"Iesus" is the Greek word for Messiah.
2006-12-21 08:51:10 · 17 answers · asked by xidaranthed 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
But it was later christianity that called him Jesus. His name was actually Joshua bar Joseph. So why would they have put 'Iesus' on the sign above his head?
2006-12-21 08:57:29 · update #1
"Iesus" is not the Greek word for Messiah. Christos is.
"Iesus" is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name "Yeshua," which means "Yahweh Saves."
The Hebrew name is "Yhowshuwa`," (Pronounced yeh-ho-shoo'-ah) and is Strong's Ref. # 3091. It is derived from HSN3068 and HSN3467; "Jehovah-saved."
In the Greek, it is "Iesous," (Pronounced ee-ay-sooce') and is Strong's Ref. # 2424. It is of Hebrew origin [HSN3091]; Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua).
Messiah is "mashiyach," (Pronounced maw-shee'-akh) and is Strong's Ref. # 4899. It is derived from HSN4886; anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the Messiah.
Christ is "Christos," (Pronounced khris-tos') and is Strong's Ref. # 5547. It is derived from GSN5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.
In Palestine during the first century, the locals would have spoken either Aramaic or Hebrew as their heart language. Greek was the international business language, and Latin was the language of the conquering nation. This is why the inscription was written in three languages. No one would have doubts as to what He had been crucified for.
2006-12-21 09:01:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
After the reign of Alexander the Great (approx 326 BCE), Greek became a common language across the then known world. Most scribes knew and wrote Greek and its usage lasted for a long time into the Roman Empire.
As the Romans spoke Latin, and the Jews Hebrew, it is very possible that the inscription was Greek in order that, as a common language, everyone would understand.
But I always understood that the paper above his head was supposed to say INRI - some Roman inscription.
Then again, I could be very wrong, and it was all due to King James and his inability to translate anything correctly or to put anything into it's proper perspective. Look at the art work of the Crucifixion over time.. the soldiers go from Roman, to Medieval knights, to Renaissance foot soldiers.... things do get messed up over time.
2006-12-21 09:02:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
The inscription "INRI" on the crucifix is a Latin [Roman] abbreviation for "Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudeorem" which translates to "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."
The Greek word for Messiah is "Kristos" which was later Romanized as "Christus". And the original Aramaic name of Yeshua ibn Yosuf became "Iesus" in both Greek and Latin/Roman translations.
Peace be with you.
2006-12-21 08:56:32 · answer #3 · answered by Arf Bee 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Iesus is latin not Greek . It was "Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iuederum" . Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews
2006-12-21 08:55:08 · answer #4 · answered by samssculptures 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They did it to Mock him.
John 19:19 records, “Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” John 19:20 continues, “Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek.”
BTW, Messiah in Greek is Μεσσίας
2006-12-21 08:52:53 · answer #5 · answered by sweetie_baby 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Greek was the universal language of the Roman Empire. The Plaque above Jesus' head was common. All who were executed had their crime on a plaque above their head. It was in three languages so all could read it.
BTW: Jesus (Iasou) is the Greek form of Joshua, which means, "God is Salvation."
2006-12-21 09:03:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
1) IESUS is "Jesus"
2) Christos is Greek for Annointed One or Messiah.
3) The Gospel is clear (John) - the superscription "was written in Hebrew and Greek and Latin".
2006-12-21 08:56:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Actually, if you want to get technical His name was Yeshua not Joshua.
Second, The plaque stated His crime, according to Roman rule, and they had it printed in Greek, Latin and Hebrew
Odd that the plaque didn't read "He said he was the King of the Jews", the crime they Jews wanted Him condemned for but only that He was the King of the Jews
2006-12-21 09:57:22 · answer #8 · answered by wayne 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Romans spoke Greek at that time, just as the Chinese speak English in America now. It is their official language. Jesus Himself and His disciples spoke Aramaic Greek, and the New Testament was written in Greek not in Latin. That's why.
And the name is not Iesus, but "Iesous". By the way, the writings on the cross was in three languages: Romans, Hebrews and Greeks.
2006-12-21 08:56:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Eventually the Romans invented Catholicism.
2006-12-21 08:53:05 · answer #10 · answered by Atlas 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋