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Have you ever wondered what names Jesus is known by? From ‘The Lamb of God’ to ‘The Morning Star’, many of us know Jesus by these titles – but what do they really mean? This article will explore the fascinating and varied names of Jesus in the Bible. We’ll explore their history, uncover their true meaning, and discover how each one is used to describe our Lord in different ways. From their ancient Hebrew roots to their modern-day interpretations, prepare to be amazed at the power of Jesus’s many names: a power that can still change lives today.
The Names of Jesus Tell Us About His Character
Growing in our relationship with Jesus begins with getting to know Him – and the best place to learn about Him is the Bible. Scripture is full of personal details and stories about Jesus, not to mention the significance of His name. In the Bible, names speak to the identity and purpose of a person – meaning that the more we learn about what Jesus’ name means and the stories associated with it, the closer we come to understanding our Savior.
The names given to Jesus are profoundly meaningful. Each one, recorded in the Bible, sheds light on His character and helps us understand Him more deeply. Understanding our Savior better equips us to more accurately reflect His image to those around us. Use the below scriptures to explore the many names of Jesus and more intimately acquaint yourself with your Lord and Savior.
In the New Testament, Jesus is described as God Himself and Lord Almighty, with his identity and mission portrayed through titles that harken back to the language of the Old Testament. These descriptors illustrate the immense power and holiness of the Son of God, helping Christians to more fully understand and appreciate his incomparable glory.
The New Testament reveals far more about Christ than just His titles; His actions, attributes, and worship are an embodiment of His divine identity. His saving grace, omnipotence, and reverence He is accorded demonstrate the unique God-man He is.
As Christians, it’s important to understand the names and titles of Jesus. His given name alone, “Jesus,” reveals his identity as the Savior. He also goes beyond to bear the very names of God (e.g. “God” or “theos” and “Lord” or “kurios”).
Jesus’ person and work can be powerfully witnessed through a wide range of titles such as “the Christ” (the anointed one), “the Good Shepherd,” “the light of the world,” and many others. Each title illustrates an essential aspect of Jesus’ role in our lives as believers and provides deeper insight into his identity as our Savior.
The Name “Jesus”
The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph with a remarkable announcement: Mary would bear a son, to be named Jesus – ‘the Lord saves’ – for He would save us all from our sins. Not only would Jesus be an instrument of God’s salvation, but He embodied it through his very person, as Immanuel – ‘God with us’.
Just as Joshua of old delivered God’s people from bondage and brought them into the true promised land, so too did Jesus save us from our captivity and provide us with access to God’s forgiveness.
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
Matthew 1:23 (ESV)
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us).
She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21 (ESV)
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)
The Names of Jesus
To understand Jesus’ divine identity, it’s important to look at the names and titles ascribed to him in the New Testament. While this can’t be the sole measure of his saving actions, attributes, and adoration, it’s one entry point to discern his person and purpose.
We can begin to glimpse Jesus’ identity through the divine names given to him. Names like “Savior,” “Lord,” and “Son of God” come right from Scripture, while titles like “King of Kings” can be used to describe his character. Ultimately, to understand the Biblical depiction of Jesus, we must look at the names and titles given to him.
God
Tapping into the New Testament, the Greek term “theos” is used to reference God the Father, though it also applies to the Holy Spirit on a few occasions. Christians can rest assured that the one true God is the source of all wisdom and strength.
While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.”
Acts 5:4 (ESV)
The name “God” appears nine times in reference to Jesus Christ. According to John’s Gospel, Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1) and “the only begotten God.” (John 1:18) Thomas concluded that Jesus is “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) The Acts of the Apostles also conclude that Paul declared “the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28) These scriptures illustrate how Jesus’ deity is affirmed in multiple ways throughout the Bible.
The New Testament is clear in its witness to Jesus as God: He is “God blessed forever” (Romans 9:5), “our great God and Savior” (Titus 2:13), “our God and Savior” (2 Peter 1:1), and the “true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20). The book of Hebrews also attests to Jesus’ divine nature, citing passages and applying them to Him. To Christians, Jesus is the Lord and Savior who is ultimately worthy of our adoration and worship.
you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.
Psalm 45:7-8 (ESV)
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;
your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.
From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;
For all believers, the timelessness of God’s throne is undeniable. From the words of David in Psalm 45:7-8: to Paul’s reference in Hebrews 1:8, Scripture makes it clear that God is and has always been enthroned in power and glory. Though some debate who is the subject of these passages and textual variants may introduce some complexity, the truth remains: God’s throne is everlasting.
But of the Son he says,
Hebrews 1:8 (ESV)
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
It is clear from the Gospel, Acts, Pauline epistles, and general epistles that early Christians commonly referred to Jesus as “God.” This consistent practice emphasizes the significance and divinity of Jesus to the Christian faith.
Lord
For followers of Christianity, Jesus Christ is known to them as their “Lord” throughout the New Testament. The Greek term “Kurios” which is translated to “Lord” holds various meanings, such as “master”, “lord”, and “sir”. It was also used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament to render the divine name (translated as YHWH). This underscores the magnitude of Jesus’ place in Christian faith as someone to be revered and respected.
The Gospels offer us a window into the belief that Jesus is indeed Lord. Throughout the New Testament, we see Jesus’ name invoked as a title of divinity. Many of the characters who address Him as such might have simply had a mundane understanding of the concept, but the authors clearly intended it as a designation of His divine power. For Christians, this is an essential truth that must be accepted if they hope to truly understand the power of Jesus.
In the New Testament, Matthew cites “Prepare the way of the Lord” (Isaiah 40:3) in reference to John’s preparation for Jesus. The terms “Lord,” “Jesus,” and “Jesus Christ” are commonly used together, and Paul frequently uses the full name and title of “Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1) when referring to Him. At other times, “the Lord” stands alone as a reverential title to signify divinity and refer to Jesus. This highlights the importance of using the title “Lord” as a way of honoring Jesus.
And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”
Luke 7:13 (ESV)
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.
Luke 10:1 (ESV)
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,
Luke 10:41 (ESV)
Son, Son of God, Only Begotten Son
The title “Son of God” has deep roots in the Old Testament, with Israel referred to as the Son of God and the Davidic King as its most prominent bearer. This title carries a powerful significance, reminding us of the special covenantal relationship between God and His people.
When Israel was a child, I loved him,
Hosea 11:1 (ESV)
and out of Egypt I called my son.
I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men,
2 Samuel 7:14 (ESV)
I will tell of the decree:
Psalm 2:7 (ESV)
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
When the New Testament speaks of Jesus as the Son of God, it reveals the powerful truth that He is far more than just the “greater David” and the rightful heir of Israel. Instead, Jesus is the divine, eternal Son of the heavenly Father, placed here on earth to bring salvation to mankind.
His identity as the Son of God holds majesty and depth beyond what any other title could signify. It is this reality that believers must acknowledge and celebrate to experience the full power of God’s grace.
Jesus has a deep, unrivaled understanding of who He is in relation to God: He is the beloved Son of the Almighty. His connection to the Father is incomparable; such is evidenced by the words, “No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son.” This intimate bond between the divine and the human is something that can only be grasped by Christians and brings us closer to the Lord.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
Matthew 11:27 (ESV)
John declares Jesus as the “only begotten Son” (John 1:14, 3:16) who perfectly reflects the Father’s nature (Hebrews 1:1-4). In this, Jesus is not just a Davidic title, but also a divine name – and to see the Son is to see the Father.
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
John 14:9 (ESV)
Son of Man
It might surprise some that Jesus often referred to himself as the ‘Son of Man’, a title that suggests his humanity. But the term likely references the mysterious figure in Daniel 7, a figure who arrives on clouds and is granted the dominion, glory, and kingdom that belong only to God. Indeed, this title for Jesus speaks to the unique relationship between him and his Father—evidence of their unity, representing both the humanity and divinity of Jesus.
In Christ, we witness the fullness of revelation, understanding that He is both divine and human. Strikingly, Jesus unifies the divine-human image from Daniel with the themes of suffering and death that are a hallmark of Isaiah’s Suffering Servant. In doing so, He demonstrates the fullness of His power and Humanity (Isaiah 53).
By far, the most frequent name Jesus called himself was “Son of Man,” recorded over 100 times in the gospels. Sometimes Christ used Son of Man simply as a substitute for the pronoun, “I,” usually in the context of the humility of his humanity. For instance, in Matthew 8:19-20 Jesus says, “And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
At his trial before the Sanhedrin, Jesus used the title of “Son of Man” to emphasize his godly power. As the Son of God, Jesus expressed his divine authority to the Jewish council, asserting his position as God’s representative on Earth. Through his use of the title Son of Man, Jesus demonstrated the unquestionable authority of his divine identity.
“And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
Mark 14:62 (ESV)
The Sanhedrin were well-versed in biblical prophecy, so when they heard Jesus’ words, they immediately connected it with Daniel 7:13, which foretold the coming of the Messiah. This ancient prophecy would ultimately be fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the promised Redeemer of all believers.
“I saw in the night visions,
Daniel 7:13 (ESV)
and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.
Instantly, the Sanhedrin saw the divine reference and deemed the Lord worthy of death – so great was their outrage. For Christians, this scripture is both a reminder of Jesus’s greatness and a warning to be aware of those who persecute us for our faith.
And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.
Mark 14:63-65 (ESV)
When referring to the Old Testament, “Son of Man” was most often associated with the prophet Ezekiel. By using this name for himself, Jesus was depicting the balance between His own human humility and His divine glory. This analogy was likely intentional, as it emboldened the weight of His words and His mission.
Jesus Christ is both God and Man—fully God in whom “all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,” and fully Man, who “was tempted in every way, just as we are.” He is the perfect bridge between humanity and God, understanding our struggles while possessing all divine power.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
Hebrews 4:14 (ESV)
For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,
Colossians 2:9 (ESV)
The Christ
Jesus Christ is not just a name — it’s a title. In the Greek language, the word “Christos” is equivalent to the Hebrew term “Mashiach,” which means “the anointed one”. It’s an important distinction that shows Jesus is more than just a great teacher — he is the chosen one, sent from God for the salvation of mankind.
The Old Testament refers to Jesus as the “anointed one,” acknowledging his divine purpose as the Davidic King and Redeemer of Israel. This title harkens back to the tradition of anointing kings in order to set them apart for their royal service. To Christians, this serves as an important reminder of just how special Jesus is.
The kings of the earth set themselves,
Psalm 2:2 (ESV)
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
Great salvation he brings to his king,
Psalm 18:50 (ESV)
and shows steadfast love to his anointed,
to David and his offspring forever.
The anointing of oil symbolized the great authority held by prophets, priests, and kings in Old Testament Israel. This same anointing of oil in the New Testament identifies Jesus as the ultimate anointed One, conveying His divinely-appointed identity and mission to the Christian faithful.
Jesus and The “I Am” Statements
Many try to claim that Jesus of Nazareth never claimed to be God, but Christians added that later. However, much of the canonized Bible and abundant evidence unearthed from the time of Jesus’s ministry support the notion that Jesus himself declared to be the Son of God, the Christ. The Gospel of John, for instance, details several occasions in which Jesus called Himself “God,” such as in John 10:30 where He says “I and the Father are one.
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
John 8:58 (ESV)
The very first name that God gave to himself is recorded in Exodus 3:14:
“God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
Exodus 3:14 (ESV)
Since ancient times, the revered title of “I Am” (or “YHWH” in Hebrew) has been set aside solely for the almighty God in Jewish culture and beyond. As believers in Christ, this is a powerful reminder of the greatness of our Creator.
The stunned reaction of the Jews was understandable when Jesus made the astonishing proclamation, “I existed even before Abraham!” After all, such a thought was unimaginable to a people deeply devoted to their faith.
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
John 8:58 (ESV)
Christ, the Son of God, made a claim only his Creator could make: “I have always been, and I always will be.” His words incensed the gathered crowd, who saw his statement as blasphemy — a man claiming to be God! With swiftness and certainty, they picked up stones to stone him. But Jesus miraculously hid and escaped the temple grounds unscathed.
“Are you on the fence about Jesus? That’s your choice, but don’t you dare try to convince others that Jesus never said He was God – He made it clear in His famous ‘I am!’ centuries ago. Make no mistake, Jesus wanted us to know Who He was.” (John 10:25-33.)
Jesus makes seven declarations about His identity in John’s Gospel, each beginning with “I am”. The powerful affirmations reveal who He is and what He came to do. Take a look at the list of the predicates of these seven “I am” statements:
- The Bread of Life
A day or so after miraculously feeding thousands of hungry people, Jesus declared to a crowd,
“Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”
John 6:35 (ESV)
- The Light of the World
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 (ESV)
- The Gate for the Sheep
So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. … am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.”
John 10:7, 9 (ESV)
- The Good Shepherd
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
John 10:14-15 (ESV)
- The Resurrection and the Life
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
John 11:25 (ESV)
- The Way, the Truth, and the Life
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6 (ESV)
- The True Vine
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.
John 15:1(ESV)
Jesus’ power and mission of salvation were unmistakable – even from the Old Testament. His references to being bread for the hungry, light for those in darkness, gate and shepherd for the lost sheep, resurrection and life for those who face death, way, truth, and life for those seeking God, and the vine that provides life to the branches all speak to his unwavering commitment to bring salvation to humanity. His unyielding dedication to this cause is a source of hope for every Christian.
As Christians, we can look to Jesus’s self-framing not only for insight and encouragement, but also to propel us forward in our mission to spread God’s love. By studying Jesus’ life and teachings, we gain greater understanding of how to share our faith and carry out His message of grace and mercy.
The titles, names, and descriptions of Jesus’s work in the New Testament can seem seemingly endless. It’s clear that every miracle and accomplishment of Christ is worth celebrating, and that His glory is unlimited. As Christians, let us continue to pledge our unwavering faith in His word and His works.
Life
As the source of life, Jesus referred to himself many times throughout the Bible as “Life” – often in the context of eternity and existence. He is the One who brings us eternal life, hope, and purpose. Moreover, He is the ultimate definition of life and the only One who can provide us with what we need to live life to its fullest.
Speaking to Martha about her dead brother Lazarus, Christ explained: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
John 11:25 (ESV)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6 (ESV)
As followers of Christ, we understand “Life” to be a precious gift from the Heavenly Father, bestowed upon us through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the sole source of existence and eternity, and it is through Him that eternal life within us is born. Just as bread energizes and sustains our physical life, Christ is the sustaining Bread of Life that gives us spiritual nourishment and leads us inexorably towards eternity.
The death of Lazarus was a sign of the power of resurrection—a power that Christ alone wielded when He rose from the dead. He promises us an even greater miracle; we will live again even in death, and Jesus’ love reveals the truth of eternal life with God. As Christians, His example gives us the promise of an eternity with our Heavenly Father.
Other names of Jesus include Lord of Lords, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Lion of the tribe of Judah, wonderful counselor, faithful witness, everlasting Father, king of the Jews, son of David, promised Messiah, and even horn of salvation.
(For a nearly complete list of the names of Jesus with scripture, grab the pdf below!)
God Chose Jesus’ Names Before the Earth Was Created
Marvel at how God chose to reveal the amazing names of His Son in the Scriptures! As the Transcendent One, Christ transcends any singular representation or name, yet these specific names are still full of power.
God has always had a plan for mankind – to be revealed through the ages. He had all of His titles in place before He created the world, His choices crafted to provide the perfect context in which His Son could be revealed in His full glory. No other way was even considered; creation was never meant to overtake revelation, but to provide the perfect backdrop for it.
God, the Creator, didn’t just use the existing circumstances to do his best. Instead, he crafted the environment of human life to communicate his Son to us. As one example, marriage serves to communicate who Jesus is and what he does for the Church as its Groom.
This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
Ephesians 5:32 (ESV)
You may enjoy this worship video: His Name Is Jesus | Jeremy Riddle | Dwelling Place Anaheim Worship Moment
You may also enjoy one of these highly recommended resources:
The Power of Jesus’ Names (The Names of God Series) by Tony Evans
Praying the Names of Jesus by Ann Spangler
A Kid’s Guide to the Names of Jesus (The Names of God Series) by Tony Evans
God created the world as a tapestry of faith, to be seen through the eyes of believers. It is His story and His world, crafted from the finest threads to reveal the glory of the Lamb of God. Every element of His creation stands as a witness to the power and majesty of Jesus Christ.
As Christians, the names of Jesus hold a special place in our hearts. Each name offers a unique perspective, revealing something of His character, yet none of them can fully capture or define Him. When we encounter Him eternally on the shore, we will be overwhelmed with joyous awe and discover a seemingly endless depth of knowledge and joy – an ocean with no end.
The names of Jesus reflect His many attributes: He is our Creator, Redeemer, King, Advocate, Healer, and Friend. He is a source of hope, security, and joy. Jesus also provides us with the ultimate example of humility and grace. His many names remind us of the incredible love He has for us and of our calling to extend that love to others. By studying the names of Jesus, we can gain a deeper understanding of our relationship with Him and how we can honor and glorify Him.
Let us take the time to learn and meditate on the glorious names of Jesus as a reminder of His power and goodness in our lives. “Whatever name of Christ, in whatever circumstance, inspires us to greater faith and a better life is worth recalling, remembering, and repeating” (E. Stanley Jones).
ESV – “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”