Greek Name for Jesus: Exploring the Meaning Behind the Name

This page explores the Greek names for Jesus, delving into their historical and theological significance. We will examine the various names used in the Bible and other early Christian texts, uncovering the rich meanings behind each one. Whether you are a scholar of ancient languages, a student of theology, or simply curious about the origins of the name "Jesus," this comprehensive guide will provide you with valuable insights into the linguistic and spiritual foundations of this sacred name.
1. **Ιησούς (Iēsous):** This is the most common Greek name for Jesus, directly transliterated from the Hebrew "Yehoshua." It means "Yahweh is salvation" or "God saves."

2. **Χριστός (Christos):** This title, meaning "anointed one," is used alongside "Iēsous" in the New Testament, signifying Jesus' role as the Messiah.

3. **Κύριος (Kyrios):** This term, meaning "Lord," was applied to Jesus, emphasizing his divine authority and status.

4. **Θεός (Theos):** This word, signifying "God," was used for Jesus in later Christian writings, affirming his divinity.

5. **Λόγος (Logos):** This philosophical term, meaning "Word," was used to describe Jesus as the embodiment of God's divine revelation.

6. **Εμμανουήλ (Emmanuel):** This Hebrew name, meaning "God with us," was prophetically applied to Jesus in the New Testament.

7. **Σωτήρ (Sōter):** This title, meaning "Savior," reflects Jesus' role as the Redeemer of humanity.

8. **Βασιλεύς (Basileus):** This term, meaning "King," points to Jesus' royal authority and sovereignty.

9. **Άγιος (Agios):** This word, meaning "holy," highlights Jesus' perfect holiness and divine nature.

10. **Υἱός (Huios):** This term, meaning "Son," emphasizes Jesus' unique relationship with God as the Father.

11. **Πρώτοτοκος (Prōtotokos):** This title, meaning "firstborn," signifies Jesus' preeminence and authority over all creation.

12. **Πατήρ (Pater):** This term, meaning "Father," is used in a theological context to refer to Jesus as the source of all spiritual life.

13. **Ἀρχή (Archē):** This word, meaning "beginning," points to Jesus as the origin and foundation of all things.

14. **Τέλος (Telos):** This term, meaning "end," suggests Jesus' ultimate purpose and destiny.

15. **Ζωή (Zōē):** This word, meaning "life," highlights Jesus as the source of eternal life.

16. **Ἀλήθεια (Alētheia):** This term, meaning "truth," emphasizes Jesus' role as the revealer of God's truth.

17. **Δίκαιος (Dikaios):** This word, meaning "righteous," points to Jesus' perfect justice and righteousness.

18. **Φῶς (Phōs):** This term, meaning "light," symbolizes Jesus as the source of enlightenment and spiritual illumination.

19. **Ὁδός (Hodos):** This word, meaning "way," represents Jesus as the path to salvation.

20. **Πύλη (Pylē):** This term, meaning "gate," signifies Jesus as the entrance to God's kingdom.

21. **Ποιμήν (Poimēn):** This word, meaning "shepherd," highlights Jesus' role as the protector and guide of his followers.

22. **Διδάσκαλος (Didaskalos):** This term, meaning "teacher," emphasizes Jesus' role as the supreme instructor of truth.

23. **Ἰατρός (Iatros):** This word, meaning "healer," points to Jesus' ability to heal both physically and spiritually.

24. **Ἀπελευθερωτής (Apeleutherōtēs):** This term, meaning "liberator," signifies Jesus' power to set people free from sin and bondage.

25. **Νικητής (Nikētēs):** This word, meaning "victor," highlights Jesus' triumph over death and evil.

26. **Θρίαμβος (Thriambovs):** This term, meaning "triumph," signifies Jesus' glorious victory over all enemies.

27. **Ἀνάστασις (Anastasis):** This word, meaning "resurrection," points to Jesus' rising from the dead as a sign of his victory over death.

28. **Ἐλπὶς (Elpis):** This term, meaning "hope," symbolizes Jesus as the source of ultimate hope and fulfillment.

29. **Ἀγάπη (Agapē):** This word, meaning "love," signifies Jesus' unconditional love for all humanity.

30. **Χάρις (Charis):** This term, meaning "grace," highlights Jesus' undeserved favor and mercy.

31. **Σταυρός (Stauros):** This word, meaning "cross," represents Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for the redemption of humanity.

32. **Πάθος (Pathos):** This term, meaning "suffering," refers to Jesus' willingness to endure pain and death for the sake of others.

33. **Θάνατος (Thanatos):** This word, meaning "death," signifies Jesus' death on the cross, which ultimately led to his resurrection.

34. **Πνεῦμα (Pneuma):** This term, meaning "spirit," refers to the Holy Spirit, who is sent by Jesus to empower believers.

35. **Ἀγιοσύνη (Agiosynē):** This word, meaning "holiness," highlights the spiritual purity and perfection of Jesus.

36. **Ἀθανασία (Athanasia):** This term, meaning "immortality," signifies Jesus' eternal existence and triumph over death.

37. **Ἀξία (Axia):** This term, meaning "worth," highlights Jesus' infinite value and importance.

38. **Δόξα (Doksa):** This term, meaning "glory," signifies Jesus' divine radiance and majesty.

39. **Μυστήριο (Mystērion):** This word, meaning "mystery," refers to the profound and incomprehensible nature of Jesus' being and work.

40. **Παρουσία (Parousia):** This term, meaning "presence," signifies Jesus' future return to earth.