The name “Jesus Christ” is very familiar to most people as the central figure of Christianity. However, some wonder if this Greek-based name accurately represents who Jesus was as a 1st century Jew living in Israel. This article will examine what the Bible teaches about the Hebrew background and identity of Jesus Christ.
The Name “Jesus”
In most English Bibles, the name “Jesus” is used to refer to the Messiah. This is a transliteration of the Greek name “Iesous” which came through the Latin “Iesus.” However, in his lifetime, Jesus would have been known by his Hebrew name “Yeshua” (or possibly the Aramaic “Eashoa”).
“Yeshua” is a common Hebrew name meaning “salvation” or “the Lord saves.” We see instances of others named Yeshua in the Bible such as Joshua son of Nun and Jeshua the high priest (see Zechariah 3:1). Yeshua is a shortened form of the name “Yehoshua” which means “the Lord is salvation” (see Numbers 13:16).
Therefore, when the angel Gabriel told Mary to name her child “Jesus,” this would have been understood as the Hebrew name “Yeshua” (Luke 1:31). So in his Jewish cultural context, Christ was known as Yeshua though the Greek “Jesus” is now commonly used.
The Title “Christ”
The title “Christ” is from the Greek word “Christos” which means “anointed one.” This corresponds to the Hebrew word “Mashiach” (Messiah), also meaning “anointed one.” In the Old Testament, prophets, priests, and kings were anointed with oil as a sign of being set apart for service to God.
By the 1st century, the term “Messiah” or “Christ” was used to refer to the expected ruler promised by God who would deliver Israel. When Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, he was claiming to be this promised Deliverer. The Samaritan woman recognizes this in John 4:25-26 when she declares “I know that Messiah is coming.”
Therefore, the title “Christ” or “Messiah” was a designation for Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and expectations (see John 1:41). The combined name “Jesus Christ” identifies him as the Savior and Anointed One.
His Name and Title in Hebrew
Based on the Hebrew background, we can say “Yeshua Hamashiach” is a more precise Hebrew rendering of the name and title “Jesus Christ.” Yeshua emphasizes his Jewish identity and culture, while Hamashiach corresponds to the concept of the promised Messiah.
We see this combination “Yeshua Hamashiach” used in John 1:41 when Andrew tells Peter “We have found the Messiah” (which is “Hamashiach” in Hebrew). There is power and significance in the Hebrew name and title of our Savior.
New Testament Use of “Iesous Christos”
While “Yeshua Hamashiach” is a more Hebrew rendering, the authors of the New Testament (except Matthew) utilized the Greek “Iesous Christos” when writing to first century audiences. Using Greek allowed for easier reach across the Roman Empire.
The inspired New Testament authors took Jesus’ Hebrew name and title and translated them into Greek for their target audience. The Holy Spirit could have moved them to use the Hebrew, but he did not. There is precedent in the Old Testament of Hebrew names being rendered in other languages such as “Elijah” translated as “Elias” in Greek.
Therefore, even though Christ’s Hebrew name and title are more precise, the New Testament authors were led by the Spirit to use Greek rather than Hebrew when inspired to write Scripture for the Church.
Yeshua Came as the Jewish Messiah
An important implication of Christ’s Hebrew identity is that he came specifically as Israel’s long-awaited Messiah. He was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy related to the Jewish people.
Yeshua himself said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 15:24) and “salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22). Paul also emphasizes that Christ came “to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs” (Romans 15:8). The Messiah was promised to come through Abraham’s seed to bless the world (Genesis 12:3).
To overlook Jesus’ Jewish identity is to miss that he is the Savior specifically promised to the Jewish fathers. Yeshua Hamashiach came to deliver God’s chosen people through his atoning death and resurrection. He is the Jewish Messiah who brings salvation to both Jews and Gentiles who believe in him.
Use of “Jesus Christ” is Acceptable
While the Hebrew title and name help reveal more of Jesus’ background and identity, the Greek rendering “Jesus Christ” is perfectly acceptable for use among Christians today. This is the predominant name and title used by the inspired New Testament authors as they wrote under the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Millions of believers over thousands of years have worshiped and been saved through trust in the name of “Jesus Christ” without knowledge of the Hebrew. Jesus hears their prayers and accepts them. What matters most is that we recognize Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10).
Whether we use “Jesus Christ, “Yeshua Hamashiach,” or another translation of the Greek or Hebrew, we are referring to the same promised Messiah and only Savior of the world. The name above every name at which every knee shall bow (Philippians 2:9-11).
Pronunciation of “Yeshua Hamashiach”
When saying the Hebrew name and title for Jesus Christ, it can be pronounced a few different ways:
- “Yeh-shoo-uh Ha-mah-shee-ahkh” – More traditional Ashkenazic pronunciation
- “Yeh-schwa Ha-mah-shee-ahch” – Common Israeli pronunciation
- “Yay-shoo-uh Ha-mah-see-ahch” – Closer to the Greek
Since there are no recordings of how Hebrew was spoken in the 1st century, any pronunciation is speculation. The key is that “Yeshua” refers to Jesus’ name meaning salvation, and “Hamashiach” signifies he is the Anointed One.
In Conclusion
The Hebrew name and title “Yeshua Hamashiach” helps reveal the Jewish ethnic and cultural identity of Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah. However, the Greek rendering “Iesous Christos” is also legitimate and commonly used in the New Testament and modern translations.
Whether one says “Jesus Christ” or “Yeshua Hamashiach,” the same Savior is identified. As believers, what matters most is that we recognize Jesus as the Son of God who died for our sins and rose again for our justification. At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow!