Titles of Jesus Christ in the Bible
The person of Jesus Christ is the very heart of Christian faith and theology. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, Jesus is referred to by a remarkable array of names and titles, each revealing a unique aspect of his nature, mission, and relationship to humanity and to God the Father. These titles are not mere honorifics; they are rich with theological meaning, rooted in the history of Israel, the expectations of the Messiah, and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. This article will explore the breadth and depth of the titles of Jesus Christ in the Bible.
The Significance of Titles in Biblical Theology
In biblical literature, names and titles are never arbitrary. They reveal character, authority, and destiny. In the case of Jesus, the multiplicity of titles reflects the fullness of his person and work. There are some 200 names and titles of Jesus Christ found in the Bible, though the most prominent and theologically significant are often highlighted in Christian teaching and worship. These titles are not only descriptive but also prescriptive, inviting believers to know, trust, and worship Jesus in all the dimensions of his revealed identity.
Titles of Jesus in the Old Testament
While the name “Jesus” (Yeshua, meaning “Yahweh saves”) is not found in the Old Testament, the Hebrew Scriptures are replete with messianic titles and prophetic designations that are fulfilled in him. The book of Isaiah, in particular, is a treasure trove of such titles.
Titles of Jesus Christ in Isaiah
Isaiah’s prophecies are foundational for understanding the messianic expectations that Jesus fulfills. In Isaiah 7:14, the coming deliverer is called “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us”: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
In Isaiah 9:6, a passage often read during Advent and Christmas, the prophet ascribes four majestic titles to the coming child: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Each of these titles reveals a facet of the Messiah’s identity: “Wonderful Counselor” points to his wisdom and guidance. “Mighty God” affirms his divine power. “Everlasting Father” speaks to his eternal care and authority. “Prince of Peace” proclaims his role in bringing reconciliation and wholeness.
Isaiah also refers to the Messiah as the “Servant of the Lord” (Isaiah 42:1; 52:13-53:12), a title that Jesus explicitly applies to himself (Mark 10:45), and as the “Root of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:1, 10), indicating his Davidic lineage and messianic kingship.
Messianic Titles in the Psalms and Prophets
Other Old Testament titles include “Son of Man” (Daniel 7:13), a title Jesus frequently uses for himself, emphasizing both his humanity and his eschatological authority; “King” (Psalm 2:6), “Anointed One” or “Messiah” (Psalm 2:2), and “Shepherd” (Ezekiel 34:23). These titles are not only prophetic but also typological, pointing forward to the one who would fulfill Israel’s hopes.
Titles of Jesus in the New Testament
The New Testament writers, inspired by the Holy Spirit, draw upon and expand these Old Testament titles, applying them directly to Jesus and revealing new dimensions of his person and work.
Son of God and Son of Man
Two of the most prominent titles in the Gospels are “Son of God” and “Son of Man.” Son of God affirms Jesus’ unique relationship with the Father and his divine nature (Matthew 3:17; John 1:34). Son of Man, as noted above, is a title Jesus uses for himself, rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, and emphasizes both his identification with humanity and his authority as the eschatological judge (Mark 14:62).
Christ and Messiah
Christ is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew “Messiah,” meaning “Anointed One.” Peter’s confession in Matthew 16:16–“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”–captures the heart of Christian faith. Jesus is the long-awaited deliverer, anointed by God to save his people.
Lord
The title “Lord” (Greek: kurios) is used over 700 times in the New Testament for Jesus. It signifies not only respect but also divine authority, echoing the Old Testament use of “Lord” (Yahweh) for God himself. Paul declares, “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)
The Bread of Life, Light of the World, and Other Titles in John
The Gospel of John is especially rich in metaphorical titles for Jesus, each revealing a unique aspect of his saving work. Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35) He also says, “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)
Other “I am” statements in John include “the door,” “the good shepherd,” “the resurrection and the life,” “the way, the truth, and the life,” and “the true vine” (John 10:7, 11; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1). Each of these titles draws on Old Testament imagery and reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Chief Cornerstone and Head of the Church
Paul and Peter both refer to Jesus as the “chief cornerstone,” the foundation upon which the church is built: “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:20) This title emphasizes Jesus’ central role in uniting Jew and Gentile into one people of God.
Alpha and Omega
In the book of Revelation, Jesus is called “the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13), affirming his eternal nature and sovereignty over all history.
How Many Titles Are There for Jesus?
As noted earlier, scholars and theologians have identified around 200 names and titles for Jesus in the Bible. While it is difficult to list exactly 100 distinct names without overlap, many resources attempt to catalog the most significant ones. These include titles such as Advocate, Author and Finisher of our Faith, Beloved Son, Bridegroom, Deliverer, Faithful and True Witness, Good Shepherd, Great High Priest, Holy One, King of Kings, Lamb of God, Mediator, Redeemer, Rock, Savior, Teacher, and Word of God, among many others.
Theological Implications of Jesus’ Titles
Each title of Jesus is a window into the mystery of the incarnation and the work of redemption. They reveal him as fully God and fully man, as prophet, priest, and king, as the suffering servant and the reigning Lord. The diversity of titles invites believers to a deeper worship and a fuller understanding of who Jesus is.
Conclusion
The titles of Jesus Christ in the Bible are not mere labels; they are revelations of his person, work, and glory. From the prophetic visions of Isaiah to the metaphors of John’s Gospel, from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to the cosmic lordship proclaimed in Revelation, each title invites us to know Jesus more deeply and to trust him more fully. As the “chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20), the “bread of life” (John 6:35), and the “prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6), Jesus is the fulfillment of all God’s promises and the hope of all who believe. May we, like the apostle John, behold his glory, “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14), and confess with joy that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.