What is Jesus' name in Hebrew?

The name of Jesus in Hebrew is "Yeshua" (יֵשׁוּעַ). This name carries profound significance both linguistically and theologically, connecting Jesus to the rich tapestry of Jewish tradition and prophecy. Understanding the Hebrew name of Jesus not only provides insight into His identity and mission but also deepens our appreciation for the continuity between the Old and New Testaments.

The name "Yeshua" is a shortened form of "Yehoshua" (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ), which is rendered in English as Joshua. This name means "Yahweh is salvation" or "The Lord saves." The angel's proclamation to Joseph in Matthew 1:21 encapsulates this meaning succinctly: "She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." Here, the angel is explicitly linking Jesus' mission to His name, emphasizing that He is the embodiment of God's salvation.

The name "Yeshua" was not uncommon in the first century. It was a name borne by several figures in the Hebrew Scriptures, most notably Joshua, the son of Nun, who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. This connection is not incidental but deeply symbolic. Just as Joshua led the people of Israel into a physical land of promise, Jesus (Yeshua) leads His followers into the spiritual promises of God, offering salvation and eternal life.

The significance of Jesus' Hebrew name is further enriched when we consider the broader context of His life and ministry. Jesus was born into a Jewish family, lived according to Jewish customs, and His teachings were deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures. By understanding His name in its original Hebrew context, we gain a clearer picture of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the culmination of God's redemptive plan.

In the Hebrew Bible, names are often more than mere labels; they convey character, destiny, and divine purpose. For instance, Abram's name was changed to Abraham, meaning "father of many nations," to reflect God's promise to him (Genesis 17:5). Similarly, Jacob's name was changed to Israel, meaning "he struggles with God," after his encounter with the divine (Genesis 32:28). The name "Yeshua" fits this pattern, encapsulating Jesus' divine mission to save humanity.

The Gospel of John provides a theological reflection on the significance of Jesus' name and identity. In John 1:1, the apostle writes, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Later, in John 1:14, he adds, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." This passage highlights the incarnation, the mystery of God becoming human in the person of Jesus. The name "Yeshua" underscores this profound truth: God has come to save His people.

The use of the name "Yeshua" also bridges the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan. In Isaiah 53, the prophet speaks of a suffering servant who will bear the sins of many. This passage is often seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus' sacrificial death. By bearing the name "Yeshua," Jesus is identified as this servant, the one who brings God's salvation to fruition.

Furthermore, the name "Yeshua" connects Jesus to the broader narrative of salvation history. In the book of Zechariah, we find another Joshua, the high priest, who is a symbol of the coming Messiah. Zechariah 3:8 says, "Listen, High Priest Joshua, you and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring my servant, the Branch." The high priest Joshua serves as a type, or foreshadowing, of Jesus, the ultimate High Priest who mediates between God and humanity.

The New Testament writers were acutely aware of these connections and often drew on Old Testament imagery and prophecy to explain Jesus' identity and mission. For instance, the author of Hebrews describes Jesus as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek, emphasizing His unique role in God's redemptive plan (Hebrews 7:17). The name "Yeshua" thus serves as a link between the promises of the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the New Testament.

In addition to its theological significance, the name "Yeshua" also highlights the historical and cultural context of Jesus' life. Jesus was a first-century Jewish rabbi who spoke Aramaic and lived in a society deeply rooted in Hebrew traditions. Understanding His Hebrew name helps us appreciate the Jewishness of Jesus and the context in which He taught and ministered.

This cultural context is important for interpreting Jesus' teachings and actions. For example, when Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue of Nazareth (Luke 4:16-21), He is engaging with the Hebrew Scriptures in a way that His audience would have understood. By proclaiming that He is the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, Jesus is asserting His messianic identity in terms that resonate with His Jewish listeners.

Moreover, the use of the name "Yeshua" reminds us of the universality of Jesus' mission. While He was born into a specific cultural and historical context, His message of salvation transcends those boundaries. The name "Yeshua" signifies that God's salvation is available to all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity.

The apostle Paul emphasizes this universality in his letter to the Galatians, where he writes, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). The name "Yeshua" thus serves as a reminder that Jesus' mission is inclusive, breaking down the barriers that divide humanity and offering salvation to all who believe.

In conclusion, the name of Jesus in Hebrew, "Yeshua," is rich with meaning and significance. It connects Jesus to the Old Testament, underscores His divine mission, and highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan. By understanding His Hebrew name, we gain a deeper appreciation for Jesus' identity and the profound implications of His life, death, and resurrection. The name "Yeshua" encapsulates the essence of who Jesus is: the Savior who brings God's salvation to a broken and needy world.