What does jesus mean?
Jesus is the name of Jesus of Nazareth, the central figure of Christianity. Christians believe that he is the Son of God and the promised Messiah, and the New Testament recounts his life, preaching, miracles, arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection. His teachings emphasize love of God and neighbours, repentance, compassion, forgiveness, faith, and the importance of spiritual or moral transformation. The name is also used as an informal exclamation in British and Irish English, where “Jesus!” can express surprise, shock, frustration, or dismay. Although the expression may be entirely idiomatic in conversation, some Christians regard it as blasphemous, particularly when used carelessly or as part of an oath. In religious writing, “Jesus Christ” is a fuller form that combines his personal name with the Greek-derived title “Christ,” meaning “the anointed one.”
The name of Jesus of Nazareth, the central figure of Christianity, regarded by Christians as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Saviour.
"The Gospel according to John begins with an account of Jesus before his public ministry."
Used without an article in ordinary references to the person, as in “the teachings of Jesus.” “Jesus Christ” is a traditional fuller form.
An exclamation used to express surprise, shock, annoyance, frustration, or dismay.
"Jesus, that train was right on time for once."
Especially associated with informal British and Irish English; potentially considered blasphemous by some people, including members of Christian faiths.
The name “Jesus” reaches English through Greek and Hebrew and is closely related to “Joshua,” although the two names came to designate different biblical figures.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jesus come from?
The English name comes through Latin Iesus from the Greek Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous), which was a Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ), meaning “Yahweh is salvation.” The name is related to Joshua, a different Hebrew name formed from the same elements, though the two biblical figures developed separate traditions. Jesus was the form used in the New Testament and became standard throughout much of Christian Europe and the English-speaking world.
How jesus is actually used
In religious contexts, the name is normally treated with great respect. As an exclamation, “Jesus” is common in informal British and Irish English but can be considered disrespectful or blasphemous by some Christians; alternatives include “oh my God” or “good heavens.”