Jesus' name in Greek is Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs), which is also transliterated as Ιησούς (Iisoús) in modern Greek and pronounced /i.iˈsus/.
The name "Jesus" as it is known in English is directly derived from the Greek Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs). This Greek form is itself a Hellenized (Greek-influenced) adaptation of the Hebrew or Aramaic name Yeshua (ישוע). Yeshua is a shortened form of Yehoshua (יהושוע), which means "Yahweh saves" or "The Lord is salvation."
Forms and Pronunciation
The Greek rendition of the name has maintained its core identity through centuries, though transliteration and pronunciation have seen minor shifts.
| Aspect | Ancient Greek | Modern Greek (transliteration) | Pronunciation (Modern Greek) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greek Script | Ἰησοῦς | Ιησούς | /i.iˈsus/ |
| Transliteration | Iēsoûs | Iisoús |
The ancient Greek form, Ἰησοῦς, is the one found in the original texts of the New Testament. While the spelling might appear as Ιησούς in contemporary Greek, the fundamental structure of the name remains, accompanied by a distinct modern pronunciation.
Linguistic Journey and Global Adaptations
The name Jesus has traveled extensively from its Semitic origins, through Greek, and into countless languages worldwide, showcasing a fascinating process of linguistic and cultural adaptation. The Greek form played a pivotal role in its dissemination across the Roman Empire and subsequently around the globe.
Here are examples illustrating how the name is rendered in a few other languages, demonstrating its universal recognition and the phonetic adjustments it undergoes:
- Haitian Creole: Jezi
- Lai-Hakha: Jesuh
- Hausa: Yesu
These variations highlight how different phonetic systems and linguistic conventions accommodate and integrate foreign names, making them accessible to diverse populations.
For more detailed information on the name Jesus and its various forms across cultures, you may refer to Wikipedia's entry on Jesus (name).
