Biblical Linguistics & Theology
The Name Above All Names: Yeshua, Yehovah, and the Alpha–Omega Connection
Where the Hebrew Bible, the Greek New Testament, and Christian theology converge on the divine name and the Messiah’s identity.
1) Origins: Yeshua & the path to “Jesus”
The Hebrew name יהושע (Yehoshua) means “YHWH is salvation.” In late biblical and Second Temple usage, the shortened form ישוע (Yeshua) appears. When rendered into Greek—whose phonology lacks the “sh” sound—the name becomes Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous). Latin carries this as Iesus, which later becomes Jesus in English.
| Stage | Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hebrew | Hebrew | Yehoshua → Yeshua | “YHWH is salvation” |
| Greek | Koine Greek | Iēsous | No “sh”; adds nominative -os |
| Latin | Latin | Iesus | Adopts Greek form |
| English | Modern English | Jesus | Orthographic evolution (“I”→“J”) |
The theology (meaning and person) remains intact through languages; Scripture itself was transmitted in Hebrew/Aramaic and Greek.
2) The Tetragrammaton: Yehovah, Yahweh, Jehovah
The divine name appears in the Hebrew Bible as the four consonants יהוה (YHWH). Because of reverence, readers often say Adonai (“the LORD”) or Hashem (“the Name”). Scholars reconstruct the pronunciation as Yahweh; some communities advocate Yehovah. Early English Bibles popularized Jehovah, a hybrid form from combining YHWH with the Masoretic vowels for Adonai.
| Form | Period / Context | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yahweh | Modern scholarship | Common academic reconstruction |
| Yehovah | Medieval–modern usage | Advocated in some Jewish circles |
| Jehovah | Early modern English | Hybridized reading in KJV-era tradition |
3) Exodus 3:14 & the divine self-revelation
In Exodus 3:14, God reveals Himself as Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh—“I Am that I Am”—affirming divine self-existence and faithfulness. The revelation of the name aligns with covenant identity throughout the Torah and the Prophets.
4) Revelation 1:8 & “Alpha and Omega”
“I am Alpha and Omega” unites the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet to declare God’s eternality and sovereignty. The title echoes the God of the Exodus and situates the Messiah within the divine identity recognized by the earliest believers.
5) Timeline & name pathways (infographic)
6) Myths vs Facts
Fact: “Jesus” is the English outcome of Hebrew Yeshua via Greek Iēsous and Latin Iesus.
Fact: The theological meaning—“YHWH is salvation”—is preserved across languages used by Scripture and the early church.
Fact: The exact ancient vocalization of YHWH is debated; reverence and clarity are primary in worship and teaching.
References
- Brown, Driver, Briggs. Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament.
- Liddell, Scott, Jones. Greek–English Lexicon.
- Primary biblical texts: Exodus 3:14; Exodus 6:3; Revelation 1:8.
- On transmission & pronunciation of the Tetragrammaton (overview in standard lexica and introductions to biblical Hebrew).
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Is it better to say Yeshua instead of Jesus?
Both forms refer to the same person and meaning. Use Yeshua in Hebrew-focused contexts and Jesus for general English communication.
Why does Greek use Iēsous?
Greek lacked the “sh” sound (shin), so “Yeshua” becomes “Iēsous,” also adding -os for a masculine nominative ending.
What’s the difference between Yahweh, Yehovah, and Jehovah?
They are proposals or traditional readings of YHWH across communities and eras. Exact ancient vocalization remains debated.
How does “Alpha and Omega” relate to “I Am”?
Both communicate God’s eternity and sovereignty; Revelation’s title resonates with the divine self-revelation in Exodus 3:14.
