What is The Meaning of the Name "Jesus?"

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

The name “Jesus” means “YAHWEH is Salvation,” declaring His divine mission to save sinners—a truth affirmed by His life, death, and resurrection.

In the Bible, names are never meaningless. Often, they reflect a person’s destiny, identity, or the divine purpose over their life. Take Jacob, for example. His name meant “heel-grabber” or “supplanter,” and true enough, he lived much of his early life through deception and striving. But after wrestling with God and receiving a new identity, he was renamed Israel, meaning “one who struggles with God” or “God prevails.” His life changed from manipulation to transformation.

We also see similar patterns with Simon becoming Peter (“rock”), and Saul becoming Paul (from a proud persecutor to a humble apostle). These name changes were not cosmetic—they marked a divine shift in identity and mission.

But among all the names in Scripture, none carries more eternal weight than the name Jesus. What does this name mean? And why did God choose this name for His Son?

Let’s explore.

1. The Meaning of the Name “Jesus”

When we talk about “Jesus,” we are referring to Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Mary and Joseph—a real, historical person who walked this earth, preached the Kingdom of God, performed miracles, died on a cross, and rose again.

The name “Jesus” comes from the Hebrew name Yeshua (short for Yehoshua), translated into Greek as Iēsous, and then into English as “Jesus.” The name literally means “Yahweh is salvation” or “The LORD saves.”

And this name came directly from God. It was not chosen by Mary or Joseph, but given by divine instruction:

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
(Matthew 1:21)

This was not just a name of honor—it was a name of mission.

Jesus Affirmed This Mission in His Teachings

Jesus did not leave the meaning of His name to speculation. He clearly declared His purpose:

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
(Luke 19:10)

Everything He taught, everything He did, pointed back to this single mission: salvation. He fulfilled what was prophesied in the Old Testament and even what He predicted about Himself. Ultimately, He died at the cross of Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins:

“For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
(Matthew 26:28)

And just as He foretold, He rose again on the third day, proving that He is not just a man—but the Savior sent by God:

“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.”
(Matthew 28:6)

2. The Meaning of “Yahweh is Salvation”

The name “Jesus” declares that salvation is entirely God’s work. The words “Yahweh is salvation” reveal a powerful truth: We cannot save ourselves. We are all sinners, and we all fall short of the glory of God:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
(Romans 3:23)

No amount of religion, good deeds, or moral effort can erase our sin or earn heaven. But God—moved by love—took the first step. He made the way. He initiated the rescue.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
(John 3:16)

It was God who:

Made the way for our forgiveness
Sent the Savior
Became the Redeemer
Paid the penalty for sin
Offered salvation as a gift
Did the work, so we wouldn’t boast

Salvation is God’s work from beginning to end:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
(Ephesians 2:8–9)

And there is no alternative path:

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
(Acts 4:12)

Here are more verses that affirm this truth:

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
(Romans 5:8)
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.”
(Titus 3:5)
“Salvation belongs to the Lord.”
(Psalm 3:8)
“He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.”
(Psalm 62:2)
“There is no other God besides Me, a just God and a Savior; there is none besides Me.”
(Isaiah 45:21)
“Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.”
(Isaiah 45:22)

The name Jesus declares that salvation is not earned—it is received. Not accomplished by man—but by God alone, through His Son.

Final Thought: What Does the Name “Jesus” Mean to You?

The name Jesus is not just a label—it’s a message: God saves. It is the clearest announcement of God’s love, God’s plan, and God’s grace. Through Jesus, God made a way where there was no way. He didn’t ask us to climb to Him—He came down to us.

To believe in Jesus is to believe in God’s salvation.
To call upon His name is to receive the gift of eternal life.
To reject Him is to reject the only way to be saved.

Have you called on the name of the Lord?

This name is not only powerful in the past. The Lord Jesus is alive today. And right now, He is knocking at the door of your heart. Will you come to Him?

Learn how by visiting “How to Come to Jesus?”

QUESTION: