There is an abundance of misleading teachings surrounding the name of our Savior. Some denominations argue that it is blasphemous to worship Him if we do not do so by His Hebrew name, Yeshua. Other religious movements even question His existence since the letter "J" did not exist in Greek or Hebrew.

It is correct that Yeshua is His Hebrew name. However, it is also important to take transliteration into account. Transliteration, by definition, is to change letters or words into corresponding characters of another alphabet or language. While Yeshua is the Hebrew name, the English spelling is Joshua. However, the Greek transliteration is Iesous and the English spelling is Jesus. Jesus and Joshua are the same -- English pronunciations of the Hebrew and Greek name.

For a person whose primary language is English, it is absolutely acceptable and understandable to refer to Him in the English tongue. An English-speaking person wouldn't refer to a room equipped for taking a bath as a 'baño' but rather as a bathroom. We could refer to a restroom in any language; however, it would still be a place reserved for bathing. Although the language changes, the object itself stays the same.


This did not mean that His name would literally be Immanuel. Throughout both, the Old and New Testaments, there were many names given by which the Messiah would be called. It was simply a general way of saying that He would be referred to by these descriptions. Jesus has been 'with us' (Immanuel) as much as He has been 'a wonderful counselor' and a 'prince of peace'. This shows that there is not only ONE name in which Jesus could be referred to.

Whether referred to as Yeshua or Joshua, Jesus is still our Lord and Savior who died for our sins to give us eternal life. The Bible does not command us to call upon the name of the Lord in Hebrew (or any other language). Our worship and prayers reach Him whether we do so in English, Greek, or Spanish. Regardless of which language is used, it does not change Him or His character. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Conscious and Christian,
Simultaneously.