This Is What the Name of Jesus Means

“….Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…”

Philippians 2:9-10

We hear a lot about “Jesus’s Name.” Have you ever wondered what the name of Jesus means? Just what is in that name? Why are Christians told to call out to Jesus’s Name for comfort and protection?

First, let’s make one thing clear. The name is mighty because of its holder. In this case, “Jesus” power is because of the risen Christ. Now let’s get into the meaning of the name.

Etymological Roots of Jesus

The name “Jesus” has its roots in the Hebrew name Yeshua/Y’shua, which is in turn based on the Semitic root y-š-ʕ (Hebrew: ישע), which translates as “to deliver.”

Remember, Mary and Joseph didn’t choose this name. It was a direct command from above, when an angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream:

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:21

As mentioned, the power of the name lies with the holder of the name. The Bible does refer to other people named Jesus, as in the epistles:

“Aristar′chus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, receive him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.” 

Colossians 4:10–11

This is also why it was common to see Christ being referred to as “Jesus of Nazareth,” to distinguish him from others with that name. But it isn’t the name itself that is powerful. The Name of Jesus means power because Jesus is powerful. 

The Name of Jesus Means We Are Saved

Jesus, the Son of God, is called so because he saves and delivers us from our sins. Salvation is granted only—and completely—through Him. No other being in heaven or on earth will save people and bring them into their eternal inheritance.

The Name of Jesus Means We Have Authority

As a Christian, you have privilege: to use the power and authority of the Name of Jesus. He Himself gave this to us during the commissioning:

“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.'”

Mark 16:15–18

In the book of Acts, Peter heals in Jesus’s Name: 

“I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 

Acts 3:6

And Paul does the same: 

“Paul was annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, ‘I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’ And it came out that very hour.”

Acts 16:8

Jesus’s Name Is for Us

The Name of Jesus means we can put these promises to work in our day-to-day life. In all issues, big or small, we have the authority, exercised through faith, we are delivered, and we are saved. Whether you’re dealing with a bad illness or a difficult coworker, standing your ground against troubles coming against you, or crying out for the Lord’s protection for you, your family, and your property. After all, unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:17