Ἡσαΐας (Hēsaias)
Hēsaias
Isaiah
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 22 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek name Hēsaias refers to Isaiah, the major prophet who ministered in Jerusalem during the reigns of kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The name itself carries the meaning "Jehovah's help," derived from its Hebrew roots. In the New Testament, this figure is cited frequently, appearing in twenty-two verses across the Gospels, Acts, and Romans.
Authors invoke Isaiah to demonstrate that Jesus’ ministry fulfilled ancient predictions. For instance, Matthew cites him regarding John the Baptist’s role as a voice in the wilderness (Matthew 3:3) and Jesus’ healing ministry (Matthew 8:17). Paul also references Isaiah in Romans to explain Israel’s response to the gospel (Romans 10:16), while Acts describes Philip explaining the Messiah to an Ethiopian official through Isaiah’s words (Acts 8:28).
The New Testament writers treat Isaiah not merely as a historical figure but as a key witness to Christ. The text often uses the form Esaias in older translations, reflecting the Greek pronunciation of the Hebrew name Yeshayah. This consistent citation pattern highlights how early Christians viewed Isaiah’s prophecies as foundational evidence for the identity and mission of Jesus.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Isaiah means "Jehovah's help," a reminder that God is actively involved in history and in your life. When the New Testament writers cite this prophet, they show how ancient words point directly to Jesus. This connection helps us see that our faith rests on a consistent story of divine intervention, not random events.
In Luke 4:17, Jesus opens the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue. He reads about good news for the poor and freedom for the oppressed, then declares that this scripture is fulfilled in their hearing. This moment invites us to listen closely to God’s word, trusting that He provides help where we need it most.
Whether you are facing uncertainty or seeking direction, remembering that God has helped His people before can bring peace. The promises recorded by Isaiah continue to offer hope, showing that the same Lord who acted in the past is present with us today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 22 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Isaiah15×
- of Isaiah3×
- Isaiah:2×
- Isaiah;1×
- Isaiah.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἠσαΐου8×
- Ἠσαΐας8×
- Ἠσαΐας·2×
- Ἠσαΐᾳ1×
- Ἠσαΐου·1×
- Ἠσαΐαν.1×
- Ἠσαΐαν1×
Key Verses
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Luke 4:17
The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written,
This verse captures a pivotal moment where Jesus publicly identifies His mission by reading directly from Isaiah, linking the prophet's words to His own ministry.
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Matthew 8:17
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.”
Here the author uses Isaiah to explain that Jesus’ healing of the sick fulfills the prophecy about bearing infirmities, showing compassion as a key part of His work.
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John 12:41
Isaiah said these things when he saw his glory, and spoke of him.
This statement clarifies that Isaiah’s visions were actually about Christ’s glory, helping readers understand the prophet’s deep connection to the Messiah.
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Romans 15:12
Again, Isaiah says, “There will be the root of Jesse, he who arises to rule over the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles will hope.”
Paul cites this verse to show that hope for the Gentiles was part of God’s plan from the beginning, as promised through Isaiah’s words about Jesse’s root.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Isaiah mean?
Why is Isaiah quoted so often in the New Testament?
How does Isaiah relate to Jesus' ministry?
Every Occurrence (22 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 6 verses
For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make the…
Matthew 4:14that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
Matthew 8:17that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, “He took our infirmities and bore our…
Matthew 12:17that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
Matthew 13:14In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says, ‘By hearing you will hear, and will in no way understand;…
Matthew 15:7You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,