Studying the names of Jesus gives us a deeper understanding of who He is and how He cares for us. I thought it would be interesting to study the names of Jesus from A to Z; briefly examining each one.
In researching Jesus’ names in the Bible, I found lists ranging from 12 to1000 names of Jesus!
Meaning of the Name Jesus
Why are names so important in the Bible? Biblical names were used to communicate messages from God and to explain the person’s purpose, character, or nature. They could also give authority, or establish family ties; for example, we know Him as ‘Jesus of Nazareth’.
Possibly the most well-known story of naming a child comes from Luke 1:31-33 when an angel of the Lord appears to Mary, saying:
“You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father King David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
When Mary questions how this can be, the angel continues:
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” v35.
Jesus’ name comes from the Greek name “Iesous,” translated from His Hebrew name Yeshua/Joshua, meaning “Yahweh saves.” It was a common name in the time of Christ.
Interestingly, just as Joshua, the son of Nun, led Israel into the promised land, our Lord Jesus Christ would provide forgiveness of sins and lead His people into eternal life.
Jesus’ birth is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Our heavenly Father sent Jesus, His beloved Son, as a gift to the world. Learning about many of Jesus’ names and meanings helps us to know and love Him more.
“But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18.
26 Alphabetical Names of Jesus
Along with the name given to Jesus, we also learn His identity by the many other names that show His divinity and deity. Each letter has many options (you may think of many others!) and are found throughout the Bible- from Genesis in the Old Testament to Revelation.
Alpha and Omega- from Revelation 1:8. Jesus proclaims, “I am the Alpha and the Omega; says the Lord, who is, and who was, and who is the come, the Almighty.”
Jesus introduces us to Himself. He is Lord over the beginning and the end and everything in between.
Bread of life- Jesus tells us He is the bread of life in John 6:35. A relationship with Him will satisfy our spiritual hunger and sustain us in this life.
Christ– this is a title, meaning “anointed one,“ translated in Hebrew to “Messiah.” “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and he went around doing good and healing.” Acts 10:38.
Door of the Sheep– “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.” John 10:7. Jesus is the only “door” to our salvation, offering safety, protection, and security.
Emmanuel– “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him ‘Emmanuel’- which means ‘God with us.'” Matthew 1:19.
The prophet Isaiah predicted this event (7:14). Jesus was God in the flesh on earth, and now, present in the life of every believer.
Friend of Sinners– The Pharisees used this as a derogatory name; criticizing Jesus for spending time with outcasts. But Jesus spent times with sinners (all of us!) to present the good news of forgiveness. This is not an insult to us, but a beautiful description of our relationship with Him.
Good Shepherd– “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11. Jesus completely commits Himself to caring for us, even to the point of giving up His life so we can live with Him for eternity.
High Priest– Jesus is called our High Priest in the book of Hebrews (2:17, 4:14). One of the High Priest’s duties in the Old Testament was to enter into the Holy of Holies (God’s presence) once a year to sprinkle the blood of the sacrifices of the people on the mercy seat or “throne” of God.
Jesus acted as High Priest when He shed His blood as an atonement for our sin, once and for all.
I AM– In response to the Pharisees questioning, Jesus answers, “I tell you the truth; before Abraham was born, I AM.” John 8:58. Jesus was rightly equating Himself with the name God gave Himself in Exodus- “IAM.”
Jehovah Jireh– translated as “The Lord will provide.” (Genesis 22:14) This story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his only son shows God providing the ram for the sacrifice instead. This foreshadows the gift of God’s only Son for the salvation of the world.
King of Kings– John’s vision of Jesus in Revelation 19:16 describes seeing Jesus riding a white horse. “On His robe and on His thigh he has His name written, ‘King of Kings and Lord of Lords.'” We worship the God of all authority and power!
Lamb of God– Twice every day in the temple, priests sacrificed a lamb for the sins of the people. Isaiah, likewise, prophesied the Messiah would be led to slaughter, like a lamb. The penalty for our sin was the life of Jesus- our perfect sacrificial lamb.
Morning Star– Jesus is called the morning star in Revelation (2:28, 22:16) and in 2 Peter 1:19-
“We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
Just as a morning star appears out of the dark just before first light, so too, Jesus will appear when the world is at its darkest and shine His light of truth. Come Lord Jesus!
Name Above All Names– “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above all names.” Philippians 2:9.
One and Only Son– from John 3:16, the most important message of the Gospel: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Our Peace– There are many aspects of Jesus as our peace, but my favorite is from 2 Thessalonians 3:16- “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.”
Quickening Spirit– 1 Corinthians 15:45 describes Jesus as a “quickening” or life-giving spirit since He rose from the dead. He is the source of the spiritual life that results in our resurrection!
Refuge in Trouble– “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9. He is our safe space, our shelter in any storm.
Savior of the world– Jesus says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10. This was Jesus’ ministry to the world.
True Vine– “I am the true vine”– Jesus (John 15:1) The grapevine symbolized Israel’s fruitfulness in doing God’s work on earth. When Jesus calls Himself “the vine,” it is a recognition of Himself as Messiah.
We are the branches, and must be rooted in Him if we want to bear fruit!
Unspeakable Gift– “Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!” 2Corinthians 9:15. This gift is our salvation through Jesus Christ.
Victory– “Death is swallowed up in victory!”- 1 Corinthians 15:54. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus defeated death and granted us victory!
The Way– Jesus says, “I am the way”, our path, the only way to God. (John 14:6)
EXellent– “How excellent is they name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:1. Jesus is the only person who reflects God’s image.
Yes and Amen– “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:20. Jesus was completely faithful, never sinned, died for us, and now intercedes for us. He fulfilled every promise of what the Messiah would be.
Zeal for your house- When Jesus cleared the temple during Passover week, His disciples remembered Psalm 69:9: “Zeal for your house consumes me.” Disrespect for His Father’s house filled Jesus with righteous anger.
Jesus’ Many Names
The names of the Lord Jesus bring many descriptions of hope, trust, love, and peace. They show us Christ’s humanity and the power of Jesus. He is the perfect role model!
I’m sure many other names of Jesus came to mind as you read through this list. There very well could be 1000 names of Jesus in God’s Word!
Which ones resonated most with you?
Blessings in His Name!
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the NIV unless specified otherwise.
Photo Credit: Canva