The Hebrew letters that spell "Jesus" are Yod, Shin, Vav, and Ayin, which form the name Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ).
The Hebrew Name: Yeshua
While commonly known as Jesus in English, the original name in Hebrew is Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ). This name carries deep historical and spiritual significance, directly translating to "salvation" or "the Lord is salvation." The name Yeshua is a shortened form of Yehoshua (Joshua), which means "Yahweh saves."
Unpacking the Letters of Yeshua
The name Yeshua is comprised of four distinct Hebrew letters, each contributing to its profound meaning and symbolism. What is truly remarkable about the name Yeshua is the symbolism contained within its Hebrew pictographs, reflecting ancient concepts and a rich spiritual heritage.
Here's a breakdown of the letters:
| Hebrew Letter | Transliteration | Pronunciation (Approx.) | Traditional Meaning/Symbolism (Pictograph) |
|---|---|---|---|
| י | Yod | Y (as in "yes") | Hand, work, deed, worship, open hand, power |
| ש | Shin | Sh (as in "she") | Tooth, consume, destroy, sharp, fire, change |
| ו | Vav | Oo (as in "food") | Nail, hook, add, secure, bind, connection |
| ע | Ayin | Silent, guttural "ah" | Eye, see, know, experience, perceive, fountain |
The Significance of the Name
The combination of these letters and their ancient pictographic meanings reveals layers of significance for the name Yeshua:
- Yod (Hand): Often represents divine activity, creation, or the extended hand of God.
- Shin (Tooth/Fire): Can symbolize consuming fire, divine judgment, or the transforming power of God.
- Vav (Nail/Hook): Denotes connection, security, or the act of joining things together. It can also point to crucifixion or being bound.
- Ayin (Eye): Implies insight, understanding, experience, or the ability to see and know.
Together, these letters and their ancient symbolism paint a vivid picture of the one who is divine, powerful, transformative, connecting, and who sees or understands all.
