Introduction
The identity of the Messiah is one of the most important questions in history. For centuries, Christians have called him “Jesus.” Yet when we look at the Hebrew Scriptures and the history of language, it becomes clear that this name could never have been his. The true Hebrew Messiah is Yahushua, and the transformation of his name into “Jesus” is not a simple linguistic accident, but part of a larger alteration by the Roman Empire. This essay examines the origin of the name, the invention of the letter “J,” and how Rome’s influence led to the deception that millions follow today.
The Hebrew Messiah’s Name: Yahushua
The Messiah was born a Jew, from the line of David, into a Hebrew-speaking world. His name, given by heaven itself, was Yahushua (sometimes shortened to Yeshua). This name means “Yahweh saves”—a clear testimony to his mission and divine authority.
Hebrew names carry meaning. They are not arbitrary. The Messiah’s name connects him directly to the covenant name of God, YHWH (Yahweh). To call him anything else is to remove that divine connection, breaking the first and third commandments.
The Letter “J” and Why “Jesus” Could Not Exist
One of the most overlooked facts in history is that the letter “J” did not exist in any language until the 16th century. The English alphabet, influenced by Latin, did not include “J” until it was distinguished from “I” by Renaissance scholars. Before this, there was no “J” sound in Hebrew, Greek, or Latin.
That means in the first century—when the Messiah walked the earth—no one could have called him “Jesus.” The name did not exist. Instead, his name was transliterated from Hebrew into Greek as Iesous (Ἰησοῦς), and later into Latin as Iesus. Only after the letter “J” was introduced in English did “Iesus” become “Jesus.”
Thus, the familiar name “Jesus” is less than 500 years old—far removed from the original Hebrew name that carries divine meaning.
Rome’s Role in the Name Change
The Roman Empire played a powerful role in reshaping the faith of the early believers. After Constantine’s adoption of Christianity in the 4th century, the empire sought to unify religion under Roman authority. This included separating the faith from its Hebrew roots.
- The Sabbath was changed from the seventh day to the first day.
- Hebraic festivals were replaced with Roman ones, like Easter and Christmas.
- And most significantly, the Hebrew name of the Messiah was exchanged for a Greco-Roman substitute.
By adopting Iesus—and later “Jesus”—Rome severed the connection to the Hebrew God’s name, diluting the truth for generations. This was not merely translation. It was transformation, stripping away Yahweh’s covenant identity from the Messiah.
The False Prophet of the Nations
If the Messiah came in the name of Yahweh, then a figure who comes in a man-made name is a counterfeit. The Scriptures warn us of false prophets and deceivers who would mislead the nations. The promotion of “Jesus” as a Greco-Roman savior, rather than Yahushua the Hebrew Messiah, fits this pattern.
“Jesus” is a name invented by empire, attached to a religion that replaced God’s Torah with Roman traditions. The true Messiah never bore that name. Therefore, “Jesus” is not the Messiah, but a false prophet constructed to lead the nations astray.
Conclusion
The historical record is undeniable:
- The Hebrew Messiah’s name was Yahushua.
- The letter “J” did not exist until the 16th century.
- Rome deliberately altered his name and identity to create a universal religion under its control.
To follow the true Messiah is to return to his Hebrew name and identity. The name “Jesus” represents a false prophet—a Roman creation that continues to deceive the world. But for those with eyes to see, the truth remains: Yahushua is the Messiah of Israel, the Son of Yahweh, and the Savior of those who love truth. Shalom/Peace
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Born and raised in New York City of the tribe of Judah, Rabbi Berkson is well grounded in Torah and brings a Hebraic understanding to his teachings. He went to Hebrew school as a child and was Bar Mitzvah at age 13. Rabbi Berkson was also classically trained as a trumpet player and has been blowing the Shofar for more than four decades.
Rabbi Berkson has always made the teachings he shares available free to everyone. Through the Internet and word of mouth, many people from around the United States and worldwide, who have received and been helped by his teachings, started to reach out to him seeking counsel and discipleship, and expressing a desire to have a congregation planted in their areas. To meet these needs, in September of 2013, Rabbi Berkson launched MTOI – Messianic Torah Observant Israel.