Historians: Jesus Christ Was Likely Known As “Yeshua”

Despite being one of the most recognized names worldwide, historians and linguists assert that “Jesus Christ” was not the original name of the central figure of Christianity.

Scholars suggest that Jesus would have been known as “Yeshua” or “Yeshu,” based on linguistic and historical evidence.

The Aramaic Connection

Aramaic, the language Jesus likely spoke in his daily life, holds the key to his original name. Professor Dineke Houtman explains, “Given his background in Nazareth, we can assume his day-to-day language was Aramaic,” as quoted by DailyMailUK.

According to Aramaic texts and inscriptions, “Yeshua” was derived from the Hebrew “Yehoshua,” which translates to “God saves.”

A Journey Through Languages

The name evolved as it passed through different languages. Greek transliterations changed “Yeshua” to “Iesous” due to the absence of certain Hebrew and Aramaic sounds. This became “Iesus” in Latin before the introduction of the letter “J” in the 16th century transformed it into “Jesus” in English.

“Christ” As A Title, Not A Surname

Contrary to popular belief, “Christ” was not Jesus’ surname. Instead, it was a title derived from the Greek word “Christos,” meaning “Messiah” or “God’s anointed one.”

Marko Marina clarifies, “In the ancient world, most people didn’t have last names as we understand them. Instead, they were identified by parentage, origin, or characteristics. Jesus was often referred to as ‘Jesus of Nazareth’ to differentiate him from others named Yeshua.”

One Of Galilee’s Most Common Names

Professor Candida Moss notes that “Yeshua” or “Yeshu” was one of the most common names in first-century Galilee. “Most scholars agree that his name was Yeshua or possibly Yeshu, reflecting the cultural and linguistic context of his time,” Moss says.

The transformation of “Yeshua” into “Jesus” demonstrates the practice of transliteration—adapting sounds from one language to another. Greek’s lack of certain Hebrew and Aramaic sounds led to “Iesous,” which later became the Latinized “Iesus” before evolving into the modern English “Jesus.”

While “Jesus Christ” is universally recognized today, the historical figure likely introduced himself in Aramaic as “Yeshua of Nazareth.”

Despite the changes his name underwent across centuries and cultures, the meaning of “Yehoshua” — “God saves” — remains central to his identity.