Jesus, also referred to as Jesus Christ or Jesus of Nazareth, is one of the most influential figures in human history. His life and teachings form the basis of Christianity, the world’s largest religion with over 2 billion adherents globally. But what exactly is the full name of this central figure in Christianity?
Jesus’s given name
The name “Jesus” is an Anglicized form of the Greek name “Iēsous” (Ἰησοῦς), which itself is a Hellenized version of the Hebrew name “Yeshua” (יֵשׁוּעַ) or “Yehoshua” (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ). This original Hebrew name means “Yahweh is salvation” or “Yahweh delivers.”
In first century Judea, where Jesus lived, Yeshua was a very common name. It is frequently mentioned in the New Testament as the name of several minor characters in addition to Jesus. The name Yeshua highlights Jesus’s Jewish heritage and roots within Judaism before the emergence of Christianity.
Jesus Christ
“Christ” is not actually part of Jesus’s name, but rather a title. It comes from the Greek word “Christos” (Χριστός), meaning “anointed one.” This is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word “Messiah” (מָשִׁיחַ), so “Jesus Christ” means “Jesus the Messiah” or “Jesus the Anointed One.”
In Jewish eschatology, the term messiah refers to a future leader anointed by God to rule and deliver the Jewish people. By calling Jesus “Christ,” early Christians were claiming that Jesus was this long-awaited messianic figure promised in biblical prophecies.
Eventually, “Christ” became incorporated into Jesus’s name and almost ubiquitously used alongside it, but it did not start out as part of his name. It was a title signifying his status in Christian theology as the Messiah.
Jesus of Nazareth
“Jesus of Nazareth” is another epithet commonly used for Jesus. It highlights his connection with Nazareth, a town in Galilee where he grew up according to the Gospels.
The phrase “Jesus of Nazareth” occurs numerous times in the Bible, usually uttered by those who don’t follow or recognize him as the Christ. For example, when the resurrected Jesus appears to Paul in Acts 22:8, Paul asks: “Who are you, Lord?” and the reply is “I am Jesus of Nazareth.”
So while “Jesus Christ” emphasizes his status as the prophesied Messiah, “Jesus of Nazareth” focuses more on his earthly life and human roots as a Galilean peasant prior to his ministry.
Jesus’s genealogy and family name
The Gospels record Jesus’s genealogy through Joseph, who was legally considered his father despite mainstream Christian belief that Mary conceived Jesus while still a virgin. Joseph’s lineage features several notable biblical figures, including King David, Abraham, and Noah.
Based on this account, Jesus’s family name or surname would have been the same as Joseph’s: probably “bar Joseph” meaning “son of Joseph” in Aramaic, or “Yosef” in Hebrew.
Jewish surnames during Jesus’s time were patronymic, meaning they identified a person as the son or daughter of their father. That’s why Jesus was referred to as “Jesus, son of Joseph” (Luke 3:23) in a way that clearly shows “son of Joseph” is describing Jesus, not part of his name.
So while Jesus’s family or surname appears to be “Yosef,” keep in mind that he wouldn’t have been referred to as “Jesus Yosef” the way we use surnames today. Just like his brothers James and Jude, his identity would have focused on his father: “Jesus, son of Joseph.”
Significance of names in biblical times
Names held deep symbolic importance in biblical times. Rather than random labels, they revealed a person’s reputation, character, and destiny.
The meaning of Jesus’s name as “Yahweh is salvation” reveals the divine destiny implied by his birth. His surname tied him to Joseph’s family lineage, while epithets like “Christ” and “of Nazareth” further identified his role and origin.
While Jesus’s “full name” might be stated as “Yeshua bar Yosef” or “Jesus, son of Joseph,” the various titles and descriptions attached to his name provide a fuller picture of his identity and what he represents in Christian theology.
Alternative theories
Some alternative theories exist about the origin and possibilities for Jesus’s full name outside of mainstream Christian tradition.
Different genealogy
While Luke and Matthew trace Joseph’s lineage, some skepticism exists around Joseph actually being Jesus’s biological father. Some suggest his genealogy should instead be traced through Mary, his mother.
This would not ultimately change his given name from Yeshua, but could alter his family name depending on which family Mary descended from.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints belief
According to LDS doctrine, Christ is originally Jehovah or Yahweh from the Old Testament. His full premortal name would thus be Jehovah or Yahweh.
His name upon incarnation became Jehovah/Yahweh/Yeshua Jesus Christ, or in LDS terminology, Jesus the Christ. So in this sense, Christ is part of his eternal name and being, not just a title.
Hebrew Roots
Some adherents of the Hebrew Roots movement believe that Yeshua is the Messiah’s original Hebrew name. Jesus would be a later substitute, while Christ is a mistranslation of Messiah. They may refer to him as Yeshua Mashiach/Messiah or Yeshua ha Mashiach.
Conclusion
While some debate exists around the precise genealogy and linguistic origin of Jesus’s name, the predominant consensus is:
- His given Hebrew/Aramaic name was Yeshua or Yehoshua
- His family or surname was bar Yosef, meaning “son of Joseph”
- The title Christ became strongly associated with him, though it did not start out historically as part of his name
Regardless of the various names, titles, and epithets attached to him through history, Jesus’s original name of Yeshua/Yehoshua reflects his role as savior and conveys the intrinsic meaning and significance that Christianity attributes to his life and teachings.
Timeline of Jesus’s Life
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 6-4 BCE | Jesus is born in Bethlehem |
| 6-12 CE | Jesus grows up in Nazareth |
| 27-29 CE | Jesus is baptized and begins his ministry |
| 30 CE | Jesus is crucified and resurrected in Jerusalem |
Jesus’s Disciples
| Disciple | Description |
|---|---|
| Peter | Member of Jesus’s inner circle; recognized Jesus as Messiah |
| John | Member of Jesus’s inner circle; possibly wrote gospel of John |
| James | Member of Jesus’s inner circle; brother of John |
| Andrew | Peter’s brother; one of the earliest disciples |
| Philip | Introduced Jesus to Nathanael; from Bethsaida |
| Nathanael | Initially skeptical disciple from Cana |
| Matthew | Tax collector; possible author of gospel of Matthew |
| Thomas | Doubted Jesus’s resurrection at first |
| James | Leader of Jerusalem church; Jesus’s brother |
| Jude | Jesus’s brother who wrote epistle of Jude |
Jesus’s Ministry and Teachings
Jesus’s public ministry lasted around 3 years, during which time he traveled mostly around the Galilee region. He appointed twelve disciples and frequently preached sermons and taught in parables to growing crowds who believed he might be the Messiah. Key themes and events in Jesus’s ministry include:
Baptism by John
Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, an ascetic preacher who called people to repentance. This baptism marked the start of Jesus’s ministry and identified him with repentant sinners.
Sermon on the Mount
Jesus’s first major sermon laid out key moral teachings, like the Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer. It emphasized sincere faith rather than outward religious observances.
Parables
Jesus often taught using parables – short stories and analogies to convey theological truths. Well-known parables include the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan.
Love and forgiveness
Jesus emphasized the importance of love, forgiveness, compassion, humility, and taking care of the marginalized in society.
Conflicts with religious leaders
Jesus frequently clashed with the Pharisees and Sadducees over interpretation of the Law. He criticized hypocrisy and legalism, claiming to fulfill rather than abolish the Law.
Miracles and healings
Jesus performed miracles like healing the sick, walking on water, and multiplying fish and bread. These led many to believe he was the Messiah with divine authority.
Passion predictions
Jesus predicted his death and resurrection multiple times. Despite this foreknowledge, the disciples were still shocked when the events occurred.
Crucifixion
Jesus was arrested and sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate under pressure from Jewish leaders who saw him as a threat. He was executed by crucifixion alongside criminals a day before Passover outside Jerusalem’s city walls. In Christian theology, his death served as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
Resurrection
On the Sunday after his crucifixion, Jesus’s tomb was found empty and he began appearing to his disciples resurrected. His resurrection established him as the risen Son of God in Christian theology. After forty days of appearances, Christians believe he ascended bodily into heaven.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus’s original Hebrew/Aramaic name was Yeshua or Yehoshua
- His surname or family name was likely bar Yosef – “son of Joseph”
- “Christ” began as a title meaning Messiah but later became part of his name
- He is also referred to as “Jesus of Nazareth” to note his earthly life and origins
- Jesus traveled Galilee preaching and performing miracles for about 3 years
- Central to his teachings were love, compassion, forgiveness, and humility
- He was crucified under Pontius Pilate around 30 CE
- Christians believe he rose from the dead days later and ascended to heaven