Jesus Christ is an important figure in the Christian faith, figuring prominently in the Bible – Christianity’s holy book – and forming an integral part of the religion. One can only assume that due to the prevalence of his presence and influence in the beliefs of Christianity, Jesus would receive many mentions within its texts. This article aims to satisfy that curiosity.
To ascertain the answer to the question ‘how many times is Jesus mentioned in the Bible?’, an official count of the number of mentionings must be taken from the Bible itself. This can be done by initiating a Bible search and querying the database with the phrase ‘Jesus’. Doing so yields 783 results in the King James Bible.
This figure however only accounts for the mentions of Jesus in the mentioned Bible database- other Bible translations, such as the New International Version, might yield different results. To be absolutely sure of a reliable answer, it can be interpreted that a search must be run on several other Bible databases to form an average of all the results to form a definitive answer.
Adjusting the parameters of the original search query offers a deeper insight, enabling a variety of results to be obtained. By agreeing to include additional forms of Jesus’ name – for example, ‘Jesu’ and ‘Christ’, the total number of results can be increased. Lengthening the search query results render a near 1,200 different results in the King James Bible.
For those with a keen eye for detail, alternative forms of the phrase ‘Jesus’ can be searched in the Bible to establish an alternative, spiritual context for his mentions in the texts. For example, one can explore Jesus’ mentions as a ‘Saviour’, a ‘Lamb’, or even a ‘Spirit’, among other alternative descriptions.
When looking at the mentions of Jesus in the Bible, it is important to remember what Jesus himself said about his role in the Bible – “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them.” (Matthew 5:17) He states that he is here to fulfil God’s divine prophecy and work, which is found throughout the texts of the Bible and can be studied for additional insight and understanding.
The Different Translations Of The Bible
No two copies of the Bible are exactly the same. This is because of two reasons: the perpetual process of translations and manuscripts, and the Bible’s age. In 2016, there were 534 existing different translations of the Bible and one could expect the number to grow further as time passes and revisions are made.
Due to the differences between translations, the number of mentions of Jesus in the Bible can vary, depending on which Bible you are reading. Thus, to obtain a clear answer, it is suggested to search in multiple translations to form a concrete overview of the mentions of Jesus in the Bible.
One thing all translations will have in common is the belief that Jesus preached universal love and kindness. Jesus himself said in the Gospel of John (13:34-35) “A new commandment I give unto you — Love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
He also taught us to have faith in Him. In Mark 11:22-24, Jesus says “Have faith in God- I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea!’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.”
The Cultural Significance Of Jesus
Over the centuries, Jesus has come to play a prominent role in many people’s spiritual lives. This can be seen through the power of art, music and literature, which have all been created to portray Jesus’ life and subsequently his divinity.
When looking closer at Christian culture, iconic figures have become part of the cultural story to illustrate the life of Jesus and to reflect his teachings. These figures range from traditional saints and angels to contemporary ‘messenger’ characters, who have been employed to educate current generations on Jesus’ life and teachings.
Through the ages Jesus has been cataloged into multiple aspects of our lives, and so his presence has been felt in culture, literature, and religion in ways that can be both inspiring, and empowering. The phrase “familiar old stories” comes to mind- whether you are religious, non-religious, or of another faith, Jesus’ story is a familiar one, that has become integrated into the fabric of our culture over centuries of storytelling.
Today there are numerous groups and individuals who are actively preserving Jesus’ livelihood and teachings through both everyday routines and public functions. This further cements the fact that, throughout time, Jesus’ teachings had and still have the power to deeply influence people and the ways they perceive and interact with the world.
What Does This Mean For Jesus Believers?
To believers, the existence of Jesus in the Bible is fundamental to their faith, providing the backbone for their spiritual beliefs. It allows them solidarity in their faith and serves as a reminder that Jesus is still alive in spirit and teachings today, although He is no longer physically with us.
To believers, the numerous mentions of Jesus within the Bible serve as a constant reminder of His teachings and His presence. It confirms their core belief that He is real and that, through His presence, one can obtain comfort and knowledge in their everyday lives.
From a symbolic perspective, Jesus’ presence in the Bible serves to show the people of this world the ultimate power of faith, proclaiming that with faith, one can achieve tremendous things. This is seen throughout Jesus’ own life story and subsequent mentions of Him mentioned in the bible.
In addition to this, the presence of Jesus in the Bible is a representation of our journey as human beings. It serves to show that, despite obstacles and tribulations, Jesus came through to create a better world and better lives.
The Impact Of Jesus On The Bible
Without a doubt, Jesus played a major role in the Bible, not just through his mentions but through his teachings. Jesus left an incredible impact on the Bible through the teachings he imparted to the people, which influenced their behaviour, thoughts and beliefs.
This is seen in the Bible’s New Testament, which is based heavily on Jesus’ teachings, life and miracles. Many of the world’s most influential thinkers and scholars have used Jesus’ teachings and words to support their own theories and theologies; this further cements the idea that Jesus had a resounding impact on the Bible and its teachings.
Furthermore, Jesus’ physical presence worked to prove that His teachings had tangible effects on the people around Him. He was able to approach simple concepts such as universal love and compassion in a way that allows everyone to comprehend and engage with them, in spite of any potential difficulties.
The Bible is heavily grounded in Jesus’ guidance- when we read it, we are advised to conduct ourselves in the same manner as Jesus did, learning from the brilliance of his acts and inspired words. It is this impact that Jesus left on the Bible that makes it such an important source of morality and values.
The Long Term Legacy Of Jesus In The Bible
The fact that Jesus is still actively mentioned in the Bible today, more than 2000 years after his crucifixion, is a testament to His enduring legacy and influence on mankind. Whereas some figures come and go in the Bible, Jesus has never been forgotten, and remains an integral part of our scriptures and culture.
In an ever-changing, unpredictable world, where cultures and religions are constantly evolving, Jesus remains a source of solace and guidance, a constant reminder of the power of love, kindness and forgiveness.
His presence in the bible also serves to remind us of the importance of faith in ourselves and others, not just of a spiritual nature but also in everyday, humane activities. Furthermore, it is a reminder that when love and belief exist in the hearts and minds of the people, anything is possible.
