see how God honored His promises to Israel. He fulfilled them perfectly in Yeshua.
- Embracing Our Heritage: Believers are grafted into this rich spiritual heritage (Romans 11:17-18). It is not a separate entity.
Learning Yeshua’s Hebrew name reminds us of this heritage and deepens our understanding of His identity as the fulfillment of all that came before.
Recognizing Jesus as the Promised Messiah of Israel
The name Yeshua is more than a historical curiosity; it is a powerful declaration identifying Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah of Israel. The Hebrew term “HaMashiach” means “The Anointed One.” Therefore, the title Yeshua HaMashiach directly translates to “Salvation, The Anointed One,” a name carrying immense significance.
For centuries, the Jewish people awaited their Messiah, whose coming was foretold in great detail by the prophets (e.g., Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2). Yeshua fulfilled every one of these prophecies. In fact, His very name, which means “Yahweh is Salvation,” encapsulates His mission to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).
Understanding the title “Yeshua HaMashiach” solidifies our faith. It affirms that Jesus is the King sent by God to redeem humanity, strengthening our conviction in His divine authority.
- Prophetic Fulfillment: Yeshua’s life perfectly aligned with Old Testament predictions. This proves His Messiahship (Luke 24:44).
- Divine Authority: His identity as Messiah confirms His unique role. He is the Son of God and Savior of the world.
- Covenant Keeper: Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s covenants. He brings salvation to all who believe.
This truth brings great comfort and assurance to every believer.
The Unchanging Power in the Name of Our Savior
Whether we say “Jesus” or “Yeshua,” the name of our Savior holds immense power. This authority does not depend on a specific language; it originates from His divine person and flows from His finished work on the cross, where He died for our sins and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
The Bible declares His supreme authority, stating, “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). For believers, this name is a source of strength, healing, deliverance, and hope. It is the only name through which salvation comes (Acts 4:12).
Ultimately, the essence of “Yeshua”—Salvation—remains constant, signifying God’s loving provision for us. Our faith rests not on a particular pronunciation but on the Person Himself. Jesus Christ is Lord, yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
- Source of Salvation: His name alone offers eternal life. There is no other name by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
- Deliverance and Healing: Believers experience supernatural power. This occurs when invoking His name in faith (Mark 16:17-18).
- Ultimate Authority: Every knee will bow to Him. Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).
The power in the name of our Savior is truly unchanging—a timeless truth for all believers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Mary call Jesus Yeshua?
Yes. As a native of Judea, Mary would have spoken Aramaic and Hebrew, so she would have called her son “Yeshua.”
When the angel Gabriel announced Jesus’s birth, he told Mary, “You are to conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus” (Luke 1:31). The name “Jesus” used in this biblical text is the Greek equivalent of the common Hebrew name “Yeshua.”
The name Yeshua means “Yahweh is salvation” or “The Lord saves.” This meaning aligns perfectly with the angel’s message to Joseph: “You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). As a Hebrew-speaking mother, Mary would have lovingly called her son Yeshua.
Is Yeshua Jesus the same person as in the Bible?
Yes, Yeshua and Jesus are two names for the same person in the Bible. “Yeshua” is his original name in Hebrew and Aramaic. “Jesus” is the English version of his name, which comes to us through Greek and Latin.
The change in name across languages does not alter his identity, divine nature, or mission to save. He is the Son of God and the Messiah promised in the Old Testament, who came to die for our sins and rise again.
The Bible affirms this unchanging nature: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Whether you use Yeshua or Jesus, you are speaking of the one true Lord and Savior. His identity is defined by his works, teachings, and resurrection—not by the pronunciation of his name in a specific language.
- Yeshua: The original Hebrew/Aramaic name.
- Iēsous: The Greek translation found in the New Testament.
- Jesus: The English form, derived from Greek through Latin.
What is the Hebrew name of Jesus Christ?
The full Hebrew name of Jesus Christ is Yeshua HaMashiach. This name carries deep theological meaning, revealing his identity and purpose.
- Yeshua: This is the Hebrew name for Jesus. It means “Yahweh is salvation” or “The Lord saves,” which encapsulates his mission to deliver humanity from sin.
- HaMashiach: This Hebrew title means “The Anointed One” or “The Messiah.” It identifies him as the long-awaited King and Priest foretold by the prophets.
Putting it together, “Yeshua HaMashiach” means “The Lord is Salvation, the Anointed One.” This powerful name proclaims his divine nature and his role as our Redeemer, affirming that “there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Why did they change Yeshua to Jesus?
The name wasn’t intentionally “changed” to hide his identity. Instead, “Yeshua” transformed linguistically as the Gospel message spread from one language and culture to another.
This journey happened in several stages:
- From Hebrew/Aramaic to Greek: The New Testament was written primarily in Greek, so the Hebrew name “Yeshua” was written as “Iēsous” (Ἰησοῦς). This was a standard way to render Hebrew names in Greek.
- From Greek to Latin: As Christianity spread into the Roman Empire, where Latin was spoken, the Greek “Iēsous” was adapted into the Latin “Iesus.”
- From Latin to English: The Latin “Iesus” eventually became “Jesus” in English. This final change occurred as the English language evolved, particularly with the development of the letter “J” and its sound [1].
This natural process allowed people from different language backgrounds to pronounce and understand his name. The core meaning and power of his name remain the same regardless of its spelling or pronunciation. For example, the name of God the Father (Yahweh) also has different forms in other languages, but his identity remains unchanged.
Ultimately, the power is in the person of Jesus Christ, not in one specific pronunciation. As the Bible says, God “highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Philippians 2:9-10).