of Hebrew origin (יְשַׁעְיָה); Hesaias (i.e. Jeshajah), an Israelite:--Esaias.
Transliteration:Hēsaḯas
Pronunciation:hay-sah-ee'-as
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Ἡσαΐας (Hēsaΐas), Strong's number `{{G2268}}`, is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name יְשַׁעְיָה (Yesha'yah) or יְשַׁעְיָהוּ (Yesha'yahu), found as `{{H3470}}` in the Old Testament. The name is a theophoric compound, meaning "Yahweh is salvation" or "Salvation of Yahweh." This etymological root is derived from the Hebrew verb יָשַׁע (yasha'), `{{H3467}}`, which signifies "to save, to deliver, to rescue." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying the specific individual, the prophet Isaiah. However, the profound meaning embedded within the name itself carries immense theological weight, foreshadowing the central theme of salvation that permeates both his prophetic book and the New Testament's understanding of God's redemptive plan.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Ἡσαΐας (Hēsaΐas) occurs frequently in the New Testament, primarily in contexts where the writings of the prophet Isaiah are cited to demonstrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Jesus Christ.
* In the Gospels, Isaiah is cited to confirm Jesus' identity and mission, such as Matthew's frequent appeals (e.g., [[Matthew 3:3]], [[Matthew 4:14]], [[Matthew 8:17]], [[Matthew 12:17]], [[Matthew 13:14]], [[Matthew 15:7]]). Mark and Luke also reference Isaiah (e.g., [[Mark 1:2]], [[Luke 3:4]], [[Luke 4:17]]). John's Gospel highlights Isaiah's foreknowledge of Jesus' glory and rejection (e.g., [[John 1:23]], [[John 12:38-41]]).
* The Book of Acts records the Ethiopian eunuch reading from Isaiah 53, a pivotal passage for understanding the Suffering Servant, leading to his conversion through Philip's explanation of Jesus as the fulfillment ([[Acts 8:28-35]]).
* Paul, in his epistles, extensively quotes Isaiah to expound on themes of God's righteousness, the inclusion of Gentiles, and the future of Israel (e.g., [[Romans 9:27-29]], [[Romans 10:16]], [[Romans 10:20-21]], [[Romans 15:12]]).
In every occurrence, Ἡσαΐας functions as the revered source of divine revelation, whose words are understood by New Testament authors as inspired and directly applicable to the person and work of Jesus Christ. The contexts consistently underscore the prophetic nature of Isaiah's message and its ultimate culmination in the New Covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its Hebrew original, יְשַׁעְיָה (Yesha'yah) or יְשַׁעְיָהוּ (Yesha'yahu), `{{H3470}}`. The root of this name, יָשַׁע (yasha'), `{{H3467}}`, meaning "to save," connects directly to other significant Hebrew and Greek terms for salvation:
* יְשׁוּעָה (yeshu'ah), `{{H3444}}`, "salvation, deliverance."
* σῴζω (sōzō), `{{G4982}}`, "to save, deliver."
* σωτηρία (sōtēria), `{{G4991}}`, "salvation, deliverance, preservation."
* The name Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous), `{{G2424}}`, Jesus, itself is the Greek form of the Hebrew יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yehoshu'a), meaning "Yahweh saves." This deep linguistic and theological connection highlights the profound resonance between the prophet's name and the Messiah's identity.
Concepts intrinsically linked to Ἡσαΐας include prophecy, fulfillment, the Messiah, the Suffering Servant, the holiness of God, judgment, comfort, and the eschatological hope for both Israel and the nations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Ἡσαΐας (Hēsaΐas) is multi-faceted. Firstly, the very meaning of the prophet's name—"Yahweh is salvation"—serves as a theological statement, encapsulating the core message of his book and the overarching narrative of biblical history. It points to God's character as the ultimate deliverer and foreshadows the coming of the Savior.
Secondly, Isaiah himself stands as a towering figure in prophetic tradition. His book contains some of the most profound and detailed prophecies concerning the Messiah, including His virgin birth ([[Isaiah 7:14]]), His divine nature ([[Isaiah 9:6]]), His suffering and atoning death ([[Isaiah 53:1-12]]), and His universal reign ([[Isaiah 2:2-4]]). The New Testament's consistent appeal to Isaiah's prophecies validates the divine inspiration of both the Old Testament and the claims of Jesus as the Christ.
Thirdly, Isaiah's vision extends beyond Israel, encompassing the salvation of the Gentiles, reflecting God's universal plan of redemption. This broad scope of salvation, articulated centuries before its fulfillment, underscores the sovereignty and faithfulness of God in bringing all peoples to Himself. The prophet's name, therefore, is not merely an identifier but a condensed theological truth, proclaiming God's saving activity throughout history.
### Summary
The Greek name Ἡσαΐας (Hēsaΐas), `{{G2268}}`, is the transliteration of the Hebrew יְשַׁעְיָה (Yesha'yah), meaning "Yahweh is salvation." This name belongs to the great Old Testament prophet whose book is extensively quoted in the New Testament, primarily to demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Occurrences in the Gospels, Acts, and Pauline epistles consistently highlight Isaiah's foretelling of the Messiah's identity, mission, suffering, and universal salvation. The theological significance of Ἡσαΐας lies not only in his role as a major prophet but also in the profound meaning of his name, which encapsulates God's character as the Deliverer and foreshadows the salvation brought by Jesus, whose own name similarly signifies "Yahweh saves." The study of Ἡσαΐας thus underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New.
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