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The Historic Faith
Scripture Topic Guide

Bible Verses About Jesus The Nazarene

Early Christian writings call Jesus the Nazarene, tie that name to his real life in Galilee, and treat him as the Messiah who was crucified and raised. Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Hippolytus, and Origen all use the name in ordinary historical and scriptural ways, while the Gospels are the main direct Bible witness for the title. The strongest evidence is broad for Jesus being called "of Nazareth" and for Christians seeing that name as part of his messianic identity.

Evidence is also strong that early Christians linked the name with his suffering, death, and resurrection, but a few cards are only background or typology, not direct teaching about the title itself. The case is clear on the name, but thinner on any special doctrinal meaning beyond Jesus' identity and mission.

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Key Passages

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How to Study Jesus The Nazarene

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Scripture Map

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22 references

Foundation Texts

And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

direct Bible prophecy line about Nazarene

And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

direct Gospel title from the crowds

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

direct naming by Philip

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

clear direct identification of Jesus of Nazareth

And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.

direct use of the title in Acts

They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

direct title in John

And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

direct plain description of Jesus from Nazareth

And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

cross inscription directly names Jesus of Nazareth

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

Direct Bible passage on Jesus coming from Nazareth

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

direct preaching about Jesus of Nazareth and God's power

Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

direct resurrection preaching in Acts

The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

Direct Bible passage about God's word through Jesus Christ

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

direct apostolic preaching about crucified Jesus and lordship

Supporting Passages

And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:

Nazareth location detail, but not direct enough

And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

passing-by wording only

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

John 1:47 not about Nazareth identity

And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

Question about Nazareth, weaker than direct naming texts

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

Not about the Nazarene topic

For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

Nazarenes here names a sect, not the topic directly

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

Acts 2:22 includes crucifixion with the larger resurrection context

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Acts 11:26 is about the name Christian, not Nazarene

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

Messiah naming, not Nazarene-focused