7 Names of Jesus and Their Meaning include: Immanuel, Alpha and Omega, Christ, Messiah, Son of David, Son of God, and Lamb of God.
7 Names of Jesus and Their Meaning
Jesus has many names in the Bible, each revealing His identity and mission. These names reflect His divine nature, authority, and saving power. Understanding them helps us appreciate who He is and how He impacts our lives.
From Immanuel, “God with us,” to Lamb of God, the ultimate sacrifice, His names tell a powerful story. They connect to prophecy, redemption, and His eternal reign. Exploring these names deepens faith and strengthens our relationship with Him.
1. Immanuel (Matthew 1:23)
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)
A. Definition
Immanuel means “God with us” and comes from the Hebrew words Immanu (with us) and El (God). The prophet Isaiah first mentioned this name, foretelling a miraculous birth that would signify God’s presence among His people.
Matthew 1:23 confirms Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. His birth was not ordinary but a divine intervention. This name highlights Jesus’ unique role as both fully God and fully man, dwelling among humanity.
B. Theological Overtones
Immanuel emphasizes the incarnation, where God took human form in Jesus. Unlike prophets or kings, Jesus was both divine and human, fully experiencing life on earth. This truth affirms God’s closeness, not as a distant ruler but as one who walks alongside His people.
The name also confirms God’s faithfulness to His promises. Isaiah’s prophecy pointed to a future Messiah who would bridge the gap between God and humanity. Jesus, as Immanuel, fulfills this prophecy, proving that God’s plan for salvation was always in motion.
C. Application
Immanuel reminds believers that God is near, even in difficulties. Jesus, through His incarnation, experienced suffering, loneliness, and temptation, yet remained sinless. This reassures us that He understands our struggles and offers comfort in every situation.
Knowing Jesus as Immanuel calls us to trust in His presence daily. He is not a distant Savior but one who walks with us, strengthens us, and leads us. His name challenges us to rely on Him, especially in uncertain times.
D. Related Scriptures
Isaiah 7:14 prophesied Immanuel’s coming: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” This prophecy gave Israel hope that God would one day dwell among them.
John 1:14 reinforces this truth: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Jesus, as Immanuel, lived among humanity, revealing God’s love, truth, and salvation.
2. Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8)
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)
A. Definition
Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This title means “the Beginning and the End,” emphasizing Jesus’ eternal nature. Unlike creation, He has no starting point and no ending.
Jesus declared, “I am the Alpha and the Omega” (Revelation 1:8), showing His sovereignty over time. He existed before all things and will remain when everything else fades. His presence spans past, present, and future.
B. Theological Overtones
Alpha and Omega affirm Jesus’ divinity and supremacy. He is not bound by time but rules over history and eternity. This name highlights His authority over creation, judgment, and redemption. Nothing exists outside His control.
This title also confirms God’s plan of salvation. Jesus began the work of redemption and will complete it at the end of time. His unchanging nature guarantees that His promises remain true forever.
C. Application
Jesus as Alpha and Omega assures believers that He controls their lives and destinies. His sovereignty means nothing happens by accident. Every moment, from beginning to end, unfolds according to His perfect will.
This name also calls believers to trust in His eternal promises. Life changes, but Jesus remains constant. He started the work in us, and He will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).
D. Related Scriptures
Revelation 22:13 reinforces this truth: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Jesus completes all things.
Colossians 1:17 declares, “He is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together.” His sovereignty sustains creation, ensuring His eternal plan unfolds perfectly.
3. Christ (Matthew 16:16)
Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16)
A. Definition
The title “Christ” comes from the Greek Christos, meaning “Anointed One”. It is the equivalent of the Hebrew Mashiach (Messiah). This name identifies Jesus as God’s chosen Savior and King.
Peter boldly declared, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). His statement recognized Jesus as the promised deliverer foretold in Scripture, not just a teacher or prophet.
B. Theological Overtones
Christ signifies Jesus’ divine appointment. In the Old Testament, prophets, priests, and kings were anointed for God’s service. Jesus fulfills all three roles, making Him the ultimate anointed one.
This title also emphasizes His lordship. As Christ, Jesus rules over God’s kingdom and offers salvation to all who believe. Accepting Him means surrendering to His authority and trusting His redemptive work (Ephesians 2:8-9).
C. Application
Recognizing Jesus as Christ means embracing Him as Savior and King. Salvation is not just about forgiveness but also about submitting to His rule. He must be Lord over every area of life.
Christ’s anointing calls believers to follow Him fully. If He is the promised deliverer, then trusting in anything else leads to failure. True faith means depending completely on Jesus for salvation and guidance (John 14:6).
D. Related Scriptures
Luke 4:18 confirms Jesus’ anointing: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” His mission was clear.
Acts 2:36 declares His authority: “God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” His resurrection proved His divine kingship.
4. Messiah (John 4:25-26)
The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” (John 4:25-26)
A. Definition
The title “Messiah” comes from the Hebrew Mashiach, meaning “Anointed One”. It refers to the promised deliverer sent by God to redeem His people. Many Jews expected the Messiah to be a political leader who would free them from Roman rule.
In John 4:25-26, Jesus directly confirms His identity: “I who speak to you am He.” He reveals to the Samaritan woman that He is the long-awaited Redeemer. His mission, however, was greater than political freedom—it was spiritual redemption.
B. Theological Overtones
Jesus, as the Messiah, fulfills Old Testament prophecies. The prophets foretold a coming deliverer who would establish God’s kingdom and bring salvation (Isaiah 53, Micah 5:2). His birth, life, death, and resurrection prove that He is the fulfillment of God’s plan.
His role as Messiah goes beyond Israel (John 3:16). While many expected a national Savior, Jesus came to redeem all people. He brought salvation not through earthly power but through His sacrificial death and resurrection (1 Peter 3:18). His kingdom is eternal and not of this world.
C. Application
Recognizing Jesus as the Messiah calls for faith in Him alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). He is the only one who can redeem and restore a broken relationship with God. Relying on anything else—good works, religion, or tradition—leads to disappointment.
This title also reminds believers that God always keeps His promises. He sent Jesus as the Messiah at the right time (Galatians 4:4-5). Trusting in God’s faithfulness brings peace, even when life feels uncertain. His redemption plan is perfect.
D. Related Scriptures
Isaiah 61:1 prophesies the Messiah’s mission: “The Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor… to set the oppressed free.” Jesus fulfilled this calling.
Daniel 9:25 foretells the Messiah’s arrival: “From the going forth of the command to restore Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince…” Jesus came exactly as God promised.
5. Son of David (Matthew 21:9)
Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ jHosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9)
A. Definition
The title “Son of David” affirms Jesus’ rightful place in King David’s lineage. This name connects Him to the royal bloodline promised in the Old Testament. The Jews expected the Messiah to come from David’s family as a ruler and redeemer.
In Matthew 21:9, the crowd shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” as Jesus entered Jerusalem. They recognized Him as the long-awaited King who would fulfill God’s promises to Israel.
B. Theological Overtones
The Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16) promised that David’s throne would last forever. Jesus, as the Son of David, fulfills this prophecy by establishing an eternal kingdom. Unlike earthly kings, His rule brings spiritual salvation and lasts forever.
This title also emphasizes Jesus’ dual role as ruler and redeemer. He came not just to reign but to save His people from sin (John 1:29). His kingship is not about military conquest but about bringing peace and righteousness through His sacrificial death and resurrection.
C. Application
Calling Jesus the Son of David means recognizing Him as King. His authority is absolute, and submission to His rule is essential. Believers must honor Him not just with words but through obedience and faith (Proverbs 3:5-6).
This title also brings hope and assurance. God kept His promise to David, and He remains faithful today. Jesus’ reign guarantees that God’s plan is secure, and His followers will one day reign with Him.
D. Related Scriptures
2 Samuel 7:12-13 declares God’s promise: “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” Jesus fulfills this by reigning eternally.
Revelation 22:16 confirms His identity: “I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright Morning Star.” His kingship is everlasting.
6. Son of Man (Mark 10:45)
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
A. Definition
The title “Son of Man” appears over 80 times in the Gospels. Jesus often used this name to describe Himself, emphasizing His humanity and divinity. Unlike other titles, this one highlights both His earthly mission and His heavenly authority.
In Mark 10:45, Jesus said, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” This statement reveals His purpose as the redeemer who would bring salvation through sacrifice.
B. Theological Overtones
The Son of Man title links to Daniel 7:13-14, where a divine figure receives eternal dominion and authority. Jesus fulfills this prophecy by being both humble and exalted—He came to suffer but will return as King.
This name also affirms His role in redemption. Jesus, as fully human, could represent mankind; as fully divine, He had the power to save. His sacrifice was necessary for the forgiveness of sins and the fulfillment of God’s salvation plan.
C. Application
Jesus as the Son of Man teaches believers humility and service. He, though divine, humbled Himself to serve others. Following Him means adopting a servant’s heart and living selflessly.
This title also reassures believers of His victory and return. He came first to save, but He will return to reign. Trusting in His redemption brings hope and confidence in God’s plan.
D. Related Scriptures
Daniel 7:13-14 describes the Son of Man receiving an everlasting kingdom. Jesus will fulfill this at His second coming (Revelation 19).
Philippians 2:6-8 highlights His humility and exaltation: “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” His sacrifice secured our salvation.
7. Lamb of God (John 1:29)
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)
A. Definition
The title “Lamb of God” refers to Jesus as the perfect sacrifice for sin. John the Baptist declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). This statement identified Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
In the Old Testament, lambs were offered as sacrifices for atonement. Jesus became the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose blood brings forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation to those who believe in Him.
B. Theological Overtones
Jesus as the Lamb of God fulfills the symbolism of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:13). Just as the Israelites were spared from judgment by the blood of the lamb, believers are saved through Jesus’ sacrificial death (1 Peter 3:18).
This title also emphasizes atonement for sin. Unlike animal sacrifices, which had to be repeated, Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all (Hebrews 10:10). His death fully satisfied God’s justice, making Him the only way of salvation (John 14:6).
C. Application
Recognizing Jesus as the Lamb of God means trusting in His sacrifice alone for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). No amount of good works can remove sin. Only His blood provides forgiveness and restores our relationship with God.
This title also calls believers to live in gratitude and holiness. Jesus paid the highest price, so we should honor Him with our lives. His sacrifice demands complete devotion and obedience.
D. Related Scriptures
Isaiah 53:7 prophesied Jesus’ sacrifice: “Like a lamb led to the slaughter, He did not open His mouth.” His suffering was intentional and necessary.
Revelation 5:12 praises Him: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory.” His sacrifice secures eternal victory.
Conclusion
Jesus’ names reveal His identity, mission, and authority. Each title highlights a different aspect of His nature, from Savior to King. He fulfills prophecy, establishes God’s kingdom, and secures salvation for those who trust in Him.
Recognizing His names leads to deeper faith and devotion. He is the promised Messiah, the sacrificial Lamb, and the eternal King. Trusting in Him brings redemption, hope, and eternal life (1 John 5:11-13). His name is above all names, and He alone is worthy of praise.
Source Material
Biblical Doctrine by John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue
Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words by W.E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White, Jr.
Names of Christ by T.C. Horton and Charles E. Hurlburt
