The Names and Titles of Jesus Christ
Every name reveals something of His identity, authority and saving work.
Discovering the Person of Christ Through His Biblical Names
The names and titles given to Jesus Christ throughout Scripture are far more than descriptive labels. They reveal His divine identity, His relationship with the Father, His fulfilment of God's promises to Israel, His mission of redemption and His authority over creation. Some titles were used by Jesus Himself. Others were spoken by angels, prophets, disciples or the apostles. Together they provide a rich biblical testimony concerning who He is.
Understanding these names in their original Hebrew and Greek contexts helps prevent familiar expressions from losing their significance.
Jesus:
He Shall Save His People from Their Sins
The name that declares His saving mission.
The angel instructed Joseph to name Mary's child Jesus because He would save His people from their sins. The name is connected with the Hebrew tradition of names expressing the LORD's salvation.
The significance of His name cannot be separated from His mission. He did not come merely to improve society or provide moral instruction, but to redeem sinners.
Scriptures: Matthew 1:18-25 | Luke 1:30-33 | Luke 2:10-11 | Acts 4:12
Greek word study: Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous, G2424) - Jesus, the Greek form of the name associated with God's saving work.
Messiah and Christ:
The Anointed One
The One promised through the prophets.
Christ is not a surname. It is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew title Messiah, meaning Anointed One. In the Old Testament, kings and priests were anointed for service, while the prophets anticipated a coming ruler through whom God's purposes would be fulfilled.
Jesus is the promised Messiah, fulfilling the biblical expectations associated with the anointed King, the ultimate Prophet and the great High Priest.
Scriptures: Psalms 2:1-12 | Daniel 9:25-26 | John 1:40-42 | Luke 4:16-21 | Acts 2:36
Original-language study: מָשִׁיחַ (mashiach, H4899) - anointed one; Χριστός (Christos, G5547) - Christ, Anointed One.
Son of God:
The Father's Beloved Son
His unique relationship with the Father. God's only begotten Son.
Jesus Christ is repeatedly identified as the Son of God. The title expresses His unique relationship with the Father and, within the New Testament's broader testimony, His divine identity. At His baptism and transfiguration, the Father identifies Jesus as His beloved Son. John states that his Gospel was written so that readers might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
Scriptures: Matthew 3:16-17 | Matthew 17:5 | John 5:17-23 | John 20:30-31
Greek word study: υἱός (huios, G5207) - son. The theological significance of this title depends upon its context.
Son of Man:
The One Who Came to Seek and Save
True humanity and everlasting dominion.
Jesus frequently used the title Son of Man when speaking of Himself. The expression affirms His genuine humanity, but its significance extends beyond that. Daniel describes one like the Son of man receiving dominion, glory and an everlasting kingdom.
Jesus uses this title in connection with His earthly ministry, suffering, authority and future return.
Scriptures: Daniel 7:13-14 | Mark 2:10-12 | Luke 19:10 | Mark 14:61-62 | Matthew 24:30
The Lamb of God:
Behold the Lamb
The sacrifice through whom redemption is accomplished.
John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The title draws attention to the sacrificial themes established throughout the Old Testament, including the Passover and the offerings associated with atonement.
Revelation presents the risen Christ as the Lamb who was slain and is worthy to receive honour and worship.
Scriptures: Exodus 12:1-14 | John 1:29 | 1 Peter 1:18-19 | Revelation 5:6-14
Greek word study: ἀμνός (amnos, G286) - lamb, used in John 1:29 and 1 Peter 1:19; ἀρνίον (arnion, G721) - lamb, prominently used in Revelation.
Lord and King of Kings:
Every Knee Shall Bow
His authority extends over all creation.
The New Testament proclaims Jesus Christ as Lord. His resurrection and exaltation demonstrate His victory, while Revelation declares His ultimate triumph as King of kings and Lord of lords. His authority is not limited to the Church or to those who presently acknowledge Him. Scripture declares that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Scriptures: Philippians 2:9-11 | Acts 2:36 | 1 Timothy 6:14-16 | Revelation 17:14 | Revelation 19:11-16
Greek word study: κύριος (kyrios, G2962) - lord or master, with its precise significance established by context.
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