Light of revelation

Light of revelation

Simeon used the phrase Light of revelation as a name of Jesus (Yeshua‘) when he met and blessed the baby Jesus in the temple. His poetic and prophetic blessing drew from the prophets. Isaiah had prophesied that the Servant of the Lord would be a light to the nations (Isa. 42:6, 49:6). Jesus came as that light, shining beyond His own nation, Israel. He brought freedom to captives and salvation throughout the world.

Although Isaiah’s prophecy does not include the word “revelation” in the Hebrew or in the Greek translation, any light from God brings revelation.

Photograph of the name that Simeon gave to Jesus, the Light of revelation to the Gentiles in the Greek of Luke 2:32
Light of revelation to the Gentiles in the Greek of Luke 2:32

Light of Revelation in Greek:

Phōs eis apokalypsin
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 5457, 602
Bible reference: Luke 2:32

The elder Simeon used beautiful words about Jesus. He called Him,
A Light of revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel. (Luke 2:32)

KJV has “a light to lighten the Gentiles.”
In Isaiah, a prophetic messianic name of Jesus is light to (or of) the nations. Jesus is also the True Light, the Light of the world.

Majesty on high

Majesty on high

Majesty on high might have been a way of speaking of God without mentioning His personal name Yahweh (Jehovah). The Jews did not speak the name Yahweh because they did not want to mispronounce it or profane it in any way. They came up with several alternative names for God. In that sense, Majesty on high might be the equivalent of the name God on high. It is a name that tells of God’s exaltation.

Majesty on High - a name of God photographed in the Greek text of Heb. 1:3.

Majesty on High in the Greek text of Heb. 1:3.

Majesty on high in Greek:

Megalōsynē en hypsēlois
Strong’s Concordance number: 3172

Bible reference: Heb. 1:3
And He [Jesus] is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:3)

Rular over Isreal

Ruler:

The most well-known example of the word ruler used as a name of Jesus (Yeshua‘) is in Micah’s prophecy about Jesus the Messiah (Christ). The prophecy also says that He would be a shepherd. King David was a shepherd before he became the king of Israel. People expected the Messiah to come as a shepherd-ruler as a greater David.

In the New Testament, the English word ruler is only given to God a few times and usually as part of a compound name of God or Jesus. Only once does the word occur on its own. The same Greek word can also mean “leader.” In Luke 22:26, the word is used when Jesus says the “leader” should function as a servant.

Ruler in Hebrew:

Moshel

Strong’s Concordance number: 4910

Bible references: 2 Chron. 20:6; Mic. 5:2

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times. (Micah 5:2)

The NIV calls God Israel’s ruler in the previous verse.

Ruler in Greek:

Hēgoumenos

Strong’s Concordance number: 2233

Bible reference: Matt. 2:6 (which quotes Micah 5:2)

The KJV uses the word Governor in this verse.

Ruler of the kings of the earth and Ruler of the creation of God are similar names of God in the English New Testament, though they come from a different Greek word.

Jesus is a Morning Star

Morning Star

The Greek word phōsphoros literally means a light bearer. Some scholars think the reference is to the planet Venus. In any case, the morning star is the brightest star and heralds the light of day. Peter’s prophetic exhortation spoke of Jesus’ return.

Morning Star in Greek:

Ho phōsphoros

Strong’s Concordance number: 5459

Bible reference: 2 Pet. 1:19

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:19 NIV)

The KJV uses the title Day star.

A similar sounding name of Jesus (Yeshua‘) is the bright morning star, but the Greek is quite different.

God is Fountain of Living Water

Fountain of living water

Fountain of living water is one of the names for God that later found fulfillment in Jesus (Yeshua‘). The NIV uses a slightly different name for God in the two verses in which the name occurs: Spring of living water. We can better understand its meaning by looking at the Hebrew words.

The Hebrew word for fountain (maqor) is related to the word for digging. Jeremiah chose maqor instead of the near cognate word mayan, which comes from ‘ayin, meaning a natural spring. Perhaps Jeremiah wanted to emphasize that having a relationship with God is like maintaining some springs; a little effort is required to keep it flowing.

During the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus dramatically interrupted the temple ritual. He stood and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let Him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37). He described a simple process. Faith in Him is the basic condition for Him to quench our thirst. “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:38–39) Jesus goes beyond satisfying us; His life overflows. The Spirit in us bubbles out like a spring, forming rivers of living water that flow on to refresh other dusty, dry lives. Jesus might have alluded to any of several Scriptures that speak of the desert being watered.1 One passage even speaks of a coming king as a desert stream.2 In Jesus, Yahweh completed the supply of living water. Now it can overflow through us into the spiritually arid world to water others.3
A name of Jesus pictured in the Hebrew text: Fountain or Spring of living waters (Meqor mayim khayyim) in Jeremiah 2:13.

Fountain (or Spring) of living waters (Meqor mayim khayyim) in the Hebrew text of Jeremiah 2:13.

Fountain of living water (waters) in Hebrew:

Meqor mayim khayyim

Strong’s Concordance numbers: 4726, 4325, 2416

Bible references: Jer. 2:13; 17:13

My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. (Jeremiah 2:13 KJV)

Lord, you are the hope of Israel;
    all who forsake you will be put to shame.
Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust
    because they have forsaken the Lord,
    the spring of living water. (Jeremiah 17:13 NIV)

Lion of the tribe of Judah

Lion of the tribe of Judah (Lion of Judah)

Lion of the tribe of Judah is a name of Jesus (Yeshua‘) found in the book of Revelation but perhaps it derives from a reference to God in Hosea 5:14. In Hosea, the Hebrew word kephir means a lion.

This title leads to perhaps the most powerful paradox in the Scriptures. When John turned to see the Lion of Judah, he saw a slain Lamb. There, in triumphant heaven that was filled with the might and majesty of God, we find the marks of sacrifice displayed. If this doesn’t show that costly love is central to God’s eternal nature, I don’t know what does.

Lion of the tribe of Judah (Lion of Judah) in Greek:

Ho leōn ho ek tēs phylēs Iouda

Strong’s Concordance numbers: 3023, 5443, 2455

Bible reference: Rev. 5:5

One of the elders' saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. (Revelation 5:5 KJV)

God is My hope

My hope

In the Bible, hope is more than a wishful desire, it is an expectation of blessing.

My hope in Hebrew:

Tiqwati

The related Hebrew word, miqweh, means “to wait or look for with eager expectation.” God should be the focus of our expectation because no one and nothing else is so faithful to meet our needs and bless us with the very best for our physical, mental, and spiritual lives.

Strong’s Concordance number: 8615b

Bible reference: Ps. 71:5

For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth. (Psalm 71:5 KJV)

Similar names for God are “Hope of their fathers” and “Hope of Israel.” The people of Israel learned that God never disappointed them when they looked to Him expectantly; in the end, He always blessed them with what they needed.

Jesus is Cornerstone

Cornerstone

Cornerstone is another of the messianic names of Jesus (Yeshua‘). The Hebrew word pinna is used in Isaiah 28:16 of a foundation stone in a building. The New Testament verses describe Jesus as the most important foundation stone for the church. Some Bible versions call Jesus a precious cornerstone. He was also thoroughly tested through all that He suffered.

Jesus should be both the foundation of all we do, but also the final stone holding it all together. The NIV translates a similar name of Jesus as “capstone.”

While excavating Nineveh, archeologists discovered cornerstones to some buildings inscribed with the royal name. God wants His church to be so devoted to Him that when unbelievers look at the church they will see the character and attributes of God in His people.

Cornerstone in Hebrew:

Pinna

Strong’s Concordance number: 6438

Bible reference: Isa. 28:16

Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed.
He who believes in it will not be disturbed.” (Isaiah 28:16)

Cornerstone in Greek:

Akrogōniaios

Strong’s Concordance number: 204

Bible references: Eph. 2:20; 1 Pet. 2:6 (which quotes Isa. 28:16).

The church has “been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:20)

A very similar messianic name for Jesus occurs in both Testaments. He is called the Chief Cornerstone. That name might liken Jesus to a cornerstone at the top of a wall corner.

Abba Father

Abba

The English word Abba comes from the Hebrew word ’ab, meaning “Father.” It was taken into the Greek New Testament in a few places. A child would often use this word for his or her father, so the Message Bible replaces it with the English word, “Papa.” In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus (Yeshua‘) prayed to His heavenly Father and called Him by this title.

Abba means “Father” in Greek:

Abba!

Strong’s Concordance number: 5

Bible references: Mark 14:36; Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6

For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15)

Prince of princes

Prince of princes is a name of God that uses a generic Hebrew word that covers different kinds of headmen. To say that God is Prince of princes is to say that He rules all other rulers. In the same way, he is King of kings and Lord of lords.

Prince of princes in Hebrew:

Sar-sarim

Strong’s Concordance numbers: 8269, 8269

Bible reference: Dan. 8:25

The verse in Daniel talks about an insolent king:

Through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand, and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. (Dan. 8:25 KJV)

Two New Testament names of Jesus (Yeshua‘) are the Prince and Savior and the Prince of Life. One version of Rev. 1:5 calls Jesus the Prince of the kings of the earth (KJV).

A similar name of Jesus the Messiah (Christ) is simply Prince. In Messianic prophecy Jesus is called the Prince of peace and Messiah the Prince.

God Most High

God Most High (El elyon and Elohim elyon)

’El ‘elyon and ’Elohim ‘elyon are Hebrew names for God that are translated as God Most High in several places in the Old Testament. Occasionally, the English word order is altered and the name Most High God is used.

In Genesis 14:22, Abram worshipped God Most High but called Him Yahweh (Jehovah). Melchizedek called ’El ‘elyonPossessor or Creator of heaven and earth. It is possible that ’El and ‘Elyon were named for two Canaanite gods, which were later combined into one “lord of the gods.” Abram accepted the name that Melchizedek used for God but he was careful to correct him—Yahweh is the true God Most High.

Hebrews 7:1 quotes Genesis 14:19-20 (’El ‘elyon) and refers to God as the Most High God.

Two New Testament names of Jesus (Yeshua‘) derive from this name of God. In Mark 5:7 and Luke 8:28, Jesus is called the Son of the Highest God and in Luke 1:32, He is Son of the Highest.

God Most High in Hebrew:

’El ‘elyon

Strong’s Concordance numbers: 410, 5945b

Bible references: Genesis 14:18-22; Psalm 78:35 and about thirty times elsewhere.

Melchizedek said, “Praise be to God Most High,

    who delivered your enemies into your hand.” (Genesis 14:20, NIV)

’El ‘elyon occurs in parallel with Yahweh (Pss. 18:14; 21:8; 83:19), ’El (Ps. 107:11), and Shaddai(Ps 91:1).

’Elohim ‘elyon

Strong’s Concordance numbers: 430, 5945b

Bible references Pss. 57:2; 78:56

I cry out to God Most High,
    to God, who vindicates me. (Psalm 57:2, NIV)

One of the names of the LORD, LORD Most High (Yahweh ’El ‘elyon or Jehovah ’El ‘elyon) is similar (Pss.7:17; 47:2; 97:9).

Good Shepherd

I am the good shepherd

Good Shepherd is one of the I am names of Jesus (Yeshua‘) that occurs in John’s gospel. The Jews were expecting a Messiah who would combine the roles of king and shepherd just as King David had done. There are many Old Testament prophecies about the coming shepherd ruler.

Matthew quoted the prophet Micah, who promised: “a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.”

(Mic. 5:2)

Jesus spoke of His ministry in shepherding terms and said that Israel were like a scattered, shepherdless flock (Matt. 9:36; 18:12). Near the end of His life, Jesus applied another prophecy about the messianic shepherd to Himself (Zech. 13:7).

I am the Good Shepherd in Greek:

Egō eimi ho poimēn ho kalos

Strong’s Concordance numbers: 4166, 2570

Bible references: John 10:11, 14

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11, NIV)

There are three similar names for Christ Jesus the Good Shepherd: the Great Shepherd of the sheep, Shepherd and guardian of our souls, and the Chief Shepherd. The Old Testament contains names for God like the Shepherd of Israel and, of course, the Lord is my shepherd.

The picture of God as a shepherd draws together many of the different ways in which God relates to His people. Jesus reflected several of the same attributes of God in His life and ministry. He was right when He said I am the Good Shepherd.

God my Rock

Everlasting Rock

Everlasting Rock is one of several Hebrew names for God that use the word ‘olam. About three hundred times the word ‘olam refers to the future, twenty times to the past.

The context tells which is meant but in both cases the subject is very distant and possibly perpetual. The word fits many things associated with God, especially His lovingkindness, covenant, truth, righteousness, kingdom, dominion, and ordinances.

The word tsur is used of a massive cliff or mountain that is virtually impenetrable.

Everlasting Rock in Hebrew:

Tsur ‘olamim

Strong’s Concordance numbers: 6697, 5769

Bible reference: Isa. 26:4

Trust in the Lord forever,
For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock. (Isaiah 26:4)

This name of God is translated in different ways, including the well-known title from the hymn, “Rock of ages” (J. N. Darby’s 1890 version, and in parentheses in Amp.). The NIV has “Rock eternal.”

Similar Old Testament names for God are Everlasting Father, Everlasting God, and Everlasting King. Redeemer from of old also uses the Hebrew word olam. In the New Testament, God is called the King Eternal and the Holy Spirit is the Eternal Spirit.

I am the bread of life

Bread of Life is one of the I am names of Jesus (Yeshua‘) that occurs in John’s gospel. When Jesus said I am the Bread of Life, He spoke of providing everlasting spiritual sustenance:

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. (John 6:35)

This statement of Jesus includes the messianic name, “Bread of Life.” The Jews expected the Messiah to feed people as Moses had done. The rabbis taught that the Messiah would repeat many of Moses’ acts. One tradition held that Jeremiah had hidden the pot of manna from the ark and that the Messiah would produce it to feed people. Jesus was making another Messianic claim. Since He said that God, not Moses, gave the bread, Jesus was also saying that He was God.

The Jews believed that manna was the food of angels (Ps. 78:24-25) and that it varied in taste according to need. Jesus, the living bread, meets every person’s specific need.

Another name of Jesus occurs in the same chapter of John’s gospel, the Living Bread (John 6:51). Jesus introduced this name as He began to teach about the Lord’s Supper. Jesus said that a true relationship with Him included eating His body and drinking His blood. It offended some of His followers. When we take the bread and wine of communion in faith, we are participating in what Jesus taught about.

I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh. (John 6:51)

New Testament Greek Words for I am the Bread of Life

Egō eimi ho artos tēs zōēs

Strong’s Concordance numbers: 740, 2222

Bible references: John 6:35, 48, 51 (Living Bread).

Day of the Lord (Pentecost Day)

Joel 2:27-32
"Thus you will know that I am in the midst of Israel And that I am the LORD your God, And there is no other, And My people will never be put to shame. "It will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind, And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions."Even on the male and female servants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days. 

"I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth, Blood, fire and columns of smoke. "The sun will be turned into darkness And the moon into blood Before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. "And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of The LORD Will be delivered; For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem There will be those who escape, As the LORD has said, Even among the survivors whom the LORD calls.

Isaiah 44:1-3
"But now listen, O Jacob, My servant, And Israel, whom I have chosen: Thus says the LORD who made you And formed you from the womb, who will help you, 'Do not fear, O Jacob My servant; And you Jeshurun whom I have chosen. 'For I will pour out water on the thirsty land And streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring And My blessing on your descendants;

Zechariah 12:8-10

"In that day the LORD will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the one who is feeble among them in that day will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD before them. "And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. "I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn.

Acts 10:44-48
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, 

"Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?" And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.

God of Glory

God of glory

The Hebrew word for glory (kavod) is sometimes used figuratively to mean “heavy” or “dense.” When we speak of a “weighty” person, someone who is honourable, worthy, or impressive, we come close to the way in which the word is used to describe God. Kavod includes “reputation” but is never detached from the actual reality of the worth and majesty of God. We honour and glorify God by giving Him appropriate respect, attention and obedience in recognition of His glory (Is 29:13).

The only New Testament reference to the God of glory is in Stephen’s speech. He said that the God of glory spoke to Abraham when He gave him the promise of blessing and called him to leave his family home.

God of glory in Hebrew:

’El-hakkavod

Strong’s Concordance numbers: 410, 3519b

Bible reference: Ps. 29:3

The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. (Psalm 29:3 NIV)

God of glory in Greek:

Ho Theos tēs doxēs

Strong’s Concordance numbers: 2316, 1391

Bible reference: Acts 7:2

When the Jewish council of priests and Sadducees questioned Stephen, he “replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Harran.” (Acts 7:2 NIV)

God of faithfulness

God of faithfulness

The idea that lies behind the Hebrew word ’Emunah is certainty or reliability. The God of faithfulness is more true to His people than they have ever been to Him. Even when we fail Him, He is willing to forgive us and restore relationship with us.

God of faithfulness in Hebrew:

’El ’Emunah

Strong’s Concordance numbers: 410, 530

Bible reference: Deut. 32:4

I proclaim the name of the Lord;
Ascribe greatness to our God!
The Rock! His work is perfect,
For all His ways are just;
A God of faithfulness and without injustice,
Righteous and upright is He. (Deuteronomy 32:4)

In KJV the name is God of truth and the NIV describes Him as the faithful God.

Jeremiah spoke of God’s faithfulness toward sinful people in a well-known passage:

It is because of the Lord‘s mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Two related Hebrew names for God are Faithful God and a name that is rendered God of truth and fidelity (or faithfulness) in the Amplified Bible. Jesus is called Faithful and true in the book of Revelation.

Holy God

Holy God is one of the descriptive names of God. In this case, it highlights His holiness, which means that He is “set apart” from His creation in purity and power, and in every one of the attributes of God.

Holy God in Hebrew:

’Elohim qedoshim

Strong’s Concordance numbers: 430, 6918

Bible reference: Josh. 24:19

Then Joshua said to the people, “You will not be able to serve the Lord, for He is a holy God. He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgression or your sins.” (Joshua 24:19)

ha’El haqqadosh

Strong’s Concordance numbers: 410, 6918

Bible reference: Isa. 5:16

The Lord of hosts will be exalted in judgment,
And the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness. (Isaiah 5:16)

(This) Holy God in Hebrew:

ha’Elohim haqqadosh

Strong’s Concordance numbers: 430, 6918

Bible reference: 1 Sam. 6:20

The men of Beth-shemesh said, “Who is able to stand before the Lord, this Holy God? And to whom shall He go up from us?” (1 Samuel 6:20)

Different forms of the Hebrew word qadosh are combined with different words for “God” to make several similar names for God that speak of His holiness. For instance Holy One of Israel and simply, Holy One. In the New Testament Jesus (Yeshua‘) is called the Holy and Righteous One and God’s Holy Servant, and God is called the Holy Father.

God of Deliverances

God of Deliverances is one translation of this Hebrew phrase. The second Hebrew word is related to the word for salvation, so the name could equally be the “God of saving acts.”

King David had considerable experience of God saving him from all kinds of danger. He had fought off wild animals while guarding sheep; He had been rescued from a raging King Saul and other enemies. God has always been in the business of delivering people—He still i

God of Deliverances in Hebrew:

’El lemosha‘ot

Strong’s Concordance numbers: 410, 4190 (from 3467)

Bible reference: Ps. 68:20

In Psalm 68 “God who is our salvation (’El yeshua‘tenu)” is written a few verses before its parallel, “God of deliverances.”

God is to us a God of deliverances;

And to God the Lord belong escapes from death. (Psalm 68:20)

Other versions translate this name of God in different ways. The NIV has God who saves, while the KJV has God of salvation.