Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith and is described in the Bible using various names and titles that reveal different aspects of His nature and work. Here are some of the major names and titles for Jesus found in the Bible:
Jesus
The name “Jesus” comes from the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua, which means “Yahweh saves” or “Yahweh is salvation.” It is the personal, human name given to Christ at His birth (Luke 1:31). “Jesus” identifies Him as the Savior and emphasizes His humanity.
Christ
“Christ” is the English translation of the Greek word Christos, which means “anointed one.” This title comes from Jesus’ role as the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. As the Christ, Jesus is the one anointed and sent by God to save and deliver His people (Luke 2:11).
Lord
The name “Lord” ascribes deity to Jesus, identifying Him as truly God. Lord was the title used to address Yahweh in the Old Testament, so calling Jesus “Lord” means He shares divine nature and authority with God the Father (Romans 10:9; Philippians 2:11).
Son of God
“Son of God” affirms Jesus’ unique relationship with God the Father. As the second person of the Trinity, Jesus has always existed as the eternal Son in relation with the Father. This name also points to Jesus’ divine nature (Matthew 14:33; John 20:31).
Son of Man
The title “Son of Man” identifies Jesus as the representative Messianic figure described in prophecy (Daniel 7:13-14). It emphasizes Jesus’ full humanity, His suffering, and His eventual glory (Mark 10:45; Luke 19:10).
Lamb of God
“Lamb of God” depicts Jesus as the perfect sacrificial offering for sin. It refers to Jesus’ substitutionary death on the cross to atone for sin once and for all (John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:19; Revelation 5:6-14).
Immanuel
The name Immanuel, meaning “God with us,” reminds us that Jesus is the incarnation of God, come to dwell among His people (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). It speaks of Jesus’ deity united with His humanity.
Good Shepherd
Jesus as the Good Shepherd reveals His protective, nurturing heart for His people. Just as a shepherd guards the sheep, Jesus tenderly watches over those who belong to Him (John 10:11-16).
Bread of Life
Calling Himself the Bread of Life, Jesus indicates that He alone is the source of spiritual nourishment, strength, and satisfaction of soul (John 6:35). Feeding on Him by faith sustains our spiritual life now and eternally.
Light of the World
As the Light of the World, Jesus illumines the darkness of sin, giving spiritual light, guidance, and clarity to all who follow Him (John 8:12). He shows the way to God.
True Vine
Jesus as the True Vine depicts Him as the source of life for His people. Just as a vine sustains its branches, believers must stay vitally connected to Christ for their spiritual life and fruitfulness (John 15:1-8).
Way, Truth, Life
Jesus being the Way, Truth, and Life means He alone is the way to the Father, the embodiment of truth, and the source of eternal life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).
Cornerstone
Calling Jesus the cornerstone refers to His foundational importance for the spiritual temple of believers being built by God. He is the foundation supporting the whole structure (Ephesians 2:19-22).
King of kings and Lord of lords
The exalted title King of kings and Lord of lords proclaims Jesus’ supremacy over all earthly and spiritual rulers. He reigns over everything and is the highest authority (Revelation 19:16).
Alpha and Omega
Jesus calling Himself the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End conveys His eternality, infinity, and complete soveriegnty over all history and the universe (Revelation 1:8; 22:13).
Word of God
The title Word of God highlights how Jesus perfectly reveals God to mankind. Jesus, as God the Son, is the full expression of all that God is (John 1:1-5, 14).
High Priest
As our great High Priest, Jesus mediates between God and man and makes atonement for sin. Unlike human priests, Jesus’ priesthood is eternal and unchangeable (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:23-28).
Savior
The most fundamental name for Jesus is Savior, emphasizing His mission to rescue us from sin and death. Jesus came to save His people from their sins, delivering them and granting salvation (Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:11).
Redeemer
Jesus as Redeemer reminds us He paid the full price to liberate us from sin’s captivity. His substitutionary death provides our ransom from sin’s penalty (1 Peter 1:18-19; Titus 2:14).
Advocate
Jesus serving as our Advocate means He is our intercessor, mediator, and counselor. He pleads the believer’s case before God and intercedes for us (1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:24-25).
Lion of Judah
The title Lion of Judah speaks of Jesus’ majestic authority and kingship, as well as His courageous, fierce protectiveness of His people. He defends and guards His own (Revelation 5:5).
The Word
Jesus as the Word references His role in God perfectly communicating Himself to us. Jesus is the full revelation of God – God’s message in the “flesh.” (John 1:1, 14; Revelation 19:13).
Messenger of the Covenant
As the Messenger of the Covenant, Jesus establishes the New Covenant which provides forgiveness, redemption, and eternal relationship with God through His blood. He fulfills God’s promises (Malachi 3:1; Luke 22:20).
Author and Perfecter of Our Faith
Jesus authors faith in us, as the pioneer of faith. He then works to perfect our faith, finishing and completing what He began (Hebrews 12:2). He is the source, sustainer, and completer of faith.
Chief Shepherd
The Chief Shepherd is the head and leader over all other shepherds, caring for and overseeing His flock – the people of God. This speaks to Jesus’ leadership and supervision over all believers (1 Peter 5:4).
Head of the Church
As Head of the Church, Jesus is its supreme leader, ruler, and authority over all local churches. The Church submits fully to His lordship and governance (Ephesians 1:20-23; 5:23).
Firstborn from the Dead
Jesus being Firstborn from the dead proclaims His primacy and preeminence over all those resurrected. His resurrection is the guarantee of future resurrection for all believers (Colossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5).
Judge
The title Judge reminds us that Jesus has ultimate authority to judge all humanity. He alone will judge everyone in perfect righteousness, justice, and mercy (John 5:22-23; Acts 10:42).
Friend of Sinners
Jesus demonstrated that He is a friend of sinners by reaching out to the outcasts of society with mercy. Though He is sinless, He offers forgiveness to all (Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:34).
Only Begotten Son
Jesus’ title Only Begotten Son emphasizes His unique, eternal relationship with God the Father. It speaks to His pre-existence, shared nature, and absolute uniqueness as the Son of God (John 1:14; John 3:16).
Wonderful Counselor
The name Wonderful Counselor reveals Jesus’ wisdom and guidance for His people. He administers perfect counsel and advice, stemming from His divine knowledge (Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 11:2).
Resurrection and Life
Jesus being the Resurrection and Life means He has power over death, and all who believe in Him will spiritually rise from death and live eternally. He offers us eternal life (John 11:25).