Unveiling the Name: The Hebrew Roots of the Name Jesus and Significance

The name of Yeshua in Hebrew letters

Introduction

The name of Jesus, one of the most significant figures in history, holds profound meaning that is often lost in translation. Understanding the Hebrew roots of Jesus' name offers deeper insight into the message and identity of Jesus of Nazareth. This exploration delves into the original Hebrew version of the Gospel of Matthew, its rediscovery, and the significance of the name Yeshua, providing a richer understanding of the biblical context and its implications.

The Hebrew Gospel of Matthew

Nearly two thousand years ago, the Gospel of Matthew was originally written in Hebrew before being translated into Greek and other languages. This Hebrew version was widely read among Jesus' Jewish followers, known as the Nazarenes. However, when Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, the Nazarenes were forced underground, and the Hebrew version of Matthew faded into obscurity.

A thousand years later, Hebrew Matthew resurfaced when a Spanish rabbi named Shem Tov Ibn Shaprut included it as an appendix to his book Even Bochan. Although known in the Western world for over a hundred years, it was commonly assumed to be a translation from Latin or Greek. In 1987, Professor George Howard of Macon University demonstrated that Hebrew Matthew was not a translation but an original Hebrew work. Despite the complex transmission history, Hebrew Matthew preserves much of the original Hebrew gospel's flavor and character, offering a glimpse into the message preached by Jesus of Nazareth.

The Name Yeshua

Yeshua (Hebrew) -> Iēsous (Greek) -> Iesus (Latin) -> Jesus (English)

This linguistic journey illustrates how the name "Yeshua," meaning "YHWH is salvation," was adapted and altered through various languages and cultures, ultimately becoming "Jesus" in English. The transformation of the name is a fascinating example of how language and translation evolve over time.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Shem Tov’s Hebrew Matthew is the preservation of Jesus' original Hebrew name: Yeshua. According to Hebrew Matthew, an angel appeared to Joseph, saying:

"And she shall give birth to a son and you shall call his name Yeshua for he will save my people from their iniquities."

Yeshua (Jesus in English) in Hebrew, was one of the five most popular boys' names at the time. Others included Simon (Shimon), John (Yochanan), and Joseph (Yosef). Names were not incidental in the Bible. In Hebrew a name conveyed character, identity, and destiny. People's names could be changed to indicate a change of role, destiny or character. We will see an example of this shortly when we examine Joshua in the Old Testament.

The angel's message to Mary includes a Hebrew wordplay connecting Yeshua with the Hebrew word yoshia, meaning "he will save." “You shall call his name Yeshua for He will Yoshia my people…” This wordplay would have been lost if the name Yeshua were replaced with another name, as it is in English and Greek translations.

Yeshua is a variant of the Hebrew name Yehoshua, or Joshua. The well-known Israelite leader Joshua son of Nun was also called Yeshua son of Nun. Similarly, the high priest Yehoshua (son of Jehozadak) from the early Second Temple period was sometimes called Yeshua. When Moses initiated the name change from Hoshea to Yehoshua in Numbers 13:16, it signifies "The Lord is salvation," highlighting the divine mission and spiritual significance behind the name.

Hebrew names often combine smaller words to form a short sentence. The name Yeshua combines "Yehovah" (or Yahweh) and yoshia, meaning "Yehovah saves." In two manuscripts of Hebrew Matthew, Yeshua's name is preserved as Yehoshua.

The Shortened Form "Yeshu"

While Shem Tov's Hebrew Matthew maintains the original name Yeshua, the rest of Hebrew Matthew uses a shortened form: Yeshu. Contrary to popular belief, the term Yeshu is not a derogatory acronym but was a common shorthand for Yeshua in the First Century. This can be seen from ancient ossuaries, or bone boxes, which often bear the name Yeshu. These ossuaries prove that Yeshu was a familiar, affectionate nickname similar to "Mike" for Michael or "Jim" for James.

Conclusion

Understanding the name Yeshua offers profound insights into the identity and mission of Jesus. The Hebrew name Yeshua, derived from Yehoshua, carries the meaning "Yehovah saves," connecting directly to the divine promise of salvation. This connection is often lost in translation, as the Greek and English names lack the rich, inherent meaning of the original Hebrew. By exploring the Hebrew roots and context of Jesus' name, we gain a deeper appreciation of the message and significance of the Messiah, emphasizing the enduring faithfulness of God to His promises.