I. INTRODUCTION
The divine drama of humanity's redemption, as chronicled in the Scriptures, imbues names with profound significance. Each name, from Abraham - "Father of Many Nations", to Israel - "Captive of God", serves as a key to the character's soul and an intrinsic component of the divine narrative. Amid this sacred array of names, one Name stands as the Name above all Names (Phil 2:9): YESHUA, the revered name of our Lord, the only begotten Son of the Living God (John 3:16).
As it is written: "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the Name which is above every name, that at the Name of YESHUA every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that YESHUA HaMashiach is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." -Philippians 2:9-11
Yet, a disconcerting and dark reality confronts us: the real Name of the Lord, the one and only begotten Son of God, is literally unknown to the vast majority of humanity. We, the Mashiachim, perceive this as a grave injustice. The repression of the Savior's true Name is a disease of concealment that has infected even our own Bibles! We discern the devil's handiwork in this unsettling truth, as well as the work of his countless ravenous wolves (Matt 7:15), whom the devil has placed in high positions, not only in the world, but within the church (Acts 20:29).
The ensuing discourse will elucidate why discerning the true Name of our Lord, YESHUA, transcends mere historical or linguistic curiosity. It is a pivotal spiritual matter (Isa 52:6), a critical prerequisite for salvation (Acts 4:12), and a countermeasure against forces that aim to distort our Savior's identity, impede the journey to salvation, and veil the truth (2Cor 4:4). As Mashiachim, we resolve to uphold, venerate, and voice the true Name of our Lord, YESHUA (Ps 91:14). This undertaking forms an integral facet of our religion, our identity, and our journey toward salvation. We, the Mashiachim, boldly stand opposed to all enemies (1Pet 5:8-9), foreign or domestic, who seek to erase, hide, or cover the mighty Name of YESHUA from history and memory!
II. YESHUA HAMASHIACH: THE TRUE NAME AND IDENTITY OF "JESUS CHRIST"
The Lord's Name is a topic of profound importance. In a world where "Jesus" is the universally recognized and accepted name for the Lord, we, the Mashiachim choose not to use this man-made name unless necessary to inform. Notwithstanding the widespread acceptance of the pseudonym "Jesus", we affirm that the Lord was originally Named YESHUA by none other than God Himself. Furthermore, we testify that the name "Jesus" would have been utterly alien to YESHUA's first-century contemporaries, an anachronistic imposition appearing only as recently as 1629 in the Cambridge 1st Revision of the King James Bible.
YESHUA, a Name that literally means "SALVATION," emerged from an Aramaic-speaking society. Honoring both Him and our Father in Heaven Who gave Him that specific Name. We, the Mashiachim, insist on employing His real Name: YESHUA.
For the modern audience, however, understanding the evolution of Yeshua's Name into its current form of "Jesus" is of vital importance and harkens us to embark on a journey back in time. The voyage begins with the original Hebrew/Aramaic name of "YESHUA." Unfortunately, however, due to the limitations of the Greek language, the Name YESHUA had to be spelled by the apostles as "Ἰησοῦ" (Greek letters, representing the sounds "Iesou"), which was the closest phonetic match to "YESHUA" as Greek letters would allow.
III. THE EVOLUTION OF THE NAME YESHUA TO "JESUS"
As there is no "Y" in Greek, an "Ie" (Ἰη) had to substitute. Then, as there is no "sh" in Greek, an "s" (σ) had to substitute. Finally, as there is no "ua," pronounced "oo-ah," in Greek, an "oo" (οῦ) had to substitute. Regardless, of these limitations, however, we, the Mashiachim understand that while the apostles may have inscribed "Ἰησοῦ" (Iesou) in their Greek writings, they would have undoubtedly continued to verbally pass on His name as "YESHUA," thereby preserving the pronounced integrity of His original Name throughout their lifetimes.
[Before we continue, however, we feel we should interject to explain something to our audience members that do not understand Greek:
Greek grammar has specific rules for noun endings that depend on the case, number, and gender of the word. In the case of the Name "Ιησού" (the Greek form of "Yeshua"), an additional "ν" or "ς" may be added to the end of the Name in order to adhere to Greek grammatical rules.
Ιησούς: The addition of the "ς" at the end of the Name puts it in the nominative case, the form used when Yeshua is the subject of a sentence.
Ιησού: This is the genitive case, used when Yeshua is the object of a sentence, or when indicating possession (like "of Yeshua" in English).
Ιησοῦν: The addition of the "ν" at the end of the Name puts it in the accusative case, used when Yeshua is the direct object of a verb.
Adding a "ν" or "ς" at the end of Ιησού is the Greek way of changing the case of the noun to fit its grammatical function within a sentence. This concept is similar to how in English, we change pronouns based on their function (like "I" becomes "me" when it's the object of a verb, or "my" when showing possession).
The most common form used in the New Testament is "Ιησοῦς" ('ee-soos'), which is the nominative case and is used when Yeshua is the subject of the sentence. This form is used because a significant portion of the New Testament narrative involves actions being performed by Yeshua, and so His Name would be in the subject position in these sentences.]
We posit that a significant divergence in pronunciation arose in the early 2nd century, when the first and second generations of Mashiachim (in some places called in Greek "Χριστιανός (Christianos)), departed from the earth (see 1Cor 15:51-52; Rev 20:1-6). It was then that a new generation appeared who had not had direct contact with the original Apostles or their disciples. Consequently, written texts replaced oral transmissions as the primary means of communicating the Gospel.
As this transition from oral communication to written communication occurred, Greek speakers began mistakenly pronouncing the Name as it was spelled: 'Ιησους' ('ee-soos'). This shift reflected a phonetic reading of the Greek letters, but marked a departure from the correct pronunciation of the Name. This new pronunciation of "ee-soos" swiftly gained traction among Greek-speaking communities, likely due to its phonetic similarity to the name of the revered pagan deity most familiar to the Greeks: 'Zeus.'
The emergence of a pronunciation that echoed the name of their long-time false god, Zeus, a figure renowned in both the Greek and Roman mythos as a powerful, libertine deity, may have provided the early Greek and Roman churches with a tool for courting potential converts. Those acquainted with pagan mythology might have interpreted 'Ἰησοῦς' (Ee-Zeus) as a kind of Herculean figure - a demi-god who was part man and part god, and, like Hercules, was a son of their most powerful false god: Zeus.
This pagan tradition carried on as Catholicism grew in wealth and power within the Roman Empire, and the Greek "Ἰησοῦς" (Iesous) underwent further Latinization, becoming "Iesus." During this epoch, the authority of Latin in liturgical and scriptural contexts resulted in a wide acceptance of "Iesus" within the Western Church.
Subsequently, as the English language emerged, the Latin "Iesus" evolved further into "Jesus." This transition, fueled by linguistic shifts in early Modern English, culminated in the modern invention of the name "Jesus," which first appeared in the 1629 Cambridge 1st Revision of the King James Bible.
This narrative, tracing the transformation of "Yeshua" to "Jesus," illustrates how historical, cultural, and linguistic alterations gradually occluded the Lord's true Name. We, the Mashiachim, regard this awareness as vital, underscoring the necessity to reclaim the Lord's original Name, YESHUA, and thereby restore the profound richness and power of His God-given identity. An identity that is our literal "SALVATION."
IV. BUT WAIT, IS IT "YESHUA" OR "ISHO"?
There exists a contentious argument that has been circulating among certain academic circles, claiming the name "Isho," as pronounced by the modern Syriac Christians, to be the accurate representation of Yeshua's Name in first-century Aramaic. These proponents suggest that the Syriac Christian community, whose liturgical language is close to first-century Aramaic, has preserved the original pronunciation of Yeshua's name over two millennia. This idea rests on several premises and assumptions that, when examined critically, reveal a considerable lack of grounding in historical and linguistic facts.
The argument's first flaw is the unfounded assumption of an unbroken, pure oral tradition persisting over two millennia within the Syriac Christian community. This group lives in an environment heavily influenced by the Arabic language—a factor that can't be discounted when considering linguistic evolution. All languages, including their pronunciations, undeniably evolve and adapt over time, especially when communities interact and trade using different languages. The notion that "Isho," a pronunciation influenced by a Greek-derived script, could resist change amidst this linguistic intermingling is profoundly misguided. Notably, even in Arabic—a dominant language in the Syriac Christian community's environment—the name corresponding to Yeshua is pronounced "Issa," further undermining the claim for an unchanged "Isho" as they are pronounced so similarly.
Secondly, the Syriac Church's liturgical language may be a form of Aramaic, but their scriptures—the Peshitta—were translated from Greek manuscripts, not from original Aramaic or Hebrew sources. This fact alone firmly establishes that the name "Isho" stems from the Greek rendition of "Ἰησοῦ" (Iēsou), rather than an original Aramaic pronunciation.
Furthermore, the name "Yeshua" is both historically and linguistically corroborated (which we shall demonstrate further below). It is a well-documented name in both Hebrew and Aramaic texts, including the Old Testament and Jewish writings from the Second Temple period. Given the historical context of Yeshua and his early followers, predominantly Aramaic-speaking Jews, "Yeshua" would undeniably have been the exact Name they utilized.
Consequently, while "Isho" has been used within the Syriac Christian tradition for millennia, it does not represent the original pronunciation of Yeshua's Name in first-century Aramaic. Any suggestion to the contrary fails to recognize the complex interplay of historical, linguistic, and textual factors that have shaped this name's development and usage over the centuries.
V. THOSE WHO DO NOT CALL UPON HIS NAME
Adding to the matter at hand, we, the Mashiachim, anticipate that on the Day of Judgment, the revelation of the Lord's true Name, YESHUA, is sure to confound many people who thought they knew Him. This prediction resonates with the cautionary words expressed in 2 Corinthians 11:4, where we are warned against accepting "another Yeshua" than the one the apostles had proclaimed.
The criticality of knowing, acknowledging, and actually verbalizing the Lord's real Name is made crystal clear when we understand the horrifying implications of Isaiah 52:6, "Therefore My people shall know My Name; Therefore they shall know in that day That I am He who speaks: 'Behold, it is I.'" Knowing the Lord's true Name could rightly be directly correlated to being His people, i.e. being saved. Additionally, the Name of the Lord is a revelation of His character, His nature, His salvation, and those who do not know His real Name, are not actually among His own.
This theme is echoed in several passages of the Psalms. Psalm 9:10 states, "And those who know Your Name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You." Similarly, Psalm 79:6 implores, "Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not know You, And on the kingdoms that do not call upon Your Name."
Both of these verses underscore the intimate relationship between knowing the Lord's real Name and being in His favor. Furthermore, Psalm 91:14 assures, "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high because he has known My Name." Here, knowledge of the Lord's Name is associated with deliverance and divine protection.
What's more, in the light of Proverbs 30:4, the importance of knowing the Lord's real Name is beset in a riddle: "Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His Name, and what is His Son's Name, If you know?"
Well, do you know His Son's Name? We, the Mashiachim, certainly do.
Therefore, knowing, acknowledging, and actually speaking the real Name of the Lord -- YESHUA -- is not only a matter of historical accuracy or linguistic fidelity but is intrinsically tied to our faith, our salvation, and our standing before Him. We, the Mashiachim, revere this profound truth and uphold the Holy Name of Yeshua as the name given to our Lord by divine decree.
Look, beyond even the verses and explanations listed above, our contention is also that honoring someone also includes using their real name, especially when expressing deep affection or respect for that person. Consider this scenario: if your mother's name is Maryam, and a friend whom you invite over insists on referring to her as "Mimi" for some unknown reason, wouldn't that feel somewhat overstepping or disrespectful? Likewise, those who genuinely love the Lord Yeshua will naturally aspire to know everything about Him, including His real Name. Consequently, they will address Him by His real Name, reflecting their knowledge, deep affection, and respect for Him. This is yet another essential point we aim to underscore.
VI. THE CRITICALITY OF USING THE LORD'S REAL NAME
Further testament to the gravity of knowing and using the Lord's real Name comes through these next passages clearer than ever. The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, unequivocally states in Romans 10:13, "For 'whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.'"
Here, the call to salvation is intrinsically linked with the act of invoking the Lord's Name. Unfortunately, most people who believe they are saved don't even know that Name, so how can they call upon it? It is essential to underscore here that the Name in question is not a translation, a perversion, or an adaptation of the original Name, but the actual Name given to the Lord. In essence, the Name the Angel commanded Yusef (a.k.a. Joseph) to give to the Son of God born to Maryam (a.k.a. Mary)(Luke 1:31,2:21).
The book of Acts further intensifies the significance of the Lord's Name in relation to salvation. In Acts 4:12, Kefa (a.k.a. Peter) boldly declares, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." The implications of this statement are profound. It underlines that salvation comes through one Name and one Name only - the real, original Name of the Lord: YESHUA. Unfortunately, most people who claim to be saved don't even know what that Name is.
These Scriptures, taken together, underscore the seriousness, criticality, and grave importance of knowing, acknowledging, and invoking the Lord's true Name. It is not a trivial matter of semantics or linguistics, but one that is intimately tied to our relationship with the Lord and our eternal salvation.
We, the Mashiachim, honor and boastfully proclaim (Ps 44:8,34:2) the Name YESHUA as the true Name of our Lord, given by divine decree, carrying with it the power of salvation and the promise of eternal life.
However, we, the Mashiachim, would like to clarify that we do not condemn those who are ignorant of these things. As the Lord has said: "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains." Those who are simply ignorant of these things, bare no guilt in using the name "Jesus." However, as of today, you are no longer ignorant.
VII. WHO HAS HIDDEN THE LORD'S REAL NAME FROM THE WORLD?
In light of the compelling Biblical evidence of the crucial significance of the Lord's true Name, YESHUA, we, the Mashiachim, posit a crucial question: why then, has the name Yeshua, given by divine decree and tied intrinsically to our salvation, become all but erased from worldwide recognition and usage? Our belief leads us to one entity as the orchestrator of this worldwide deception and concealment: Satan.
In John 8:44, Yeshua himself characterizes Satan as a liar and the father of lies. Furthermore, in 2 Corinthians 4:4, we read that "the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."
We, the Mashiachim, argue that the systematic effacement of the name Yeshua is a manifestation of this deception. By creating a world where the true Name of the Lord Yeshua is virtually unknown, Satan blurs the understanding of the true nature of the Lord, distorts and even blocks the path to salvation, and attempts to undermine the relationship between the Lord and His people, as prophesied in Isaiah 52:6.
But the scripture in James 4:7 provides us with a guiding principle against this deception: "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." In this context, resisting the devil would mean resisting the widespread erasure of the Lord's true Name, YESHUA. We, the Mashiachim, stand resolute in recognizing and proclaiming Yeshua's real Name, resisting the deception of the adversary, and aligning ourselves with the truth and the path to salvation and divine power.
VIII. BLIND ETHNOCENTRISM AND THE DISRESPECTFUL DESTRUCTION OF SACRED NAMES
We, the Mashiachim, look disdainfully at the alterations of sacred names both within and without the Bible, a practice rampant in the English-speaking world that has warped our understanding and connection with the rich history and true identities of Biblical figures. It is a reflection of absolute ethnocentric arrogance that disregards the sacredness of names and their cultural, historical, and linguistic meanings and roots.
Consider this: Yeshua became Jesus, Yohanan turned into John, and Ya’akub became... James?! These names, along with countless others, were subjected to phonetic manipulation to fit Anglo-centric linguistic patterns and ease the pronunciation difficulties of elite, entitled, English-speaking people, essentially posthumously stripping people of their foreign cultures, who had been named by God Himself, of their original context, meaning, and identity.
This systemic renaming is not a trivial matter. Imagine if an occupying force from a distant land decided to rebrand Americans as "Bintubees," Chinese as "Hologoruses," or Russians as "Gigomorphadils" simply because those terms sat better on the tongues of your oppressors. Or if names you held dear and familiar were morphed into something utterly unrecognizable - Sarah was now "Kikakushti," Michael became "Bikramishu," and so on. This scenario may seem absurd, yet it mirrors the historical arrogance and disrespect perpetrated by those in power within the Church for centuries.
Sacred names bear the essence of the individuals they represent, encapsulating their cultural backgrounds, familial histories, and divine callings. We, the Mashiachim, recognize the importance of these names, the respect they both command and deserve, and the significant role they play in our understanding and spiritual journey. It is therefore one of our many missions to restore the honor due to these figures by addressing them by their original names, thereby reestablishing a more authentic connection with our spiritual roots and upholding the integrity of our faith.
IX. THE POWER OF HIS NAME
We, the Mashiachim, draw special attention to the powerful declaration by Yeshua in John 17:11. In His prayer, Yeshua says, "I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your Name, the Name You gave Me, so that they may be one as we are one." This revelatory statement offers a profound insight into the power of the divine Name that was given to YESHUA, a name that means SALVATION, a Name Yeshua shares with God His Father ("the power of YOUR name, the name You gave ME").
We, the Mashiachim, firmly believe in the extraordinary power encapsulated in the name Yeshua. This name, imbued by our Father in Heaven, is not a simple label, but it holds a power to protect, unify, and save. It is by this Name that we find ourselves spiritually "one" with Yeshua and His Father, and it is under the aegis of this name that we are shielded from the forces of deception and evil.
Hence, understanding, acknowledging, and calling upon the real Name of the Lord - YESHUA - is not merely an act of historical or linguistic accuracy. It is an expression of our deep faith, an affirmation of our spiritual alignment with God's will, and a testament to the power of God manifest in the Name He bestowed upon His beloved Son for the salvation of humanity.
In the face of worldly attempts to erase Yeshua's real Name, we persist in reclaiming it, recognizing the profound truth and power it holds. We advocate for the reinstatement of Yeshua's name in every facet of faith and life, resisting the forces of deception and standing boldly in the truth of the Gospel. It is in this unwavering proclamation of Yeshua's Name that we find our unity, our protection, and our salvation, as Yeshua Himself so profoundly prayed for us in John 17:11.
Our use of the true Name of the Lord, YESHUA, is not merely a matter of historical or linguistic accuracy, but a crucial part of our spiritual battle against the forces of evil. As it is written in James 4:7, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." When we call upon the Name of Yeshua, we are submitting ourselves to God's authority, standing against the devil's deceptions, and claiming the power and protection He promised us.
The name of Yeshua is the power behind our spiritual armor and a mighty weapon against the lies and deceptions of the enemy. As believers, we are encouraged to take up "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). Yeshua, the Word made flesh (John 1:14), is embodied in His Name (Acts 4:10). By calling upon His true Name, we wield the truth of God the Father against the father of lies, Satan himself.
This is why we, the Mashiachim, place needed emphasis on the importance of using the true Name of our Lord, Yeshua. In doing so, we not only honor Him and recognize His true identity, but we also equip ourselves to stand against the evil schemes of the devil. By clinging to Yeshua's true Name, we align ourselves with the Truth and affirm our commitment to resist any attempts of the enemy to obscure, dilute, or distort that Truth. Therefore, let us boldly proclaim the Name above ALL names -- the Name of YESHUA -- resisting the devil, and trusting in the mighty power of our Lord's true name (Psalm 33:21).
X. BUT HOW DO WE KNOW YESHUA IS HIS REAL NAME?
The question of Yeshua's original name is not a matter of debate, but a profound realization that emerges from the existing exhaustive Biblical, historical, linguistic, and archaeological evidences.
From a Biblical perspective, the name Yeshua finds its roots firmly entrenched in the Old Testament, establishing a vital connection between the history of God's people and their promised Mashiach. The Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning 'Salvation,' is a shortened form of Yehoshua meaning 'YHWH is Salvation', a Name that certain people, who were arrogant and ethnocentric beyond measure, changed to 'Joshua'. This is significant because Yehoshua (a.k.a. Joshua), Musa's (a.k.a. Moses') successor, was a foreshadowing type of the Mashiach, leading Beni Y'israel (a.k.a. the Israelites) into the promised land. This provides a strong prophetic link, alluding to Yeshua's ultimate mission - to lead humanity into the ultimate promised land: Salvation.
The authenticity of Yeshua's name in the context of Biblical history is further reinforced by Nehemiah 8:17, where the name Yeshua is actually used as a variant of Yehoshua (a.k.a. Joshua). This establishes that the name Yeshua was used and recognized within the Yahudi (a.k.a. Jewish) community long before the birth of the Mashiach.
It is also worth noting that, throughout the Old Testament, a pattern emerges of key figures being given names that describe their roles or destinies. In this vein, Yeshua's Name, which means 'Salvation,' is of profound significance, resonating with His divine mission of bringing salvation. The assertion of Yeshua as His original name, therefore, aligns perfectly with the story arch of the entire biblical text, adding yet another layer of historical and spiritual authenticity to our claim.
Furthermore, historically, the authenticity of the name Yeshua is buttressed by the fact that it was a common name in first-century Yahuda (a.k.a. Judea). The name can be traced back to numerous ancient texts from this period, including historical records and personal inscriptions. It was indeed a common and established name in Yeshua's time, evoking no surprise when declared by the angel in Matthew 1:21 to Yusef.
Then, linguistically, Yeshua fits into the phonetic and grammatical structure of both Hebrew and Aramaic, languages spoken during the time of Yeshua's earthly life (Isa 36:11; Luke 23:38). In contrast, the name "Jesus" doesn’t belong to either of the languages or the time in which Yeshua walked with His apostles. This fact corroborates the historical argument for Yeshua as the Lord's original Name.
Finally, archaeological findings from ancient Yahudi (a.k.a. Jewish) burial sites further substantiate this claim. Ossuaries (bone boxes) found in and around Yahru-Salem (a.k.a. Jerusalem) from the first century bear the name Yeshua in many instances, testifying to its common use during the relevant period.
Despite all of this compelling evidence, the most substantial proof of Yeshua's authenticity as His original name lies in a precious historical manuscript hidden right under the nose of historians for centuries - Shem Tov's Hebrew Gospel of Matthew. This invaluable text, which we believe to be a faithful reproduction of Matthew's original Gospel written in Hebrew, stands as a testament to the truth of Yeshua's Name. We will delve into a deeper analysis of this remarkable document in the subsequent section, strengthening our affirmation of Yeshua as His true and original Name.
XI. SHEM TOV'S HEBREW GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Shem Tov's Hebrew Gospel of Matthew is a unique Hebrew copy of the Gospel of Matthew that is survived within a polemical Yahudi (a.k.a. Jewish) treatise composed by Shem Tov Ibn Shaprut in the late 14th century called "Evan Bohan". It is the oldest known extant copy of the Gospel of Matthew in Hebrew and contains several distinctive features that suggest it is an authentically preserved copy of the apostle Matthew's original Gospel, which he first penned in Hebrew.
Historical attestations from early church writers, such as Papias of Hierapolis, Irenaeus, Origen, and Eusebius of Caesarea, unanimously assert that the Gospel of Matthew was first composed in Hebrew. As recorded by Eusebius in his "Ecclesiastical History", Papias explicitly stated, "Matthew collected the oracles (ta logia) in the Hebrew language, and each interpreted them as best he could." This sentiment, echoed by the others previously mentioned, proves a Hebrew origin for Matthew's Gospel.
Our belief in the early origin of Shem Tov's Hebrew Gospel of Matthew is reinforced by several distinctive indicators found within the text itself. This manuscript, under the discerning lens of linguistic analysis, shares compelling similarities with other works dated to the 1st century AD, such as those penned by Flavius Josephus.
Furthermore, the presence of abundant Hebraisms and Semitisms—specific linguistic and thought patterns characteristic of early Hebrew or Semitic viewpoints—further testify to the ancient roots of Shem Tov's Matthew. These features could not have been mere imitations, artfully woven into a later Greek-to-Hebrew translation. Instead, they bear witness to a text that originated in a Hebrew culture and setting, a clear testament to its Hebrew genesis.
Adding yet another layer of evidence, the idiomatic expressions within Shem Tov's text bloom with fullness and clarity in a Hebrew context, whereas they seem to wilt and become distorted in Greek and subsequent translations. This subtle, yet profound, transformation of meaning when read in its native tongue further validates our belief in the antiquity of Shem Tov's Hebrew Gospel of Matthew.
Coupled with the alignment of the text with 14th-century Hebrew orthographic conventions, these linguistic and idiomatic hallmarks serve as resounding affirmations of our conviction: Shem Tov's Hebrew Gospel of Matthew is not a derivative translation, but an authentic copy of Matthew's original Gospel.
XII. OUR VIEW ON THE HEBREW GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
We, the Mashiachim, believe that Shem Tov's Hebrew Gospel of Matthew is not a mere version or translation, but a copy of Matthew's original Hebrew composition. To us, it represents a direct link to the apostolic age and an undiluted transmission of the Gospel truth as the apostle Levi (a.k.a. Matthew) himself penned it.
In contrast, we perceive all extant Greek versions of Matthew's Gospel as translations of the Hebrew Gospel, a step removed from the original narrative. The Greek texts, while mostly accurate to the original, represent a later stage in the Gospel's transmission, and in our perspective, slightly obscure some of the original Hebrew meanings.
For example, in the extant Greek texts of Matthew 5:38-39, Yeshua states the following: "“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.""
Note that the first part of verse 39, which states, "I tell you not to resist an evil person," directly contradicts James 4:7 and 1 Peter 5:8-9; verses where we are specifically commanded by the apostles to "Resist the devil." Without any doubt, the devil is "an evil person". Therefore, according to the Greek texts of Matthew 5:39, believers are commanded "not to resist" him. This should not be so, and is a Biblical contradiction that cannot be overlooked.
However, in the Hebrew Gospel of Matthew's 5:38-39, Yeshua states the following: "Again you have heard what is said in the Torah: An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, repay no one evil for evil; but he who slaps your right cheek, provide for him the left."
Here, in the Hebrew Gospel of Matthew, not only do we have no contradictions with any other Biblical verses, we receive a text of greater clarity and meaning and in fact, also have a text that, it seems, was actually quoted by Paul the Apostle in his letter to the Romans. While quoting other sayings of Yeshua (see Rom 12:14-16), in Romans 12:17, Paul suddenly says, "Repay no one evil for evil."
Perform a word search on your Greek Bible texts and you will find that the saying "Repay no one evil for evil" occurs nowhere except in Romans 12:17 and appears to have been spontaneously invented by Paul whilst writing his letter to the Romans. However, when we read the Hebrew Gospel of Matthew, we find that the saying "Repay no one evil for evil" actually originated with Yeshua.
Therefore, our gaze remains resolutely fixed upon Shem Tov's Hebrew Gospel of Matthew as a testament that bridges the millenniums, an enduring echo of Matthew's authentic Gospel in its original Hebrew form (and hidden safely away from the corrupt and anti-Christ fingers of the Catholic church).
XIII. BUT WHAT SIGNIFIGANCE DOES THE HEBREW GOSPEL OF MATTHEW HOLD WITH REGARD TO YESHUA'S NAME?
Now we come to the reason why we reveal so much about the Hebrew Gospel of Matthew in this particular article: Because it illuminates an element of monumental importance that often remains obscured in non-Hebrew versions of the Gospel, namely, that "Jesus" is not the real Name of the Lord. Our exploration now takes us to Matthew 1:21 of the Hebrew Gospel of Matthew, a verse that is quite illuminating in its original Hebrew context.
The verse reads: "ותלד בן ותףרא שמו ישוע כי הוא יושיע את עמי מעונותם" which when translated directly into English, proclaims, "She will bear a Son and you will call His Name YESHUA because He will save My people from their sins."
In this pivotal verse, we confront the Name that was divinely ordained, the name by which the Savior was called by his contemporaries: YESHUA. This is not merely a matter of semantics or translation convention; it is a matter of adhering to the explicit mandate communicated in the angelic proclamation and uttered by the lips of his family, friends, fellow countrymen, and by God Himself.
This use of the Name YESHUA here in Matthew 1:21, and indeed all throughout the Hebrew Gospel of Matthew, does more than confirm that Yeshua's given name was not "Jesus"; it unveils the profound link between Yeshua's real Name and his salvific mission. His name, Yeshua, is an embodiment of his divine purpose - to save His people from their sins.
Therefore, the assertion of Shem Tov's Hebrew Gospel of Matthew cannot be overstated: the Name by which the Savior was known, recognized, and received by his contemporaries was YESHUA. This truth aligns seamlessly with the reality of his identity and mission, lending even more credibility to the authenticity and authority of Shem Tov's Hebrew Gospel of Matthew.
XIV. BUT "JESUS" COMES FROM THE GREEK TEXTS OF THE BIBLE!
Moreover, to those who argue that "Jesus" is merely a derivation from the Greek "Ιησους" (Iesous), we concur. However, it's worth highlighting that the Greek rendition "Ιησους" is an approximation, a result of Greek's limitations in faithfully transcribing the phonetics of His real Hebrew name. It does not imply that His name was originally pronounced "ee-soos" by the Greeks in the first century. The apostles verbally disseminated His authentic Name: "Yeshua". Thus, even Greek individuals who became His followers in the early years of the Mashiachim (a.k.a. Christianity) would have striven to pronounce His Name as accurately as possible, despite the Greek language's phonetic constraints.
Building on our earlier point, we propose that it was in the 2nd century, as written texts became the primary mode of Gospel transmission (because the apostles and the early Church were all removed from the earth by then), that Greeks began to pronounce His name as "Ιησους" ('ee-soos')—essentially a phonetic rendering of the Greek letters, rather than a faithful approximation of the original pronunciation.
This hypothesis is also relevant when considering the Latin transliteration of Yeshua's name. Latin speakers, similar to their Greek counterparts, encountered the same phonetic challenges. The Latin alphabet, like the Greek, lacked the requisite letters to accurately represent the sounds in Yeshua's Name. Hence, when the Gospels were translated into Latin, Yeshua's Name was transcribed as 'Iesus.' Romans who initially heard the Gospel orally from the apostles or their disciples would have attempted to pronounce Yeshua's Name as closely as possible to its Hebrew original. However, as with the Greeks, later Latin readers who were separated from these oral traditions would likely have pronounced His name as it was written, "Iesus."
In both cases, it's important to remember that these may not be the result of deliberate distortions, but rather the inevitable consequences of cross-linguistic transcription and cultural transmission over the centuries. Nonetheless, as followers who seek to honor Yeshua, we choose to use His original God-given Name in recognition of its authenticity and historical significance.
XV. WHAT ABOUT 'HAMASHIACH'?
The term "HaMashiach", meanwhile, originates from the Hebrew language. It is composed of two parts: "Ha", which simply means "the", and "Mashiach", which translates to "Anointed". Combined, "HaMashiach" refers to "the Anointed". Throughout the Scriptures, several individuals were referred to as "Mashiachim" (plural form) or "Anointed ones", including King David, who was chosen by God as recorded in 1 Samuel 9:16.
Furthermore, even a foreign (non-Israeli) king, Cyrus of Persia, was called Mashiachim (God's anointed) in Isaiah 45:1, "Thus says YHWH to His Mashiach (anointed), To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held—To subdue nations before him And loose the armor of kings, To open before him the double doors, So that the gates will not be shut." This emphasizes that the term Mashiach denotes an individual chosen by God for a particular purpose.
However, Yeshua HaMashiach's anointing was unique and superior to these instances. As cited in Psalm 45:7, "You love righteousness and hate wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions." This demonstrates that Yeshua's anointing by God was unparalleled, signifying His supreme and unique role in God's redemptive plan for mankind.
By using the authentic combined Name and title of "Yeshua HaMashiach", we, the Mashiachim, affirm our commitment to the historical and linguistic authenticity of our faith. By doing so, we pay tribute to Yeshua's Hebrew roots and emphasize the unique anointing bestowed upon Him by God Himself. We believe this approach enriches our understanding of His life, His mission, and His divine identity.
Indeed Matthew 7:22-23 underscores the importance of knowing and invoking the true Name of the Lord. As Yeshua said: "Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’" The repeated reference to "in Your name" raises an interesting question: Were they using the Lord's real Name or a name invented in 1629?
Using the real Name and title of the Only-Begotten Son of God, Yeshua HaMashiach, isn't simply a sign of special respect; it's a testimony of our commitment to accuracy, unity, orthodoxy, and the recognition of the divine power inherent in His Name. The Name of our Mashiach doesn't change; He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). We, therefore, encourage all Mashiachim worldwide to use and uphold the true Name of our Lord, Yeshua HaMashiach, as a reflection of our shared faith and common commitment to God's immutable truth and power.
May the God of all wisdom guide you to understanding in the Name of His only begotten Son, Yeshua HaMashiach our Lord. Ahmeen.
Shlama lokhun (Peace to you) b’shmay d’Yeshua M’shikha (in the Name of Yeshua HaMashiach) our Lord, in the ancient language which He spoke -Aramaic. Ahmeen.
-We, the Mashiachim