“Yeshua” is the Hebrew name for Jesus. Understanding the significance of this name helps deepen the understanding of Jesus’ identity and mission as presented in the Bible.
Meaning of Yeshua
“Yeshua” means “salvation” or “The Lord saves.” It is a shortened form of the name “Yehoshua” (Joshua), which means “The Lord is salvation.”
Biblical References
Matthew 1:21 (NIV)
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
The Name in Different Languages
- Hebrew: Yeshua
- Greek: Iēsous (Ιησούς)
- Latin: Iesus
- English: Jesus
Yeshua in the Old Testament
The name “Yeshua” or its longer form “Yehoshua” appears in the Old Testament and is often associated with figures who lead or deliver God’s people.
Joshua (Yehoshua)
Joshua, the son of Nun, succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. His name, meaning “The Lord is salvation,” foreshadows the mission of Jesus (Yeshua) as the ultimate savior.
Joshua 1:1-2 (NIV)
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.”
Yeshua in the New Testament
In the New Testament, “Yeshua” is translated into Greek as “Iēsous,” from which the English name “Jesus” is derived. The New Testament reveals Jesus (Yeshua) as the Messiah, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of salvation.
The Angel’s Announcement
The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bear a son and name him Yeshua (Jesus), emphasizing his role as the Savior.
Luke 1:31 (NIV)
You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.
Jesus’ Mission
Jesus’ name reflects His mission to save humanity from sin. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is depicted as fulfilling the role of the promised Messiah.
John 1:29 (NIV)
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
Jesus as the Fulfillment of Salvation
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection embody the meaning of His name, Yeshua, as He brings salvation to all who believe.
Acts 4:12 (NIV)
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
Relevance for Today’s Christian
Understanding Jesus as Yeshua connects Christians to the Hebrew roots of their faith and the continuity of God’s plan of salvation from the Old Testament to the New Testament.
Connection to Jesus
Knowing Jesus as Yeshua emphasizes His identity as the promised Savior who fulfills God’s covenant promises. This name highlights His mission to save humanity and His divine role in God’s redemptive plan.
Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Demonstration of God’s Love
The name Yeshua embodies God’s love and desire to save humanity. It reflects the divine initiative to reach out to fallen humanity and offer redemption through Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 (NIV)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Conclusion
“Yeshua” is the Hebrew name for Jesus, meaning “salvation” or “The Lord saves.” This name is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and reveals the mission and identity of Jesus as the Savior. Understanding Jesus as Yeshua connects Christians to the biblical narrative of salvation and underscores the continuity of God’s redemptive plan. Through Jesus, or Yeshua, believers find the fulfillment of God’s promise to save His people, demonstrating His profound love and mercy.