Did you realize that the name “Jesus” is less than 400 years old? Seems like the “Name above all Names” would be something eternal. Yet, the name “Jesus” is only few hundred years old.
“Elohim, therefore, has highly exalted Him and given Him the Name which is above every name, that at the Name of יהושע every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth.”– Philippeans 2:9-10
The Name יהושע is a controversial topic when it comes to pronunciation. There are many suggested renderings, including Yahusha, Yahushua, Yahshua, Yeshua, and a variety of others.
Most scholars understand that our Messiah has a Hebrew Name, and that it is not “Jesus.” But there is debate as to what His actual Name is and how it should be pronounced. As a modern believer without a good grasp of ancient Hebrew, how do we say our Savior’s name? And is it important? Here is what we know:
The name יהושע is recorded with five letters…
Yod – Hay – Uau – Shin – Ayin.
And this is one reason I began to call Him Yahusha, instead of Yeshua, and most particularly instead of Jesus. The Son claims to come in His Father’s name, which is ‘יהוה (Yahuah)…
Yod – Hay – Uau – Hay.
“I have come in MY FATHER’S NAME and you do not receive Me, if another comes in his own name, him you would receive.” – John 5:43
In the Hebrew, names have meaning. And Yahusha means “I AM your deliverer”or “Yahuah Saves.” Strong’s Concordance Link (Here). It is the name of the Father (Yahuah) with a suffix, meaning “deliverer or salvation.” Of course, I don’t believe that using a particular Name or saying it a particular way brings salvation. But I do think knowing His Name is important to better understand who He is and what He came to do.
Also, I won’t be upset or judgmental if you use a different name than I do..!
But, if we are to be His bride, we should seek an intimate relationship with Him…which includes knowing His Name. For one, it will help us with deception. When the Messiah returns, what name will He return with? Will He return with a Latin or English name, the recent and multi-transliterated name “Jesus?” Or will He return in His given name, יהושע (which I believe is Yahusha)? If someone shows up and calls himself “Jesus,” I hope we have enough discernment to see if His behavior and characteristics are consistent with the attributes of Messiah!
Where did “Jesus” come from?
It is well known that the name “Jesus” is less than 400 years old. The letter “J” did not exist in the English language until the 17th century. The 1611 King James Bible used a different spelling altogether. Most of the early settlers of the Americas did not even know that name.
Over the years, His Name took on many transliterations from the original…
It was transliterated to “Iesous” in the Greek.
Then transliterated to “Iesu” or Iesv” in the Latin.
Then eventually transliterated to “Jesus” in the English after the letter “J” was invented.
In the Scriptures, Gabriel tells Miryam (Mary) to give the child a name. And that name (יהושע, Yahusha) is given for its meaning… to bring salvation to the people, which comes from the Father.
“And she shall give birth to a Son, and you shall call His Name יהושע for He shall save His people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21
That Hebrew Name means “salvation from Yahuah.” It is the epitome of the Son coming in His Father’s Name! A friend once told me that truth matters and that is why we seek truth. And when seeking the true Name of the Son, I think it is helpful to know the following:
- The letter J. The English “J” is only a few hundred years old, so the Messiah’s Name would not have started with a “J.” Neither does the Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek have a “J” sound.
- Joshua? The Hebrew name יהושע (Yehoshua/Yahusha) is translated as “Joshua” in the Old Testament. Joshua’s name was “Husha” before Moses changed it by adding “Yah” as a prefix. He became known as (Yahusha, Yahoshua, or Yahushua) after that, becoming a “type” for the son.
- Yahu. The prefix, “Yahu” points to the Father. But the name “Jesus” drops that connection altogether.
- Which one is it? In the Greek text, both Joshua and the Messiah are written as Iēsous. English Bibles translate one “Joshua” and the other “Jesus.” But why?
More important than getting His Name pronounced correctly would be understanding that Yahusha (Jesus) taught us obedience. He showed us how to walk in the Father’s commandments. The Scriptures are often difficult to understand when we use our 21st-century culture to define them. Understanding who our Messiah is from His culture helps.
Regardless of which Name you use, I earnestly petition that you get to know Him as you would get to know your spouse. We are the bride of Messiah, and we should desire to know Him in both spirit and in truth. The Father tells us that we should love His Name. And I think the same goes for His Son.
“…And let those who love Your Name exult in You.” – Psalms 5:11
FAITH IN MOTION 