Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Iēsous
Jesus
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 944 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Iēsous is the Greek form of the Hebrew Yeshua or Joshua, carrying the meaning "Yahweh is salvation." It appears nearly a thousand times in the New Testament, establishing it as the central proper noun of Christian scripture. While most readers recognize it immediately as the name of Jesus Christ, the lexicons note that it was also a common Jewish name during the first century, used for several other figures mentioned in the biblical text.
Beyond the Savior, the name identifies Joshua, the successor to Moses who led Israel into the Promised Land (Acts 7:45; Hebrews 4:8). It also refers to Jesus son of Eliezer, an ancestor listed in Luke’s genealogy, and Jesus surnamed Justus, a fellow worker with Paul mentioned in Colossians 4:11. This shared name highlights the continuity between the Old Testament leadership and the New Testament community.
The theological weight of the name is explicit in its etymology. As Matthew records the angel’s instruction to Joseph, the name itself declares the purpose of the coming child: God provides deliverance (Matthew 1:21). Translators retain the transliteration rather than translating it directly, preserving the personal identity while allowing the original meaning to resonate for those who know its roots.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jesus carries the meaning "Yahweh is salvation," a truth that anchors the Christian faith. In Matthew 1:21, the angel explains this directly to Joseph, showing that the child’s identity and mission are one and the same. This is not merely a title but a declaration of God’s active deliverance.
While most readers know Jesus as Christ, the name was common in first-century Judea. It also identified Joshua, who led Israel into the land, and others like Jesus son of Eliezer. Recognizing this shared heritage helps us see the continuity between the Old Testament promises and their fulfillment in the New Testament.
For your daily life, this means you are connected to a history of God’s faithfulness. The same God who promised salvation through Joshua now offers it through Jesus. This connection provides stability and hope, reminding us that God’s plan unfolds consistently across generations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 944 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jesus658×
- Jesus;114×
- Jesus.59×
- of Jesus50×
- Jesus,50×
- of Jesus.10×
- Jesus:10×
- to Jesus9×
- to Jesus;4×
- of Jesus,3×
- from Jesus3×
- to Jesus.2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἰησοῦς366×
- Ἰησοῦ253×
- Ἰησοῦς·112×
- Ἰησοῦν97×
- Ἰησοῦ,37×
- Ἰησοῦ.23×
- Ἰησοῦς,22×
- Ἰησοῦ.¶19×
- Ἰησοῦ·12×
- Ἰησοῦν.11×
- Ἰησοῦν,11×
- Ἰησοῦν.¶9×
Key Verses
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Matthew 1:21
She shall give birth to a son. You shall name him Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”
This verse explicitly defines the name's meaning as 'Savior,' linking the personal identity of Jesus directly to his mission of saving people from their sins.
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Matthew 1:16
Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
It establishes Jesus’ human lineage through Joseph, grounding the divine narrative in real family history and legal descent.
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Matthew 3:13
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.
This occurrence marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry through baptism, showing his identification with humanity despite his sinless nature.
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Matthew 4:17
From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
Here the name introduces his core message, shifting from private life to public proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Jesus mean?
Is Jesus the same as Joshua?
Why is the name Jesus so common in the Bible?
How is the name Jesus used in Matthew’s Gospel?
Every Occurrence (944 verses across 26 books)
Matthew 172 verses
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Matthew 1:16Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Matthew 1:18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,…
Matthew 1:21She shall give birth to a son. You shall name him Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:25and didn’t know her sexually until she had given birth to her firstborn son. He named him Jesus.
Matthew 2:1Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the east came to…
Matthew 3:13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.
Matthew 3:15But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.”…
Matthew 3:16Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the…
Matthew 4:1Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Matthew 4:7Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’”
Matthew 4:10Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall…
Matthew 4:12Now when Jesus heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee.
Matthew 4:17From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 4:18Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net…
Matthew 4:23Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing…
Matthew 7:28When Jesus had finished saying these things, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching,
Matthew 8:3Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I want to. Be made clean.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
Matthew 8:4Jesus said to him, “See that you tell nobody; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses…
Matthew 8:5When he came into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking him for help,
Matthew 8:7Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”
Matthew 8:10When Jesus heard it, he marveled and said to those who followed, “Most certainly I tell you, I haven’t found so great a…
Matthew 8:13Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way. Let it be done for you as you have believed.” His servant was healed in that…
Matthew 8:14When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever.
Matthew 8:18Now when Jesus saw great multitudes around him, he gave the order to depart to the other side.
Matthew 8:20Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his…
Matthew 8:22But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”
Matthew 8:29Behold, they cried out, saying, “What do we have to do with you, Jesus, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us…
Matthew 8:34Behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged that he would depart from their borders.
Matthew 9:2Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic,…
Matthew 9:4Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?
Matthew 9:9As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him,…
Matthew 9:10As he sat in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.
Matthew 9:12When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.
Matthew 9:15Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will…
Matthew 9:19Jesus got up and followed him, as did his disciples.
Matthew 9:22But Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, “Daughter, cheer up! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was…
Matthew 9:23When Jesus came into the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd in noisy disorder,
Matthew 9:27As Jesus passed by from there, two blind men followed him, calling out and saying, “Have mercy on us, son of David!”
Matthew 9:28When he had come into the house, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do…
Matthew 9:30Then their eyes were opened. Jesus strictly commanded them, saying, “See that no one knows about this.”
Matthew 9:35Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the Good News of the…
Matthew 10:5Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them, saying, “Don’t go among the Gentiles, and don’t enter into any city of…
Matthew 11:1When Jesus had finished directing his twelve disciples, he departed from there to teach and preach in their cities.
Matthew 11:4Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:
Matthew 11:7As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, “What did you go out into the wilderness…
Matthew 11:25At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise…
Matthew 12:1At that time, Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the grain fields. His disciples were hungry and began to pluck…
Matthew 12:15Jesus, perceiving that, withdrew from there. Great multitudes followed him; and he healed them all,
Matthew 12:25Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every…
Matthew 13:1On that day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the seaside.
Matthew 13:34Jesus spoke all these things in parables to the multitudes; and without a parable, he didn’t speak to them,
Matthew 13:36Then Jesus sent the multitudes away, and went into the house. His disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the…
Matthew 13:51Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?” They answered him, “Yes, Lord.”
Matthew 13:53When Jesus had finished these parables, he departed from there.
Matthew 13:57They were offended by him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country and in…
Matthew 14:1At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus,
Matthew 14:12His disciples came, took the body, and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
Matthew 14:13Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it,…
Matthew 14:14Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Matthew 14:16But Jesus said to them, “They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
Matthew 14:22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the…
Matthew 14:25In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.
Matthew 14:27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”
Matthew 14:29He said, “Come!” Peter stepped down from the boat and walked on the waters to come to Jesus.
Matthew 14:31Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Matthew 15:1Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying,
Matthew 15:16So Jesus said, “Do you also still not understand?
Matthew 15:21Jesus went out from there and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon.
Matthew 15:28Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire.” And her daughter was…
Matthew 15:29Jesus departed from there and came near to the sea of Galilee; and he went up on the mountain and sat there.
Matthew 15:30Great multitudes came to him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others, and they put them down…
Matthew 15:32Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have continued with me now…
Matthew 15:34Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.”
Matthew 16:6Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
Matthew 16:8Jesus, perceiving it, said, “Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, because you have brought no bread?
Matthew 16:13Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the…
Matthew 16:17Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father…
Matthew 16:20Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ.
Matthew 16:21From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders,…
Matthew 16:24Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and…
Matthew 17:1After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by…
Matthew 17:4Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one…
Matthew 17:7Jesus came and touched them and said, “Get up, and don’t be afraid.”
Matthew 17:8Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone.
Matthew 17:9As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Don’t tell anyone what you saw, until the…
Matthew 17:11Jesus answered them, “Elijah indeed comes first, and will restore all things;
Matthew 17:17Jesus answered, “Faithless and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring…
Matthew 17:18Jesus rebuked the demon, and it went out of him, and the boy was cured from that hour.
Matthew 17:19Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, “Why weren’t we able to cast it out?”
Matthew 17:20He said to them, “Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard…
Matthew 17:22While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered up into the hands of…
Matthew 17:25He said, “Yes.” When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the…
Matthew 17:26Peter said to him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Therefore the children are exempt.
Matthew 18:1In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”
Matthew 18:2Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the middle of them
Matthew 18:22Jesus said to him, “I don’t tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven.
Matthew 19:1When Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee and came into the borders of Judea beyond the Jordan.
Matthew 19:14But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to…
Matthew 19:18He said to him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder.’ ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ ‘You shall not…
Matthew 19:21Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure…
Matthew 19:23Jesus said to his disciples, “Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with…
Matthew 19:26Looking at them, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:28Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man…
Matthew 20:17As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them,
Matthew 20:22But Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be…
Matthew 20:25But Jesus summoned them, and said, “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones…
Matthew 20:30Behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on…
Matthew 20:32Jesus stood still and called them, and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Matthew 20:34Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes received their sight, and they…
Matthew 21:1When they came near to Jerusalem and came to Bethsphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
Matthew 21:6The disciples went and did just as Jesus commanded them,
Matthew 21:11The multitudes said, “This is the prophet, Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”
Matthew 21:12Jesus entered into the temple of God and drove out all of those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the…
Matthew 21:16and said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” Jesus said to them, “Yes. Did you never read, ‘Out of the mouth…
Matthew 21:21Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you will not only do what was done…
Matthew 21:24Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what…
Matthew 21:27They answered Jesus, and said, “We don’t know.” He also said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do…
Matthew 21:31Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell…
Matthew 21:42Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected was made the head of…
Matthew 22:1Jesus answered and spoke to them again in parables, saying,
Matthew 22:18But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites?
Matthew 22:29But Jesus answered them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.
Matthew 22:37Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
Matthew 22:41Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question,
Matthew 23:1Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples,
Matthew 24:1Jesus went out from the temple, and was going on his way. His disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the…
Matthew 24:2But he answered them, “You see all of these things, don’t you? Most certainly I tell you, there will not be left here…
Matthew 24:4Jesus answered them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray.
Matthew 26:1When Jesus had finished all these words, he said to his disciples,
Matthew 26:4They took counsel together that they might take Jesus by deceit and kill him.
Matthew 26:6Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
Matthew 26:10However, knowing this, Jesus said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? She has done a good work for me.
Matthew 26:17Now on the first day of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying to him, “Where do you want us to prepare…
Matthew 26:19The disciples did as Jesus commanded them, and they prepared the Passover.
Matthew 26:26As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He gave to the disciples and said, “Take, eat;…
Matthew 26:31Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike…
Matthew 26:34Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you that tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”
Matthew 26:36Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go there and…
Matthew 26:38Then Jesus said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me.”
Matthew 26:49Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
Matthew 26:50Jesus said to him, “Friend, why are you here?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
Matthew 26:51Behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high…
Matthew 26:52Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword.
Matthew 26:55In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I…
Matthew 26:57Those who had taken Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered…
Matthew 26:59Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus, that they might put him…
Matthew 26:63But Jesus stayed silent. The high priest answered him, “I adjure you by the living God that you tell us whether you are…
Matthew 26:64Jesus said to him, “You have said so. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the…
Matthew 26:69Now Peter was sitting outside in the court, and a maid came to him, saying, “You were also with Jesus, the Galilean!”
Matthew 26:71When he had gone out onto the porch, someone else saw him and said to those who were there, “This man also was with…
Matthew 26:75Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Then…
Matthew 27:1Now when morning had come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to…
Matthew 27:11Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to…
Matthew 27:16They had then a notable prisoner called Barabbas.
Matthew 27:17When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or…
Matthew 27:20Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.
Matthew 27:22Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do to Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let him be crucified!”
Matthew 27:26Then he released Barabbas to them, but Jesus he flogged and delivered to be crucified.
Matthew 27:27Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium, and gathered the whole garrison together against him.
Matthew 27:37They set up over his head the accusation against him written, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
Matthew 27:46About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why…
Matthew 27:50Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit.
Matthew 27:54Now the centurion and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were…
Matthew 27:55Many women were there watching from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, serving him.
Matthew 27:57When evening had come, a rich man from Arimathaea named Joseph, who himself was also Jesus’ disciple, came.
Matthew 27:58This man went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given up.
Matthew 28:5The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.
Matthew 28:9As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” They came and took hold of his feet, and…
Matthew 28:10Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will…
Matthew 28:16But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them.
Matthew 28:18Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.