### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs), transliterated as Jesus, is a direct rendering of the Hebrew name יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yehoshua) or its shortened form יֵשׁוּעַ (Yeshua), from which we derive the English "Joshua." The etymological root combines the divine name Yahweh (YHWH) with the verb יָשַׁע (yasha'), meaning "to save" or "to deliver." Thus, the profound meaning embedded within the name is "Yahweh is salvation" or "Yahweh saves." While it was a relatively common name in the Second Temple period, its preeminent usage in the New Testament refers exclusively to Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, the Son of God. The name itself, therefore, is a prophetic declaration of the bearer's divine mission and identity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G2424 appears over 900 times in the New Testament, overwhelmingly referring to Jesus of Nazareth, the central figure of Christian faith. Its initial occurrences are in the genealogies of [[Matthew 1:1]] and [[Luke 3:23]], establishing His historical lineage. The angel Gabriel's instruction to Mary and Joseph concerning the naming of the child in [[Matthew 1:21]] directly links the name to His salvific purpose: "You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." This verse encapsulates the very essence of His identity and mission.
Throughout the Gospels, G2424 is used to identify the historical person, Jesus of Nazareth, in various contexts: His birth ([[Luke 2:21]]), His baptism ([[Matthew 3:13]]), His teaching ([[Matthew 5:1]]), His miracles ([[Mark 5:27]]), His suffering and death ([[John 19:16]]), and His resurrection ([[Luke 24:36]]). In the book of Acts, the name G2424 becomes the focal point of the apostles' preaching, confirming His identity as the resurrected Lord and Messiah ([[Acts 2:36]], [[Acts 4:10]]). The Epistles consistently refer to Him as "Jesus Christ" or "the Lord Jesus Christ," emphasizing His dual identity as the human Savior and the divine Anointed One ([[Romans 1:3]], [[Philippians 2:5]]).
While the vast majority of occurrences refer to the Lord, G2424 is also used for a few other individuals:
1. Joshua, the successor to Moses, in [[Acts 7:45]] and [[Hebrews 4:8]].
2. Jesus Barabbas, whose given name was Jesus, mentioned in some manuscripts of [[Matthew 27:16-17]].
3. Jesus Justus, a Jewish Christian companion of Paul, in [[Colossians 4:11]].
However, these instances are rare and easily distinguishable by context, leaving the overwhelming focus on the unique person of Jesus Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Greek Ἰησοῦς is directly connected to its Hebrew antecedent, יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yehoshua), represented by `{{H3091}}`. This link highlights the continuity between the Old Testament figures who bore this name (most notably Joshua, the leader who brought Israel into the promised land) and the New Testament Jesus, who brings His people into the spiritual promised land of salvation.
Crucially, G2424 is almost universally paired with `{{G5547}}` (Christos), meaning "Christ" or "Anointed One," which is the Greek translation of the Hebrew מָשִׁיחַ (mashiaḥ). The combination "Jesus Christ" signifies that Jesus is *the* Messiah, the promised deliverer.
Other related concepts and words include:
* `{{G4990}}` (sōtēr, "Savior") and `{{G4991}}` (sōtēria, "salvation"): These terms directly align with the inherent meaning of the name Jesus.
* `{{G2962}}` (kyrios, "Lord"): Frequently used in conjunction with Jesus, signifying His divine authority and sovereignty.
* `{{G5207}}` (huios, "son"): "Son of God" and "Son of Man" are key titles that further define Jesus's identity and mission.
* `{{G3447}}` (Nazarenos, "Nazarene"): Often used to identify Jesus's earthly origin, as in "Jesus of Nazareth."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the name G2424 is profound and central to Christian doctrine.
1. **Divine Identity and Mission:** The name "Jesus" ("Yahweh saves") is not merely an identifier but a declaration of His divine nature and His specific mission to deliver humanity from sin. As [[Matthew 1:21]] explicitly states, His name encapsulates His purpose.
2. **Exclusivity of Salvation:** The New Testament emphatically proclaims that salvation is found uniquely in this name. [[Acts 4:12]] declares, "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mankind by which we must be saved." This highlights Jesus as the sole mediator between God and humanity.
3. **Authority and Power:** The name of Jesus carries inherent authority and power. Miracles were performed in His name ([[Acts 3:6]]), demons were cast out in His name ([[Mark 16:17]]), and prayers are offered in His name ([[John 14:13-14]]).
4. **Object of Faith and Confession:** Confessing "Jesus is Lord" is a foundational act of Christian faith ([[Romans 10:9]]). The name represents the person to whom all believers pledge allegiance.
5. **Exaltation and Worship:** Following His resurrection and ascension, God has highly exalted Jesus and bestowed upon 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, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([[Philippians 2:9-11]]). This underscores the ultimate supremacy and worthiness of worship attributed to Him.
### Summary
The Greek lemma Ἰησοῦς (G2424), directly transliterated from the Hebrew Yehoshua, carries the profound meaning "Yahweh saves." This name, while shared by a few others in biblical history, is overwhelmingly and preeminently applied to Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, in the New Testament. It is not merely a label but a divine declaration of His identity as the unique Son of God, whose very purpose is to bring salvation to humanity. The name Jesus encapsulates the entirety of His redemptive work, serving as the singular means of salvation, the source of divine authority, and the exalted object of all worship and confession. Its theological depth underscores the core message of the Gospel: God's saving action through His Son.
TRV