The Other Names of Jesus Christ in Scripture
The person of Jesus Christ stands at the very center of Christian faith, and the Bible ascribes to him a multitude of names and titles, each revealing a unique aspect of his identity, mission, and relationship to humanity and the Godhead. These names are not mere labels; they are rich with theological meaning, rooted in both Old and New Testament revelation. This article will explore the various names and titles of Jesus Christ, their scriptural foundations, and their significance for Christian theology.
Names and Titles in the Old Testament
The Old Testament, while not using the name “Jesus” explicitly, contains numerous prophetic titles and descriptions that are fulfilled in the person of Christ. These names point forward to the Messiah, the anointed one who would bring salvation to Israel and the nations.
Messiah (Anointed One)
The Hebrew word “Mashiach” (Messiah) means “anointed one.” This title is foundational to the Old Testament expectation of a deliverer. In Daniel 9:25-26, the coming of the “Anointed One” is prophesied. The New Testament affirms that Jesus is the fulfillment of this messianic hope (John 1:41; Acts 2:36).
Immanuel (God with us)
Isaiah 7:14 prophesies, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Matthew 1:23 explicitly applies this prophecy to Jesus, explaining that “Immanuel” means “God with us.” This name underscores the incarnation–God taking on human flesh and dwelling among his people.
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9:6 offers a cluster of titles for the coming child: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Each title reveals a facet of the Messiah’s divine nature and redemptive work.
Branch, Root of Jesse, and the Servant
The prophets also refer to the Messiah as the “Branch” (Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 3:8), the “Root of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:1, 10), and the “Servant” (Isaiah 42:1; 52:13-53:12). These names emphasize the Messiah’s Davidic lineage, humble origins, and suffering on behalf of others.
Names and Titles in the New Testament
The New Testament reveals the fullness of Jesus’ identity, using a wide array of names and titles that reflect his divinity, humanity, and redemptive mission.
Jesus (Yeshua)
The name “Jesus” is the Greek form of the Hebrew “Yeshua” (Joshua), meaning “Yahweh saves” or “the Lord is salvation.” Matthew 1:21 records the angel’s instruction: “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” This name encapsulates the core of his mission.
Christ (Christos, Messiah)
Christ is not a surname but a title, the Greek equivalent of “Messiah.” It means “anointed one.” The New Testament frequently refers to Jesus as “Jesus Christ,” affirming him as the promised deliverer (Matthew 16:16; Acts 5:42).
Son of God
The title, Son of God, affirms both the unique relationship between Jesus and the Father and his divine nature. At Jesus’ baptism, the Father declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). John’s Gospel is especially rich in this title (John 1:34; 3:16-18).
Son of Man
Jesus’ favorite self-designation, Son of Man, appears over 80 times in the Gospels. It echoes Daniel 7:13-14, where “one like a son of man” is given authority and an everlasting kingdom. This title emphasizes both Jesus’ humanity and his messianic authority.
Lamb of God
John the Baptist proclaims, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). This title connects Jesus to the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, particularly the Passover lamb (Exodus 12; 1 Corinthians 5:7).
The Word (Logos)
John 1:1 introduces Jesus as “the Word” (Logos): “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This title reveals Jesus as the eternal self-expression of God, the agent of creation, and the one who reveals God to humanity (John 1:14).
Light of the World
Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). This title speaks to his role in dispelling spiritual darkness and bringing truth and salvation.
Bread of Life, Good Shepherd, True Vine
In the Gospel of John, Jesus uses a series of “I am” statements to reveal his identity: “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35), “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11), and “I am the true vine” (John 15:1). Each metaphor reveals a different aspect of his sustaining, guiding, and life-giving relationship with believers.
King of Kings and Lord of Lords
Revelation 19:16 describes Jesus as “King of kings and Lord of lords”, affirming his supreme authority over all earthly and spiritual powers.
Alpha and Omega
In Revelation 22:13, Jesus says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” This title affirms his eternal nature and sovereignty over all history.
Other Significant Names and Titles
Scripture ascribes many additional names and titles to Jesus, including “Redeemer” (Job 19:25; Titus 2:14), “Savior” (Luke 2:11), “Mediator” (1 Timothy 2:5), “High Priest” (Hebrews 4:14), “Author and Perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), “Chief Cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20), “Faithful and True” (Revelation 19:11), and “Holy One of God” (Mark 1:24).
How Many Names Does Jesus Have?
There is no universally agreed-upon number of names for Jesus in the Bible, as some are titles, some are metaphors, and some are prophetic descriptions. Lists often cite “12 names of Jesus” or “25 names of Jesus,” but these are representative rather than exhaustive. For example, a common list of twelve includes: Jesus, Christ, Son of God, Son of Man, Lamb of God, Light of the World, Bread of Life, Good Shepherd, True Vine, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and Savior. Expanding to twenty-five or more, one might include titles such as Alpha and Omega, Immanuel, Redeemer, Mediator, High Priest, Chief Cornerstone, Faithful and True, Holy One of God, Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and other names.
Scholars and theologians have identified over 100 names and titles for Jesus throughout Scripture, each illuminating a different aspect of his person and work. The variety and richness of these names reflect the inexhaustible depth of who Jesus is.
Why Was “Yeshua” Changed to “Jesus”?
The name “Yeshua” is the original Hebrew/Aramaic name for Jesus, meaning “Yahweh saves.” When the Hebrew Scriptures were translated into Greek (the Septuagint), “Yeshua” became “Iesous.” The New Testament, written in Greek, uses “Iesous.” When the Bible was later translated into Latin, “Iesous” became “Iesus.” The English “Jesus” derives from the Latin form. This linguistic progression reflects the spread of the gospel across languages and cultures, not a change in meaning or identity. The name “Jesus” in English carries the same significance as “Yeshua” in Hebrew: the one through whom God brings salvation.
Theological Significance of Jesus’ Names
Each name and title of Jesus is a window into his character and mission. They reveal him as fully God and fully man, the promised Messiah, the suffering servant, the victorious king, the redeemer, and the sustainer of all things. The names of Jesus are not merely historical or doctrinal curiosities; they are invitations to know him more deeply and to worship him as the one in whom “all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” (Colossians 1:19).
Conclusion
The names and titles of Jesus Christ in the Bible are as varied as they are profound. From “Immanuel” to “Alpha and Omega,” each reveals a unique facet of his identity and work. Whether we speak of twelve, twenty-five, or a hundred names, the purpose is not to count but to contemplate the glory of the one who is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). As the apostle John wrote, “these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).