Jesus was a very symbolic person. He used symbols to teach and to heal. He also used symbols to show his presence in their lives. Jesus taught them about his love for them through the use of symbols. When he healed them, he also did it in a way that was symbolic. The Bible is full of examples where Jesus used symbolism to teach people about him and his love for them. In this article you’ll learn about symbols of the scripture.
There are many different types of symbols in the Bible that represent Jesus’ teachings and ministry on earth. Some represent his power over death, others represent healing, others represent forgiveness and others represent love itself.
The Bible is full of symbols, and Jesus is no exception. Jesus’ life and teachings are full of symbolic stories that can help you understand what it means to be a Christian. He was born in a manger and died on a cross, but there’s much more to the story than just those two events.
The story of Jesus’ life is full of symbolism and meaning that goes beyond the literal meaning of the text. You’ll also see what does jesus symbolize discussed in the article.
Symbols of Jesus In the Bible
Truths of our faith are represented by our rituals. We pass on these signs from one generation to the next.
Fish
The early Christians used a fish as a secret symbol of their faith during times of persecution. Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour — the first letters of each word in Greek spell the Greek word for fish (ichthus).
Chi-rho
Christ’s monogram is a combination of the chi (X) and rho (R), the initial letters of the Greek word for “Christ” (P).
IHS
The first letters of the Greek name for Jesus are used to create this Christ monogram with radiating light. A symbol for the Holy Name created by St. Bernardine of Siena in the fifteenth century.
Lamb
Christ, the Lamb of God, was offered as a sacrifice for the transgressions of the human race. Because the Lamb has risen and been exalted in heaven, the eagle is typically depicted in a regal manner, waving a banner.
Vine
Jesus called himself the “true vine” (John 15:1). The branches are us. Nothing can sustain us besides him.
Cross
In the fourteenth century, this method of execution emerged as a popular icon for Christ. It has been a symbol of Jesus and his redemptive work ever since.
Count: three
Symbolically, Christ, as the second person of the Trinity, is shown as one of the three conjoined circles. God’s eternity is symbolized by the circle, which has no beginning and no end.
Holy Heart
Christ’s inexhaustible love for the Father and for us is symbolized by his willingness to sacrifice himself on the cross and rise from the dead.
Context: a day with a rising sun
The dawn is a symbol of Jesus, the Son of God, who triumphed over death by rising from the grave. Every morning, the first Christians faced east, toward the rising sun, to pray.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Redeemer! †
Symbols Of The Scripture
Luke 8 :10 To you, He said, “I reveal the secrets of the universe.”
kingdom of God; the rest, however, are given the message through metaphors so that “even though they see, they will not understand.” A lot of the apocalyptic prophecies were spoken by the prophets while they were in a hostile foreign land. God hid the meanings of the prophecies in symbols in order to safeguard them.
Anatomy of Animals
Horses equal military might and strength. Scriptures (Job 39:19, Psalm 147:10, Proverbs 21:31)
The term “dragon” can refer to the Devil himself or his organization. References: Isaiah 27:1; 30:6; Psalm 74:13-14; Revelation 12:7-9; Ezekiel 29:3; Jeremiah 51:34
Kingdom, government, or political power are all synonyms for the beast. 7:17, 23 of the Book of Daniel
A lamb is a symbol of Jesus and the atoning sacrifice he made for us. References: John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7
To the Babylonians, the lion represents Jesus or the all-powerful king. Daniel 7:4,17,23; Isaiah 50:43–44; Revelation 5:4–9
The Bear = Destructive Force / Ancient Persia 2 Kings 2:23–24, Proverbs 28:15, Daniel 7:5
Assimilate Leopard to the Country of Greece Proverbs 7:6
For Satan, see serpent. The Book of Revelation, Chapters 12:9 and 20:2.
The Tongue Is the Window to the Soul Verse 10 of Exodus
Wolf = Hidden Threats That Prey at Night Luke 7:15
A dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Mark 1:10
For Medieval Iran, Ram is synonymous with the name Ram. Scripture Reference: Daniel 8:20
Sheep = Turkey Revelation 8:21
Horn = Monarchy or Ruler Revelation 17:12; Zechariah 1:18; Daniel 7:24; 8:5, 21
Wings = Rapid Movement, Safety, and Rescue Colors (Deut. 28:49) and (Matthew 23:37)
White symbolizes innocence and cleanliness. See also Revelation 3:4,5; 7:14; 19:14
Blue = Num. 15:38-39 of the Law
Mark 15:17; Judges 8:26; Purple = Royalty
Scarlet/red = evil/sin Metals, elements, and other elements of nature are mentioned in Isaiah 1:18; Nahum 2:3; and Revelation 17:1-4.
Golden Qualities Are Unadulterated Rare and Highly Valuable Isa 13:12
Silver = Unadulterated Language & Comprehension Psalm 12:6, Proverbs 2:4, 3:13-14, 10:20, and 25:11
Dross made of metals like Brass, Tin, Iron, Lead, and Silver means an unrefined persona. Ezekiel 22:20–21
What is the Holy Spirit? Eternal Life and the Water of Life. Scriptures: John 7:39; 4:14; 22:17; Ephesians 5:26
Waters = Population Density & National Boundaries In Revelation 17:15
As in, Holy Spirit is represented by fire. Luke 3:16
Cross = Tree; People = Country Deut. 21:22-23, Psalm 92:12, 37:35
A descendant of Jesus is a “seed,” which is another way of saying “descendant Bible Verses: Romans 9:8; Galatians 3:16
Good deeds are the fruit of our labors. A Study of Galatians 5:22
Fruitful nation is symbolized by the fig tree. Luke 13:6-9
Fruitful church = productive vineyard. Luke 20:9-16
World = Field Both Matthew 13:38 and John 4:35
What we harvest equals the end of the world. Scripture Reference: Matthew 13:39
“Angels” are “Reapers” Scripture Reference: Matthew 13:39
Thorns = the worries of daily life; thorny ground Mark 4:18-19
Angels/messengers = stars. John 1:16–20; 12:4–9; Job 38:7
Death equals Jordan Deuteronomy 4:22, Romans 6:4
The mountains represent the political or religious authorities. Isaiah 2.3; Jeremiah 17.3; 31.23; 51.24, 25; Ezek 17.22, 23; Daniel 2.35, 44, 45
Jesus/the Truth Is Like a Solid Rock Matthew 7:24; Romans 9:33; 1 Corinthians 10:4
Christ/the Good News is symbolized by the Sun. Winds equal strife, commotion, and “winds of war” (Jeremiah 25:31–33; 49:36–37; 4:11–13; Zechariah 7:14); Psalm 84:11; Malachi 4:2; Matthew 17:2; John 8:12; 9:5).
Candle = Holy Scripture Psalm 119:105
Spirit of Oil Verses 2-6 of Zechariah and 4:5 of Revelation
The Word of God is like a sword. Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17
The Word of God is like daily bread. John 6:35, 51, 52, 63
Blood/Covenant/Doctrines = Wine Luke 5:37
Happy life = a honeycomb Deuteronomy 8:8-9; Ezekiel 20:6
The way one dresses is directly related to their personality. Isaiah 59:6, 64:6
The term “crown” refers to a prestigious position of authority. See also: Proverbs 16:31; Isaiah 28:5; Isaiah 62:3.
The Ring Denotes Authoritativeness Scriptures: (Genesis 41:42–43; Esther 3:10)
Angelic Beings Are Divine Messengers Scriptures: Hebrews 1:14; Luke 1:19; Daniel 8:16; 9:21
Apostasy, confusion, and rebellion are all synonyms for Babylon. Genesis 10:8–10; 11:6–9; Revelation 18:2–3; 17:1–5
Approval/disapproval symbol: a mark Revel. 13:17; 14:9-11; 7:2, 3; Ezekiel 9:4; Rom. 4:11
Acceptance or rejection is indicated by a seal. Revelation 7:2–3; Romans 4:11
Victory and righteousness are symbolized by white robes. John’s Revelation 19:8; Isaiah’s Revelation 3:5; Daniel’s Revelation 7:
Container = Human Being 2 Corinthians 4:7 and Jeremiah 18:1-4
Calendar Year = 360 Days Margin: Daniel 4:16, 23, 25, 32, 7:25, 11:13
In a nutshell: 720 days In Daniel 7:25 and Revelation 12:6,14 and 13:5, the word for “day” is the same as “literal year.” Bible Verses: Ezekiel 4:6; Numbers 14:34
The sound of the trumpet heralds the arrival of God as a mighty warning. Events, Doings, and Actual Physical Conditions in Exodus 19:16-17 and Joshua 6:4-5
Mend = Deliverance Luke 5:23-24
Disease or Leprosy = Guilt Luke 5:23-24
Hunger = Insufficiency of Reality Humans and their Appendages in Amos 8:11
Authentic Church = Virtuous Woman Ephesians 5:23-27; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Jeremiah 6:2
apostate church = corrupt woman Scriptures: Ezekiel 16:15–58, 23:2–21, Hosea 2:5–3, Revelation 14:4
Thief = the unexpected arrival of Jesus 5:2-4 1 Thessalonians; 2 Peter 3:10
The hand symbolizes one’s actions. According to Ecclesiastes 9:10 and Isaiah 59:6.
Assumption: Head = Cognitive Processes References: Deuteronomy 6:6-8; Romans 7:25; Ezekiel 3:8; Your Walk and Your Direction Equal to Nine Feet Scripture References: Gen. 19:2 and Ps.
Vision = Religious Perception 1 John 2:11; Matthew 13:10-17
Skin = the Righteousness of Christ Isaiah 1-4, Exodus 12:5, 1 Peter 1:19
In this context, “harlot” refers to a church or religion that has abandoned its original beliefs. Isaiah 1:1–27; Jeremiah 3:1–3; 6–9
Leaders/Governments/Powers at the Top, or “Heads,” Revel. 17:3–9, 10
What Does Jesus Symbolize
Jesus is a Hebrew name meaning “Savior.” Similar to the biblical figure Joshua, whose name appears here. And because “He saves His people from their sins,” the Lord receives it (Matthew 1:21).
The name Jesus is a great source of hope for burdened sinners. He, who is already King of kings and Lord of lords, could have justifiably claimed an even grander moniker. However, God abstains from doing this. The current elites of this planet have frequently referred to themselves as great, conquerors, bold, magnificent, and similar superlatives. The Son of God is satisfied with the title “Savior.”
The Hebrew and Greek Roots of the Name Jesus
The Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua, Hoshea, is Jesus, according to Easton’s Bible Dictionary (Numbers 13:8, Numbers 13:16). In Numbers 13:16 and 1 Chronicles 7:27, Moses renamed him Joshua, or Jehoshua. The name changed to Jeshua after Israel’s exile to Babylon, and the Greek form of the name ultimately gave rise to Jesus. Our Lord’s mission was to save humanity, and this title was given to him to emphasize this (Matthew 1:21).
Jesus’ Identity as Christ and Its Significance
There have been many others with the name Jesus before and after the one described in the Bible. However, only this Jesus is called the Christ Jesus or Jesus Christ. Further, Christ is a name that carries with it a special significance because of who he is and what he does.
Christ means “anointed” in Easton’s Bible Dictionary. Jesus’ Hebrew name is Messiah, and the Greek word for Messiah is “anointed.” Jesus is called by this name 514 times in the New Testament. Some instances are as follows: Matthew 16:15-16; Acts 17:3; Acts 18:5.
The significance of the Christ/Anointed/Messiah portion of Jesus’ name comes from the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
All of the Old Testament pointed to the coming of a Messiah (Psalm 22, Deuteronomy 18:15-18, Genesis 3:15), and Isaiah 61, Psalm 2, and Daniel 9:24-26 pointed to him as the Anointed One.
Meaning of Jesus’ Name as Deliverer
Jesus is short for “savior,” as was just mentioned. That’s God’s assigned function. By washing his people in his own atoning blood, He delivers them from the consequences of their sins. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, he delivers them from the power of sin and ensures their salvation. When He takes them out of this world to be with Him in the afterlife, He rescues them from the influence of sin. Once He bestows upon them a glorious body on the last day, He will rescue them from all the repercussions of sin.
Those in need of salvation can approach God the Father with confidence because Christ provides a way of access and closeness to God. Giving mercy is both His duty and His greatest joy. As the Bible puts it, “God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17).
For Christians, the name Jesus takes on an extra special sweetness and value. It has helped them a lot of the time. They now have something that money can’t buy: internal calm. It has brought relief to their troubled minds and calmed their anxious hearts. Many people can relate to what is said in the Song of Solomon: “Your name is oil poured forth” (Song of Solomon 1:3). Whoever puts their faith in Jesus, rather than just in God’s benevolence in general, will find happiness.
Christians say their prayers “In the name of Jesus” for what reason?
In this video, Don Whitney, a professor of biblical spirituality at Southern Seminary, discusses the significance of the phrase “in Jesus’ name” as a Christian closing phrase.
We come to God in Christ’s righteousness, not our own, when we pray in His name. We are not worthy of God’s attention, but we come in Jesus’ name anyway.
We believe that if Jesus were in our situation, he would ask the same questions we are asking. That’s true, but it pales in comparison to the greater truth that Christ’s righteousness is what we bring to the table. With Jesus, we have an audience with God.
Here’s where you can hear the rest of it.
Exactly what does it entail to “take the name of Jesus in vain?”
The third of the Ten Commandments is, “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:7). Meaningless, pointless, phony, or frivolous are all ways to describe something that is “in vain.” To use God’s name in a way that is meaningless, irreverent, or frivolous is to take God’s name in vain. And one of the most blatant ways of doing this is by using obscene language. We’ve all heard someone use Jesus as a rhetorical question mark. Jesus’ name being used disrespectfully is seen by Christians as an affront to God because of their belief in Jesus’ divine nature.
Therefore, as Scripture states in Philippians 2:9-11, “God also highly exalted Him and gave Him the name which is above every name,” so that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,” and “every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Jesus’ name is mighty. For God’s sake, his followers are expected to treat God’s name with reverence at all times.