What is the meaning of the name Jesus?

The name Jesus holds profound significance in the Bible, as it encapsulates His mission to save humanity from sin. The name Jesus is derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ), which means “The Lord is Salvation” or “Yahweh Saves.” It reflects both the divine and redemptive nature of Jesus’ life and ministry.

Meaning of the Name Jesus

Jesus as the Savior
The angel Gabriel explicitly revealed the meaning of Jesus’ name to Joseph, connecting it to His mission of salvation.
- Matthew 1:21 (NIV):
  “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
This verse ties Jesus’ name directly to His purpose: bringing salvation to humanity through His death and resurrection.
Jesus Reflects God’s Salvation Plan
The name underscores God’s plan of redemption, showing that salvation is initiated and accomplished by God Himself.
- Acts 4:12 (NIV):
  “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Significance of the Name Jesus in the Bible

Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus’ name fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah, who would bring salvation to His people.
- Isaiah 7:14 (NIV):
  “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
  - While “Immanuel” means “God with us,” it reflects the role Jesus would fulfill in bringing God’s presence and salvation to humanity.
The Name Above All Names
Jesus’ name is exalted above every name, signifying His authority and divine mission.
- Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV):
  “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Jesus as the Mediator
The name of Jesus is central to Christian prayer and worship, as He mediates between God and humanity.
- John 14:13-14 (NIV):
  “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
Victory and Authority in Jesus’ Name
Jesus’ name carries power over sin, sickness, and spiritual forces.
- Luke 10:17 (NIV):
  “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.'”

Parallel to Old Testament Names

The name Yeshua is closely related to Joshua (Yehoshua) in the Old Testament, which also means “The Lord is salvation.” Joshua was a type of savior figure who led the Israelites into the Promised Land, foreshadowing Jesus’ ultimate role in bringing spiritual salvation.

Hebrews 4:8-9 (NIV):
“For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God.”

Practical Implications of Jesus’ Name

Hope and Assurance
The name of Jesus assures believers of God’s desire and power to save.
- John 3:16 (NIV):
  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Source of Salvation
Calling on the name of Jesus is the way to receive eternal life.
- Romans 10:13 (NIV):
  “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Healing and Restoration
The name of Jesus brings healing and restoration.
- Acts 3:6 (NIV):
  “Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’”

Conclusion

The name Jesus embodies God’s redemptive plan for humanity, highlighting His role as Savior and mediator. It signifies salvation, deliverance, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. By calling on His name, believers find forgiveness, healing, and eternal life.

John 20:31 (NIV):
“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”