TRACING THE ROOTS OF THE NAME “JESUS”

I am sure you have heard arguments, making a case that the name “JESUS” was made up in a deliberate effort to mislead people. This school of thought is erroneous and must be strongly refuted and challenged.

1. Hebrew Name Origins: The journey begins with the original Hebrew name, which is often cited as “Yeshua” or “Yehoshua.” These names are derived from the Hebrew root “Yasha,” meaning “to deliver” or “to save.” In ancient Hebrew, names were significant and often reflected the character, purpose, or destiny of the individual.
2. Hebrew to Greek Transliteration: As historical events unfolded, including the Hellenistic influence on the Mediterranean region, the Hebrew Scriptures were translated into Greek. This translation, known as the Septuagint, played a crucial role in spreading Hebrew religious texts and ideas among Greek-speaking communities. The name “Yeshua” was transliterated into Greek as “Iesous” (Ιησούς), maintaining its phonetic structure while adapting to Greek linguistic norms.
3. New Testament Writings in Greek: The emergence of Christian communities and the composition of the New Testament occurred within a Greco-Roman cultural context. The authors of the New Testament, writing in Greek, referred to Jesus using the Greek form “Iesous.” This was a natural continuation of the linguistic tradition established in the Septuagint and reflected the language spoken by early Christians.
4. Latinization of the Name: With the spread of Christianity into the Roman Empire, Latin became a significant language of communication. The Latin Vulgate, a translation of the Bible into Latin by Jerome, rendered the name “Iesous” as “Iesus.” This Latinized form of the name gained prominence in Western Christianity and influenced subsequent translations and liturgical practices.
5. Transition into English: As Christianity spread across Europe and beyond, translations of the Bible into various languages became essential for accessibility and worship. In English translations, the name “Iesus” evolved into “Jesus,” reflecting the phonetic changes and linguistic evolution typical of language development over time.
6. Cultural and Linguistic Influences: Cultural and linguistic influences played a significant role throughout this process. Migration, trade, conquests, and interactions among diverse linguistic communities contributed to adapting and assimilating names and words. The name “Jesus” became entrenched in English-speaking Christian communities, carrying centuries of theological, cultural, and historical significance.
   Critics argue that the original Hebrew name should be exclusively used, dismissing translations as deviations from authenticity. However, such a viewpoint overlooks the dynamic nature of language and the historical context in which translations occur. Language is not static but evolves, influenced by cultural interactions, migrations, and linguistic adaptations.

The translation of names is not a novel phenomenon; it is a practice deeply embedded in linguistic traditions. Throughout history, names have been transliterated, translated, and adapted to suit the phonetic structures and linguistic norms of different regions and languages. This process does not diminish the essence or integrity of the name, but rather facilitates communication and accessibility across diverse cultures.

Let’s take some examples:

Names from the Bible:

1. Peter (English) – Petros (Greek) – Kepha (Aramaic):
– English: The name “Peter” is derived from the Greek “Petros” (Πέτρος), meaning “rock” or “stone.” It is famously associated with the apostle Peter in the New Testament.
– Greek: The Greek form “Petros” is a transliteration of the Aramaic name “Kepha” (כֵּיפָא), which has the same meaning.
– Aramaic: The original Aramaic name “Kepha” was used by Jesus when referring to Peter, as recorded in biblical texts.

2. John (English) – Ioannes (Greek) – Yochanan (Hebrew):
– English: The name “John” is a common English rendition derived from the Greek “Ioannes” (Ἰωάννης), which in turn is a transliteration of the Hebrew name “Yochanan” (יוֹחָנָן), meaning “God is gracious.”
– Greek: The Greek form “Ioannes” was used in the New Testament writings to refer to several individuals, including John the Baptist and the apostle John.
– Hebrew: The original Hebrew name “Yochanan” is preserved in the Old Testament and carries significant biblical importance.

Modern Names:

1. Michael (English) – Miguel (Spanish) – Mikhail (Russian):
– English: The name “Michael” is of Hebrew origin, meaning “who is like God.” It has been widely adopted in English-speaking countries.
– Spanish: In Spanish-speaking regions, the name is often translated as “Miguel,” maintaining its phonetic structure while adapting to Spanish pronunciation norms.
– Russian: In Russian, the name “Michael” is transliterated as “Mikhail” (Михаил), showcasing a different phonetic rendering based on Cyrillic script.

2. Anna (English) – Anya (Russian) – Ana (Spanish):
– English: The name “Anna” is a common English variant derived from various origins, including Hebrew and Greek, with meanings related to grace or favor.
– Russian: In Russian, the name is transliterated as “Anya” (Аня), reflecting phonetic nuances in pronunciation and spelling typical of Slavic languages.
– Spanish: Similarly, in Spanish-speaking cultures, the name is often rendered as “Ana,” maintaining its core pronunciation while adapting to Spanish phonetics.

These examples demonstrate the diversity of names and how they are adapted, transliterated, or translated across different languages and cultures, both in biblical contexts and modern usage.

In conclusion, It is crucial to recognize that the essence of a name lies not merely in its phonetic form but in the qualities, attributes, and historical associations it embodies.

A KBITS publication