Jesus' real name, in its original Hebrew form, was Yeshua.
Understanding the Name "Yeshua"
The name "Yeshua" (ישוע) is a shortened form of "Yehoshua" (יהושע), which translates to "Joshua" in English. Both names mean "Yahweh is salvation" or "The Lord saves." Yeshua was a common name in Judea during the first century.
From Yeshua to Jesus: A Linguistic Transformation
The transformation from "Yeshua" to "Jesus" involves several linguistic steps. The New Testament was originally written in Koine Greek, where "Yeshua" became "Ἰησοῦς" (Iēsous). Later, when the Bible was translated into Latin, "Iēsous" became "Iesus." The English name "Jesus" is derived from this Latin form.
Key Takeaways
- Original Name: Yeshua (Hebrew)
- Meaning: "Yahweh is salvation" or "The Lord saves"
- Greek Form: Iēsous
- Latin Form: Iesus
- English Form: Jesus
Essentially, "Jesus" is the Anglicized version of the Hebrew name "Yeshua," reflecting the linguistic evolution over centuries.
