Jesus' Last Name: A Look at Names in the Bible

While Jesus is often referred to as "Jesus Christ," the phrase "Christ" is a title, not a last name. In fact, Jesus didn't have a last name in the traditional sense. The Bible uses patronymics, a name system where a person's name is derived from their father's name, to identify individuals. Let's explore the names used for Jesus and their meanings in the Bible.
1. **Jesus:** Meaning "Jehovah is salvation" or "God saves," this name reflects Jesus' role as the Messiah, sent by God to redeem humanity.
2. **Christ:** A Greek translation of the Hebrew word "Messiah," meaning "anointed one," signifying Jesus' divine appointment as the Savior.
3. **Yeshua:** The Hebrew equivalent of Jesus, emphasizing the same meaning of "Jehovah is salvation."
4. **Joshua:** Derived from Yeshua, meaning "Jehovah is salvation," referring to a prominent leader in the Old Testament.
5. **Immanuel:** Meaning "God with us," a name given to Jesus in Isaiah 7:14, emphasizing God's presence with humanity.
6. **Nazarene:** A descriptive term referring to Jesus' hometown of Nazareth.
7. **Son of God:** A title reflecting Jesus' divine lineage and unique relationship with God.
8. **Son of Man:** A title from the Book of Daniel, emphasizing Jesus' humanity and his role as the ultimate redeemer.
9. **The Word:** A title from the Gospel of John, referring to Jesus as the embodiment of God's message and revelation.
10. **The Lamb of God:** A title from the Gospel of John, signifying Jesus' sacrificial nature and his role as the atonement for sin.
11. **King of Kings:** A title signifying Jesus' ultimate authority and sovereignty over all creation.
12. **Lord of Lords:** A title mirroring "King of Kings," emphasizing Jesus' absolute power and dominion.
13. **The Good Shepherd:** A title emphasizing Jesus' love, care, and protection for his followers.
14. **The Bread of Life:** A title from the Gospel of John, signifying Jesus as the source of spiritual nourishment and sustenance.
15. **The Light of the World:** A title signifying Jesus' role as the source of spiritual illumination and truth.
16. **The True Vine:** A title from the Gospel of John, symbolizing Jesus as the source of life and strength for his followers.
17. **The Firstborn of All Creation:** A title emphasizing Jesus' preeminence and his role as the creator.
18. **The Alpha and the Omega:** A title from the Book of Revelation, signifying Jesus' eternity and encompassing all of existence.
19. **The Beginning and the End:** A title synonymous with "The Alpha and the Omega," emphasizing Jesus' eternal nature.
20. **The Way, the Truth, and the Life:** A title from the Gospel of John, signifying Jesus as the path to salvation and eternal life.
21. **Joseph:** Meaning "God will increase," the name of Jesus' adoptive father, a carpenter in Nazareth.
22. **Mary:** Meaning "bitter" or "beloved," the name of Jesus' mother, a virgin who conceived Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
23. **John:** Meaning "God is gracious," the name of Jesus' cousin and close follower, a prophet and baptizer.
24. **Peter:** Meaning "rock" or "stone," the name of Jesus' prominent apostle, known for his faith and leadership.
25. **Andrew:** Meaning "manly" or "courageous," the name of Jesus' first disciple, a fisherman who brought his brother Peter to Jesus.
26. **James:** Meaning "supplanter" or "he who takes by force," the name of Jesus' brother, a leader in the early church.
27. **Jude:** Meaning "praised," the name of Jesus' brother, also known as Thaddeus.
28. **Simon:** Meaning "listener" or "he who hears," the name of Jesus' apostle, known for his zeal and faith.
29. **Thomas:** Meaning "twin," the name of Jesus' apostle, known for his skepticism and eventual belief.
30. **Philip:** Meaning "lover of horses," the name of Jesus' apostle, known for his evangelistic efforts.
31. **Bartholomew:** Meaning "son of Tolmai," the name of Jesus' apostle, also known as Nathanael.
32. **Matthew:** Meaning "gift of God," the name of Jesus' apostle, a former tax collector who became a gospel writer.
33. **James the Less:** Meaning "supplanter," the name of Jesus' apostle, known for his humility and faith.
34. **Simon the Cananean:** Meaning "listener" and "zealot," the name of Jesus' apostle, known for his commitment to Jewish law.
35. **Judas Thaddeus:** Meaning "praised" and "heart," the name of Jesus' apostle, known for his loyalty.
36. **Judas Iscariot:** Meaning "man of Kerioth," the name of Jesus' apostle who betrayed him.
37. **Matthias:** Meaning "gift of God," the name of the apostle chosen to replace Judas.
38. **Nicodemus:** Meaning "victory of the people," the name of a Jewish leader who secretly believed in Jesus.
39. **Pilate:** Meaning "armed with a spear," the name of the Roman governor who condemned Jesus to death.
40. **Herod:** Meaning "hero" or "warlike," the name of the Roman king who ruled over Judea at the time of Jesus' birth.