What was Jesus’ Real Name?
The question of what was Jesus’ real name is a topic of much debate and discussion among scholars, theologians, and philosophers. The name "Jesus" is the most well-known and widely accepted name of the biblical figure, but is it truly the name given to him at birth? In this article, we will delve into the history and linguistics of the name "Jesus" and explore other options that have been proposed over the centuries.
Yeshua: The Name of Jesus
According to the New Testament, Jesus’ name was Yeshua (also transliterated as Yehoshua or Joshua). In Hebrew, Yeshua means "God is salvation" or "salvation of God." This name is derived from the Hebrew words "Yah" (God) and "shua" (salvation). In Greek, the name is rendered as Iesous (Jesus), which was later adopted into Latin as Iesus and eventually into English as Jesus.
A Common Name
Jesus was not a rare or unique name in first-century Palestine. It was a common name among Jewish people, and several prominent figures in the Hebrew Bible bore the name Joshua, including the leader who succeeded Moses. The name was also borne by several high priests, including the High Priest Onias III.
Philip’s Gospel
The New Testament account of the gospel of Philip suggests that Jesus was not a name given to him by his parents, but rather a name given to him by the Holy Spirit after his baptism. This passage reads: "The three Marys went out at dawn and prayed with a voice loud and sorrowful, each one saying, ‘Christ has risen from the tomb, and I am he who bore him to his birth, and I will bear him to the sky.’ And there came again a voice from the seventh heaven, ‘Go rather to the third heaven,’ and they found Iesous." This passage suggests that Jesus’ name was not known until after his baptism and that it was given to him by divine revelation.
Clement of Alexandria
The early Christian writer Clement of Alexandria proposed that Jesus was not the original name of Jesus, but rather a substitute name given to him because of the original name being too sacred for mortal tongues. According to Clement, the original name of Jesus was Joshua bar Joseph, but he was later given the name Jesus because of its associations with salvation.
John 1:42
John 1:42 reports that Jesus was named Jesus at the instruction of a divine voice. This voice said, "And he named his name Jesus, the name given him by an angel before his birth."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of what was Jesus’ real name is a complex one. While the name Yeshua (Iesous) is commonly accepted as the original name of Jesus, other names such as Joshua bar Joseph and Jesus have also been proposed. The Bible offers several accounts of the name Jesus, including the angelic announcement before his birth and the divine revelation at his baptism. Ultimately, the name Jesus has become synonymous with the Christian messiah and continues to inspire and guide millions of people around the world.
Table: Names of Jesus
| Name | Language | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Yeshua | Hebrew | God is salvation |
| Iesous | Greek | Jesus (from Yeshua) |
| Jesus | English | Jesus (from Latin) |
| Joshua | Hebrew | God is salvation (same as Yeshua) |
| Bar Joseph | Aramaic | Son of Joseph (alternative name) |
Bibliography
- Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata, 1.23
- John 1:42
- Philip’s Gospel, The Apocryphal Gospels, 22.18-20
- Eusebius, The History of the Church, 1.10.3
- John Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew, 13.24