Should I call Jesus Yeshua?

Referring to Jesus as “Yeshua” instead of “Jesus” is primarily a matter of linguistic and cultural preference. The name “Jesus” is the English transliteration of the Greek name Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous), which is itself derived from the Hebrew name יֵשׁוּעַ (Yeshua). Yeshua is a common Hebrew form of the name Joshua, meaning “Yahweh is salvation.” This name was indeed how Jesus would have been known in His own cultural and linguistic context during His time on earth.

Relevant Bible Verses

• Matthew 1:21 – “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” This verse explains the meaning of Jesus’ name directly related to His mission of salvation, reflecting the meaning of Yeshua.
• Philippians 2:9-10 – “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” This passage highlights the power and significance of the name of Jesus as recognized in Christianity.

Examples from Christian Tradition

In Christian tradition, the usage of “Jesus” over “Yeshua” aligns with the translation and transliteration norms as Christianity spread beyond the Hebrew-speaking world. This practice reflects the adaptation of the faith to different cultures and languages. For example, the name changes from Yeshua in Hebrew to Iesus in Latin and then to Jesus in English.

Three Main Takeaways

1. Cultural Context: Calling Jesus “Yeshua” can be seen as an effort to return to the cultural and linguistic roots of Christianity, recognizing Jesus within the context of His Jewish heritage.
2. Personal Conviction: For some, using the name “Yeshua” might reflect a personal or communal conviction about affirming a closer connection to the Jewish roots of Christianity.
3. Universal Understanding: While “Yeshua” brings us closer to the historical Jesus, “Jesus” is universally recognized and understood within the global Christian community, ensuring that communication and teachings about Christ are accessible to all.

In summary, whether to refer to Jesus as “Yeshua” or “Jesus” can depend on personal or community preferences, theological insights, or cultural expressions of faith. Both names refer to the same person—Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity.