What Is In A Name? – What Are Jesus’ Names / Titles
Introduction
Throughout the Bible, Jesus is referred to by many names, each revealing different aspects of His nature and character. Understanding these names helps deepen our relationship with Him, strengthens our faith, and guides us on our spiritual journey. In this post, we will explore the various names of Jesus found in Scripture and what they teach us about His divine attributes.
What Are We Talking About?
When we speak of the names of Jesus, we are referring to the different titles and designations used in the Bible to describe His nature, power, and relationship with humanity. Each name reveals something unique about Jesus’s identity and how He interacts with His people. Jesus is the expressed image of the invisible Father, so when we get ot know more about Jesus, we are getting to know more about God These names serve as a means to know Jesus more personally and to call upon Him with understanding and reverence.
What’s in a Name?
We each are called by multiple different names: At times we are called by just our first name, sometimes just our last name, sometimes our full formal name, other times we may have a nickname or handle – Some call me Johnny K, some call me Paster John. Most people called My dad Coach, but back in CB days my dad went by “The Cackling Goose” and I was “The Peacock” hinting at our families hobby of raising birds. We also might answer to some of other names: Uncle John, Neighbor John, Doctor Kirkgasser, My Husband, My Son, John the water skier, John the arranger/producer Or as the joke goes, For years I thought my name was Jesus Christ, because anytime I did something went wrong around the house that is what my dad would yell when he saw my handiwork. We are called by multiple names and those names can often give a hint at a role we play, a position we hold, or something about our character.
Names hold significant power and meaning in cultures around the world. In biblical times, naming something often signified authority, purpose, and destiny. A name could define a person’s character, role, or relationship with others. When God revealed His names, He was not merely providing titles; He was unveiling aspects of His divine nature and how He wished to be known by His people.
The act of naming also establishes credibility and recognition. For example, when individuals in the Bible experienced divine encounters, they often named places or built altars to commemorate God’s actions, solidifying their faith and passing down the knowledge of His works. Understanding God’s names enhances our ability to relate to Him, as it reveals His attributes in a way that deepens faith and worship.
Recognizing and using the names of God can give us a clearer vision of His power, faithfulness, and presence in our lives. It allows us to address Him with reverence and specificity, enhancing our prayer and spiritual walk.
A Practical Example
Naming something helps us understand and deal with it, for example the naming of medical conditions. Before a disease is named, it may cause widespread fear and uncertainty because people do not know what it is, how it spreads, or how to treat it. However, once medical researchers identify and name it—such as diabetes or arthritis—it becomes easier to study, treat, and manage. Naming gives it a form of structure, enabling people to develop responses, treatments, and preventive measures. Similarly, naming aspects of God helps us understand His nature and how to relate to Him in different circumstances of our lives.
What Are Jesus’s Various Names/Titles?
Below is a table of some of the key names of Jesus is call in the Bible, along with a key verse where that name is used:
| Name/Title | Reference | Verse Text | Significance |
| Advocate | 1 John 2:1 Romans 8:34 |
“But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” “Christ Jesus…is at the right hand of God, who also is interceding for us” |
Shows Jesus as our intercessor—pleading on our behalf before God and standing in our defense. |
| The Alpha and Omega | Revelation 22:13 Isaiah 44:6 |
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” “I am the first and I am the last” |
Declares Jesus as the beginning and the end, underscoring His eternal sovereignty over all creation. |
| The Bread of Life | John 6:35, John 6:48, John 6:51 |
“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'” | He is the source of spiritual sustenance and eternal life, offering true fulfillment and nourishment for the soul, unlike the perishable food of the world. Once you connect with Jesus he will feed your spirit and soul on a never ending journey of learning and appreciation. |
| Bridegroom | Matthew 9:15, Isaiah 62:5, Zechariah 9:9 |
“Jesus answered, ‘How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?'” “As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you” “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.” |
Emphasizes the intimate, loving relationship between Christ and His people, akin to the joy and covenant of marriage. |
| Captain | Hebrews 2:10, Revelation 19:11–16 |
“In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God… should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.” (Revelation provides a vision of Christ’s triumphant, authoritative leadership as he rides a white horse) |
Illustrates Jesus’ leadership in directing and protecting His people as a master strategist and warrior. |
| Chief Cornerstone | Ephesians 2:20, Psalm 118:22, Matthew 21:42 |
“Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” “Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’?” |
Jesus is the essential foundation upon which faith is built—a secure starting point for constructing your life. Start your life based on where He finished on the cross. |
| Christ, The Christ | John 20:31 | “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” | Declares Jesus as the Anointed One—the promised Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection secure our redemption. |
| Creator | Colossians 1:16, John 1:1-3 | “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible…” | He was there in the beginning, All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. As the originator of all that exists, Jesus inspires awe and underpins all creative order. |
| Deliverer | Psalm 18:2, Romans 11:26 |
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer” “And in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: ‘The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.'” |
Highlights Christ’s power to rescue us from sin and life’s hardships, offering liberation and hope. |
| Faithful and True | Revelation 19:11 | “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.” | |
| Father | Romans 8:15 | “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, you received adoption to sonship” | Reveals the intimate, parental care through which believers are welcomed into God’s family and experience unconditional love. |
| Firstborn | Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:6 | “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” | We are each to be born again, reborn into Gods eternal image. Jesus was the first. |
| Foundation Stone | 1 Peter 2:6 | “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” | As our spiritual bedrock, Jesus ensures stability and strength for all who build their lives upon Him. |
| Gate / Door | John 10:9 John 10:7 |
“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.” “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep” |
He is the entryway into the security and salvation of God, providing spiritual shelter. |
| Good Shepherd | John 10:11, Psalm 23:1 |
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing” |
Depicts Jesus as the caring guide who leads, protects, and nurtures His flock with compassion and sacrifice. |
| Good Teacher | Luke 18:18, John 13:13, Matthew 7:28-29 |
“A certain ruler asked him, ‘Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?'” “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am” “And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” |
Reveals Jesus as the wise instructor who imparts divine truth and guidance for life. |
| Great Physician | Mark 2:17, Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24 |
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” “who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose [a]stripes you were healed.” |
Emphasizes Jesus’ role as the healer—restoring the broken, comforting the wounded, and bringing wholeness. |
| Hidden Treasure | Matthew 13:44 Ephesisans 3:8 |
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” “to me, the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” |
Represents the inestimable value of encountering Christ—a discovery that surpasses earthly wealth. |
| High Priest | Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 7:26 |
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” “For we need a high priest who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens” |
Portrays Jesus as the ultimate mediator who, having offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice, continually intercedes on behalf of His people. |
| Immanuel | Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23 |
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” “‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’” |
Means “God with us” and underscores the intimate presence of God among His people through Jesus’ incarnation. |
| Indescribable Gift | 2 Corinthians 9:15, Ephesians 2:8–9, James 1:!7 |
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” |
Affirms that Christ is the ultimate, unfathomable gift—graciously given and beyond human explanation. |
| Judge / Rightious Judge | 2 Timothy 4:8, John 5:22, Revelatio 20:12, |
“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day…” “Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son”) “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne…” |
Affirms that Jesus will one day execute divine justice over every deed, holding all accountable. |
| King of Kings, Lord Of Lords |
Revelation 19:16, 1 Timothy 6:15 |
“And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” “God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light” |
Proclaims the supreme sovereignty of Jesus over all earthly and heavenly rulers, inviting all to worship His eternal reign. |
| Lamb | John 1:29, Revelation 5:6 |
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” “Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne” |
Illustrates His sacrificial role as the spotless offering who takes away sin and brings redemption. |
| Light of the World | John 8:12, Psalm 27:1, Matthew 5:14-16 |
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” | He brings illumination to a dark world, guiding believers toward truth and righteousness, and a life seporated and resistant to the downward pull of darkness. He was the light, Now you are to be the light |
| Lily of the Valley / Rose Of Sharon |
Song of Solomon 2:1, Isaiah 35:1 |
“I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.” “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom like the crocus” |
Conveys the beauty, grace, and delicate yet vibrant nature of Christ’s love, reflecting both purity and renewal. |
| Lion of Judah | Revelation 5:5, Jeremiah 23:5 | “See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.” “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely” |
Emphasizes Jesus’ fulfillment of the promised royal lineage, attesting to the Messianic prophecies and His rightful heritage. |
| Lord | Romans 10:9 | “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” | Affirms Jesus’ sovereign authority and majesty, warranting worship and total allegiance from every believer. |
| Mediator | 1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 9:15 |
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance” |
Jesus is the essential bridge reconciling humanity to God by interceding on our behalf. |
| Messiah | John 1:41, Acts 2:36 |
“He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated, the Christ).” “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah” |
Denotes the long-awaited anointed deliverer promised by the prophets—a title synonymous with “Christ.” |
| Morning Star | Revelation 22:16, 2 Peter 1:!9 |
“I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” “We have the prophetic message as a reliable light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” |
A symbol of hope and the promise of a new beginning—heralding the arrival of light after darkness. |
| Name Above Every Name | Philippians 2:9–11 | “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name” | He is Lord, He has full authority in heaven and on heart. His name carries power and authority |
| Pearl of Great Price | Matthew 13:45-46 | “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” | Conveys that knowing Christ is the most valuable treasure—far surpassing every worldly possession. |
| Power of God | 1 Corinthians 1:24 | “But to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” | Personifies divine power as embodied in Christ—the power that created the univers, and now sustains it. |
| Redeemer | Job 19:25, Ephesisans 1:7 |
“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth.” “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins” |
Emphasizes that Jesus has bought back humanity from the bondage of sin—restoring us through His sacrifice. |
| Refuge / Shelter | Psalm 91:2 | “I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’” | Offers assurance that in Christ we find safety, comfort, and protection from life’s storms. |
| Rider on the White Horse | Revelation 19:11,16 | “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.” “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” |
Portrays the victorious return of Christ, conquering evil and inaugurating His eternal kingdom. |
| Righteous One, The Justifier |
1 John 2:1 Romans 3:21-26 |
“But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” |
Displays the perfect justice and moral purity of Jesus, assuring believers of His fair judgment. |
| Rock of Ages | Isaiah 26:4, Psalm 18:2, Deuteronomy 32:4 |
“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge” “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just” |
Signifies an unchanging foundation—providing enduring strength and refuge in times of trial. |
| Savior | Luke 2:11 Titus 2:13 |
“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” “…while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” |
Highlights Jesus’ redemptive work in delivering humanity from sin and spiritual death. |
| Son of God | Matthew 3:17 | “And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’” | Emphasizes Jesus’ divine nature and His unique relationship with God the Father, establishing His authority and identity. |
| Son of Man | Mark 10:45, Daniel 7:13–14, Matthew 8:20 |
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” Daniel has a vision portraying one “like a son of man” given authority and an everlasting kingdom “And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.’” |
Highlights both Jesus’ full humanity and His role as the prophesied, suffering Messiah who serves and saves. |
| The Life | John 14:6, John 10:10, Romans 6:23 |
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus” |
Jesus is the fountain of both physical and eternal life, offering abundant living to all. Anyone who submits his earthly life to him and diligently follows him will find peace and joy in this life. Anyone who believes in him will have everlasting life with Him in the heavens. |
| The Resurrection | John 11:25, 1 Corinthians 15:20 |
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.'” | Jesus is life, he overcame death, anyone who believes in him will have everlasting life, He is the first of many who will have life after death. |
| The Truth | John 14:6, Psalm 119:160 |
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” | Jesus is the truth that God love us. He loves us so much he sent his son to die for us. Jesus embodies unchanging, absolute truth—the foundation on which our convictions and lives are built. |
| The Way | John 14:6, Acts 9:3, Colossians 1:18 |
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” | We are separated from the Father by our sinful nature. Belief in Jesus is the only way back to communion with the Father. Jesus is the only path to salvation, guiding believers toward eternal truth. |
| The Word | John 1:1, John 1:14 |
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” |
Affirms that Jesus is the living communication of God—through whom all truth and revelation are revealed. |
| The True Vine | John 15:1, John 15:5 |
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit” |
Illustrates our intimate, life-sustaining connection with Christ—without whom we can do nothing. |
| Water of Life | John 7:38, John 4:14 |
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” | Jesus takes up residence in us via the Holy Spirit. He convicts us, teaches, and guides us. Jesus provides eternal, refreshing life—quenching the deep spiritual thirst in every heart. |
| Wind | John 20:22, John 3:8, Acts 2:2 |
“And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”” “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.” |
Symbolizes the unseen yet powerful movement of the Spirit and Christ’s dynamic work in the world. |
| Wisdom | 1 Corinthians 1:24, Proverbs 8:22–31 |
“But to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” “…When He marked out the foundations of the earth, Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him, Rejoicing in His inhabited world, And my delight was with the sons of men.” |
Personifies divine wisdom as embodied in Christ—a guide to understanding life’s mysteries and the order of creation. |
| Wonderful Counselor | Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 11:2 |
“And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” “The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might” |
Highlights Christ’s ability to offer comfort, strategic guidance, and divine advice in every situation. |
Getting to know and understand the various names and titles of Jesus helps us grasp His nature more fully.
This knowledge allows us to:
-
- Recognize God’s presence and work in our lives.
- Draw closer to Him in worship and faith.
- Trust in His promises and character.
- Pray with deeper understanding and confidence.
How Do We Use The Names and Titles of Jesus in Our Journey?
- In Spiritual Growth: Study His names and titles to deepen your understanding of His character and how He relates to you personally.
- In Worship: Use His names and titles in worship to praise Him for His attributes.
- In Prayer: Call on His specific names and titles based on your needs (e.g., My Savior, My Shephard, My Shield).
- In Times of Trouble: Meditate on His names as a source of strength and encouragement
References to Learn More
- To explore the names and titles of Jesus further, consider these resources:
- Scripture:
- The New Testament, especially the Gospels and the book of Revelation, is the primary source for exploring the names and titles of Jesus.
- Bible study tools such as Blue Letter Bible and BibleGateway offer in-depth analysis of the names and titles of Jesus, providing context and meaning
- Online:
- Websites like the Gospel Coalition offer articles and essays exploring the theological significance of these names.
- The Navigators provides study guides and resources, including a printable PDF, for exploring the names of Jesus.
- Books:
- “The Names of Jesus” by Elmer L. Towns is a comprehensive study on the various names and titles of Jesus found in scripture.
- Theological Works:
- For a more in-depth exploration, consider theological works that examine Christology, the study of the nature and person of Jesus.
- Historical Context:
- Understanding the historical and cultural context of the names and titles can provide further insights into their meaning and significance.
- Scripture:
By studying and embracing the names of God, we gain a greater appreciation of who He is and how He works in our lives. May this knowledge draw us closer to Him and strengthen our faith journey.
