Yahushua vs Yahusha? You have heard them both but which is accurate? The name Yahushua (יהושוע) is often misunderstood by those unfamiliar with Hebrew grammar and spelling. The full six letter spelling of Yahushua (יהושוע) appears frequently in the Dead Sea Scrolls. It also appears in the Masoretic text. Some go as far as to argue for alternate forms like Yahusha, based on faulty assumptions and confusion between different Hebrew roots. Let’s set the record straight.

Full vs. Defective Spellings

In Hebrew, words can appear in either full (plene) or defective forms. This happens thousands of times in Hebrew Scripture and can bee seen in all Hebrew inscriptions from ancient times. Words are typically spelled in a full form where all the vowel letters (yod and waw specifically) appear. Words also appear in a defective form where one or more vowel letters (yod and waw) are dropped. This is the case for basic words like shalom and shophar. We also see this in proper names as David’s name is spelled with and without a letter yod. Zebulon is spelled three different ways all involving this same phenomenon. No matter the spelling the word or name remains verbally pronounced the same. Yahushua is no different:

• 5-letter spelling: יהושע appearing more frequently in the Masoretic text, pronounced Yahushua
• 6-letter spelling: יהושוע appearing more frequently in the Dead Seas Scrolls, pronounced Yahushua.

Some mistakenly confuse shua (שוע) with shaw (שוא), meaning “vanity” or “emptiness.” That’s a completely different word — different letters, different meaning — and it’s not what appears in the name Yahushua.

If “shua” meant vanity, then names like Elishua (“My El is salvation”) and Abishua (“My father is salvation”) would make no sense. These names follow the same pattern and are clearly rooted in the concept of deliverance or salvation.

Elishua – אֱלִישׁוּעַ

Meaning: “My El is salvation”

• אֵל = El (mighty one, title of YHWH)
• יִשׁוּעַ = Yeshua/Shua (salvation)

Abishua – אֲבִישׁוּעַ

Meaning: “My father is salvation”

• אָבִי = Avi (my father)
• שׁוּעַ = Shua (salvation)

The Meaning Behind the Name

Joshua (Yahushua) was originally named Hoshea, but Moses renamed him Yahushua in Numbers 13:16, signifying “YHWH is salvation.”

This ties directly to Exodus 15:2, after the Red Sea crossing:
“Yah has become my salvation” – יה ויהי לי לישועה (Yah wayehi li l’yeshuah)

This root word yeshuah (יְשׁוּעָה) is directly connected to the name Yahushua, showing that the name is prophetic and directly tied to the Song of Moses. This song is the inspiration for the Name of Yahushua Ben Nun (Joshua) and The Messiah. It is well understood that they had the same name.

Yeshua (ישוע) as a Contracted Form

Later biblical texts like Ezra and Nehemiah use the name Yeshua, which most scholars recognize as a contracted form of Yahushua — not a different name altogether. This is common in Hebrew and doesn’t mean the meaning has changed. Pronunciation may have remained close or even identical.

Upcoming Research in My Book

This is just a short explanation. In my upcoming book, which focuses on the name YaHuWaH, I’ll go into far more detail — including multiple examples of the full 6-letter spelling in the Dead Sea Scrolls.

I’ll also demonstrate another defective spelling not found in the Masoretic Text:

• יהשוע — which, by the same logic, could appear to be Yahshua.
  But we know this is simply missing the first waw, and still refers to Yahushua. This kind of variation is typical in Hebrew manuscripts and is well understood in grammar studies.

All of this and much more — including phonology, grammar, and historical attestations — will be covered thoroughly.

Bottom Line

Yahushua means “YaHuWaH is salvation” — and the name, its spelling, and its message are solidly grounded in the biblical text, Hebrew linguistics, and ancient manuscripts. Many years ago I made a video presentation on this subject entitled “What is His Son’s Name?” I invite you watch it below and be sure to take notes as you prove all things and hold fast to what is good.

Stay rooted in Scripture. Stay grounded in truth.
More to come.