Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is vital for deepening one’s grasp of the theological, historical, and cultural contexts of the scriptures. The Greek word Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous), translated as “Jesus,” is of paramount importance in the New Testament as it refers to the central figure of Christianity—Jesus Christ. Studying this term helps illuminate the significance of His name, its Old Testament roots, and the role of Jesus in fulfilling ancient prophecies, enhancing our understanding of the New Testament and the broader biblical narrative.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: Ἰησοῦς, transliterated as Iēsous [ee-ay-SOOS].
• Etymology: Derived from the Hebrew יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yehoshua), meaning “Yahweh is salvation” or “The Lord saves.”
• Part of Speech: Proper noun, masculine.
• Grammatical Details: Second declension noun in Greek; follows standard inflection patterns.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Jesus: The name of the central figure of the New Testament, Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah and Son of God.
• Joshua: The name also refers to other figures in the Bible, such as Joshua, son of Nun, a leader of Israel after Moses, underscoring the shared etymological and theological significance.

Similar Words: Ἰωσήφ (Iōsēph) [ee-oh-SAFE], which is another name derived from Hebrew, meaning “He will add.” While Ἰησοῦς emphasizes divine salvation, Ἰωσήφ carries a different connotation, often associated with provision and increase. Both names appear prominently in the New Testament but in distinct roles and contexts.

Further Insights: Ἰησοῦς is a second declension masculine noun in Greek, with forms that change based on grammatical case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative). This declension allows it to be correctly identified in different syntactical positions, crucial for understanding its usage in scripture.

Here is the full declension chart for Ἰησοῦς:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Defines Ἰησοῦς as a Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua. It provides a comprehensive analysis of its usage for Jesus of Nazareth, emphasizing His role as Savior and Messiah in Christian theology. It also explores the theological significance of the name “Jesus” and its association with salvation.

Thayers: Highlights the name Ἰησοῦς as a combination of “Jehovah” and “salvation.” Thayer’s lexicon focuses on the New Testament appearances of Jesus and offers detailed insights into the Old Testament roots, connecting the name’s meaning with the mission of Jesus Christ.

Vines: Discusses Ἰησοῦς in relation to its Hebrew origin and its use for both Jesus Christ and Joshua, son of Nun. Vines’ lexicon provides a theological reflection on the name, noting how it embodies the concept of deliverance and divine intervention.

LSJ: Lists Ἰησοῦς as a proper noun used in biblical and historical contexts. It highlights its usage for Jesus Christ and Joshua, connecting it to broader linguistic studies in Greek and Hebrew.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Notes Ἰησοῦς (G2424) as “Jesus,” the Greek form of the Hebrew “Yehoshua.” It cross-references all New Testament occurrences of the word, emphasizing its centrality to Christian doctrine and soteriology.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 1:21: “She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus [Ἰησοῦς], for He will save His people from their sins.”
• Philippians 2:10: “That at the name of Jesus [Ἰησοῦς] every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”
• Acts 4:12: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Classical Usage

Summary of Ἰησοῦς (G2424)

The Greek word Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) is pivotal in Christian theology, denoting Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. This name, derived from Hebrew, means “Yahweh is salvation,” reflecting Jesus’ role in the New Testament as the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies. The word’s second declension in Greek allows for clear identification in various grammatical cases, enhancing its study across the New Testament. Moreover, Ἰησοῦς connects deeply to Old Testament figures like Joshua, symbolizing God’s enduring promise of deliverance and leadership. Understanding Ἰησοῦς provides profound insights into the New Testament’s theological themes of salvation, redemption, and divine sovereignty.

Did You Know?

• The name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua, which was a common name in the first century.
• Ἰησοῦς (Jesus) is mentioned 987 times in the New Testament, more than any other name.
• The New Testament’s use of Ἰησοῦς aligns with the Old Testament name Joshua, emphasizing a typological connection between Joshua’s leadership in the Promised Land and Jesus’ spiritual leadership into eternal life.

This comprehensive overview of Ἰησοῦς provides a deeper understanding of its importance in Biblical studies and offers valuable insights for both beginners and seasoned scholars.