The name that literally means “Son of God” is Jesus. Jesus is the English translation of the Hebrew name Yeshua or Y’shua, which means “Yahweh saves” or “Yahweh is salvation.” Jesus is the central figure of Christianity, believed by Christians to be the messiah prophesied in the Hebrew Bible. The title “Son of God” refers to Jesus’ divine nature and his unique relationship with God the Father.
Some key questions about the name Jesus and its meaning include:
What does the name Jesus mean?
The name Jesus means “Yahweh saves” or “Yahweh is salvation” in Hebrew. It is the same as the name Yeshua or Y’shua. The English name Jesus comes from the Latin Iesus, which in turn comes from the Greek Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous).
Why is Jesus called the Son of God?
Jesus is called the Son of God because Christians believe he is the only begotten son of God the Father and the second person of the Trinity. This title refers to Jesus’ divine nature as God incarnate while also emphasizing his unique filial relationship with God the Father.
What other names and titles does Jesus have?
In addition to Son of God, Jesus has many other names and titles in the Bible and Christian tradition, including:
- Messiah (from Hebrew Mashiach)
- Christ (from Greek Christos)
- Lord
- Saviour
- Emmanuel
- Logos (or Word)
- Lamb of God
- King of Kings
The Meaning and Significance of the Name Jesus
The name Jesus is vitally important in Christianity. Jesus is considered the long-awaited Jewish messiah who fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the savior of humanity. The name Jesus reflects his mission and identity as the incarnate Son of God who came to save humanity from sin.
Jesus in the Hebrew Bible
The name Jesus is related to the Hebrew name Yeshua or Y’shua, a common Jewish name derived from the Hebrew root yod-shin-ayin, meaning “to deliver” or “to rescue.” Yeshua is a shortened form of the name Yehoshua, which corresponds to the name Joshua in English. In the Hebrew Bible, Joshua was the leader who led the Israelites into the Promised Land after the Exodus from Egypt. His name signifies God delivering and saving his people.
The concept of a messiah or “anointed one” appointed by God to save Israel also developed in the Hebrew scriptures. prophets such as Isaiah and Ezekiel foresee a coming messiah from the line of King David who would restore Israel and rule over God’s eternal kingdom. Therefore, the name Yeshua pointed toward God’s future work of redemption and salvation through his chosen messiah.
Jesus in the New Testament
The New Testament authors applied the name Yeshua to Jesus of Nazareth, who they believed was the long-awaited Davidic messiah and savior of the world promised in the Hebrew Bible. The Gospel narratives about Jesus’ miraculous birth and life portray him as the divine Son of God and Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world. Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection fulfilled the scriptures and effected atonement and salvation for all humanity.
By calling him Yeshua or “God saves,” the New Testament authors highlighted that Jesus’ life and mission were the fulfillment of God’s long-awaited work of redemption, just as the Old Testament Joshua had delivered Israel into the Promised Land of blessing. Jesus was the new Joshua who would deliver all nations into God’s eternal kingdom and blessing.
Development of the Name Jesus
When the Gospels were translated into Greek, Yeshua became Iēsous. The Greek name was then transliterated into Latin as Iesus. This passed into English through the Germanic languages as Jesus. Linguistically, Jesus is the English form of the Hebrew name Yeshua and its Greek and Latin equivalents, all conveying the meaning of “Yahweh saves.”
While some names like Joshua, Isaiah, and others translated in the Bible preserved their Hebrew forms, Jesus became the most common English name used for Christ. Its association with Christ made the name Jesus take on an entirely new layer of meaning beyond its Hebrew roots as the name of the incarnate Son of God and savior. Jesus became the most popular given name for boys in many Christian cultures honoring Christ himself.
Theological Meaning of Jesus as Son of God
In addition to linguistically meaning “Yahweh saves,” theologically the title and name Jesus as “Son of God” conveys divine meanings in Christian thought.
Only Begotten Son of God
Christianity teaches that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God. This means Jesus has an intimate, eternal relationship with God as his beloved child. The Gospel of John says that the Word who “became flesh and dwelt among us” was with God from the beginning and is himself fully God while also being distinct from the Father (John 1:1, 14). Christians believe that while God created everything through the eternal Word, Jesus is God’s son in a singular and unique way as eternally begotten of the Father.
Jesus as Incarnation of God
The name Jesus points to the incarnation – God becoming flesh and dwelling with humanity as a man. Christians believe the divine Word and second person of the Trinity took on human nature in Jesus Christ. This is why the Gospels trace Jesus’ human ancestry while also declaring his eternal divine nature (Matthew 1, John 1:1-18). Calling Jesus the Son of God thus indicates he is the Word made flesh, God in human form.
Relationship Between Jesus and the Father
Jesus frequently described his unique filial relationship with God the Father. He only did what the Father showed him, spoke the Father’s words, and came to reveal the Father. Jesus’ constant prayer was directed to his Father. This profound, intimate relationship of love and obedience distinguished Jesus as the Son of God from all others (John 5:19-20, 8:28-29, 14:9-11).
At Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration, the Father proclaimed from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17, 17:5). This special father-son bond reveals Jesus’ true identity and mission as the Son of God.
Jesus as Divine Messiah
The title Christ or Messiah means “anointed one.” As the Son of God, Jesus was believed to be uniquely anointed by God with the Holy Spirit to carry out the saving mission prophesied in Scripture (Isaiah 61:1-3). Jesus claimed to be the heavenly Messiah that God promised to send as Redeemer (Matthew 26:63-64). The name “Son of God” thus identified Jesus as God’s promised Christ.
Implications of Jesus as Son of God
The theological meaning of Jesus as the Son of God has profound implications for Christian doctrine and practice.
Salvation Through Jesus
Christians believe that Jesus’ incarnation, sinless life, sacrificial death and resurrection accomplished the salvation of humanity. By the Father sending his eternal Son into the world, Jesus became the perfect once-for-all sacrifice to atone for human sin (Romans 3:25-26, Hebrews 10:1-18). His victory over death in the resurrection achieved eternal life for all who put their faith in Him. Salvation is found in Jesus alone because of his unique identity as the incarnate Son of God.
Divine Revelation Through Jesus
Since Jesus is the Son of God, Christians believe he fully reveals God and mediates God’s truth to humanity (John 14:6). Jesus only did and spoke what the Father gave him. Through the incarnate Word, God communicated his love and will perfectly. The divine revelation in Christ is definitive for all Christian doctrine.
Following Jesus’ Example
Jesus embodied the perfect example of godly human life through his teachings, actions, character, and obedience to the Father. Christians are called to follow Jesus’ model of moral behavior, service, self-sacrifice, and love (John 13:34-35, Ephesians 5:1-2). His divine sonship makes Jesus the exemplar of human holiness.
Jesus as Exalted Lord
After his resurrection, Jesus was exalted to the right hand of God, given the name above all names, and declared universal Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). Christians worship and serve the glorified Jesus who reigns with divine authority. His status as the enthroned Son of God demands the worship and obedience of all.
Names and Titles Implying Jesus is God’s Son
In addition to “Son of God,” Jesus has many names and titles in Scripture and Christian theology that imply or explicitly declare his divine sonship and incarnation of God:
Lord
Lord was a divine title that early Christians applied to Jesus in reference to his deity, dominance, and exaltation over all creation (Romans 10:9, Philippians 2:11). Addressing Jesus as Lord indicated his divine status.
Lamb of God
John the Baptist declared Jesus to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world through his sacrifice (John 1:29). This implies Jesus’ role as the perfect offering to atone for human sin once for all (Hebrews 10:12).
Emmanuel
Matthew’s Gospel cites Isaiah’s prophecy declaring a child to be born called Emmanuel, meaning “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Jesus embodied God’s incarnate presence in the world.
I Am
Jesus’ declarations of “I am” echo God’s self-revelation in Exodus 3:14. By applying “I am” statements and divine metaphors to himself, Jesus indicated his inherent divine nature and sonship as the Word made flesh (John 8:58).
Alpha and Omega
Revelation refers to Jesus as “the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13), a title signifying Jesus’ eternality as God without beginning or end.
King of Kings and Lord of Lords
These royal titles emphasize Christ’s reign over all earthly and spiritual powers as the exalted Son of God (Revelation 19:16).
Conclusion
The name Jesus literally means “Yahweh saves” and was given to the promised messiah and Son of God who was born to save the world from sin. As the only begotten Son of God made flesh, Jesus fully reveals God’s character and redemption. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus provides salvation and the hope of eternal life to all who believe in him. The name and identity of Jesus as God’s Son hold supreme importance for Christian theology, worship, ethics, and hope.
Table of Scripture References to Jesus as Son of God
Reference | Quote |
---|---|
Matthew 4:3 | If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread. |
Matthew 4:6 | If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. |
Matthew 14:33 | And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” |
Matthew 16:16 | Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” |
Matthew 26:63-64 | Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” |
Mark 1:1 | The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. |