Skip to content 
Who Is Jesus in the Bible? A Complete, Scripture-Grounded Account (KJV)
The question who is Jesus in the Bible is the central question of Scripture. The Bible does not treat Jesus as a footnote to history, a moral philosopher, or merely a religious founder. Instead, Scripture presents Jesus as the promised Messiah, the incarnate Word of God, the crucified and risen Savior, the reigning King, and the appointed Judge of all humanity. To understand who is Jesus in the Bible, the story must be followed as the Bible itself tells it—before His birth, during His earthly life, and after His resurrection.
If someone asks who is Jesus in the Bible, the answer is not found in a single verse, but in the unified testimony of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. For instance, the story of Jesus can be found just in the names of the first patriarchs in the Bible from Adam to Noah. This article provides that unified answer, grounded directly in the biblical text (KJV).
The Birth of Jesus: When, Where, How, and Why
Any serious answer to who is Jesus in the Bible begins with His birth. The Gospels present Jesus as born in real time and space, within known political and historical conditions.
Where and How Jesus Was Born
Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, fulfilling prophecy that the Messiah would come from David’s city:
- Micah 5:2 – https://biblehub.com/micah/5-2.htm
His mother, Mary, was a virgin, and His conception was by the Holy Spirit, not by human means:
- Matthew 1:20–23 – https://biblehub.com/matthew/1-20.htm
- Isaiah 7:14 – https://biblehub.com/isaiah/7-14.htm
This establishes from the outset that who is Jesus in the Bible includes divine origin joined to real human birth.
When Was Jesus Born?
Scripture does not give a specific calendar date for Jesus’ birth. The later tradition of celebrating Jesus’ birth on December 25 developed centuries after the New Testament period. Most scholars agree Jesus was almost certainly not born on December 25, based on details such as shepherds being in the fields at night.
Importantly, the Bible places no theological weight on the exact date. What matters for understanding who is Jesus in the Bible is not the calendar day, but the fact of incarnation: “The Word was made flesh.” (John 1:14 – https://biblehub.com/john/1-14.htm)
The Earthly Life of Jesus: His Walk Among Humanity
To understand who is Jesus in the Bible, one must consider His public ministry—often called His “walk on earth.”
Jesus’ Ministry and Teaching
Jesus began His public ministry proclaiming the kingdom of God:
- Matthew 4:17 – https://biblehub.com/matthew/4-17.htm
He taught with authority unlike the scribes:
- Matthew 7:28–29 – https://biblehub.com/matthew/7-29.htm
His most famous teaching, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), shows Jesus acting not merely as an interpreter of God’s law, but as the one who speaks with final authority over it:
- Matthew 5–7 – https://biblehub.com/kjv/matthew/5.htm
This is a critical component of who is Jesus in the Bible—Jesus speaks as lawgiver, not merely as prophet.
Jesus’ Miracles
The Gospels record Jesus healing the sick, casting out demons, commanding nature, and raising the dead. These miracles function as signs of authority:
- Matthew 8:26 – https://biblehub.com/matthew/8-26.htm
- John 11:43–44 – https://biblehub.com/john/11-43.htm
The repeated question is not whether Jesus had power, but by what authority He acted.
The Death of Jesus: Crucifixion and Meaning
The crucifixion is essential to who is Jesus in the Bible. Jesus was executed by Roman crucifixion under Pontius Pilate, a historically attested event.
When Did Jesus Die?
Jesus’ death is remembered annually at Easter, yet the exact modern calendar date of the crucifixion is debated. Scripture connects His death to Passover, not to a fixed Gregorian date:
- Matthew 26:2 – https://biblehub.com/matthew/26-2.htm
As with His birth, Scripture places significance not on the modern date, but on the meaning of the event.
Theological Meaning of the Cross
Jesus’ death was not accidental. Scripture states it occurred by God’s determined plan:
- Acts 2:23 – https://biblehub.com/acts/2-23.htm
Jesus bore sin as a substitutionary sacrifice:
- Isaiah 53:5 – https://biblehub.com/isaiah/53-5.htm
- 1 Peter 2:24 – https://biblehub.com/1_peter/2-24.htm
At the moment of His death, the veil of the Temple was torn:
- Matthew 27:51 – https://biblehub.com/matthew/27-51.htm
This signified direct access to God, no longer mediated by the old sacrificial system. This event is foundational to who is Jesus in the Bible as mediator and redeemer.
The Resurrection of Jesus
The resurrection is the hinge on which the entire biblical claim rests.
Jesus was raised on the third day:
- Matthew 28:6 – https://biblehub.com/matthew/28-6.htm
Paul states plainly that without the resurrection, faith collapses:
- 1 Corinthians 15:17 – https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/15-17.htm
The resurrection functions as divine vindication. It confirms that Jesus’ claims about His identity, authority, and mission were true. Any answer to who is Jesus in the Bible that excludes resurrection is incomplete.
Jesus After the Resurrection
Jesus did not cease to act after rising from the dead. He appeared bodily to many witnesses:
- Luke 24:36–43 – https://biblehub.com/luke/24-36.htm
- John 20:26–29 – https://biblehub.com/john/20-26.htm
He ascended into heaven:
- Acts 1:9–11 – https://biblehub.com/acts/1-9.htm
Scripture presents Jesus as reigning at God’s right hand:
- Psalm 110:1 – https://biblehub.com/psalms/110-1.htm
- Hebrews 1:3 – https://biblehub.com/hebrews/1-3.htm
This reign is central to who is Jesus in the Bible—not only Savior, but reigning Lord.
Jesus Before, During, and After the Incarnation
To fully understand who is Jesus in the Bible, Scripture must be allowed to speak across all phases of Jesus’ activity: before the incarnation, during His earthly (incarnate) ministry, and after His resurrection and exaltation. The Bible does not confine Jesus to one moment in history.
Chart: Preincarnate, Incarnate, and Post‑Resurrection Appearances of Jesus
| Phase | Passage (KJV) | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preincarnate | Genesis 16:7–13 | Angel of the LORD speaks to Hagar | Speaks as God; receives divine recognition |
| Preincarnate | Genesis 22:11–18 | Angel of the LORD stops Abraham | Swears by Himself; covenant authority |
| Preincarnate | Genesis 32:24–30 | Man wrestles Jacob | Jacob says he saw God face to face |
| Preincarnate | Exodus 3:2–6 | Angel of the LORD in burning bush | Identified as God, yet distinguished |
| Preincarnate | Joshua 5:13–15 | Commander of the LORD’s army | Receives worship; holy ground |
| Preincarnate | Judges 6:11–24 | Angel of the LORD with Gideon | Accepts sacrifice; called LORD |
| Preincarnate | Judges 13:3–22 | Angel of the LORD to Manoah | Name too wonderful; ascends in flame |
| Preincarnate | Daniel 3:25 | Fourth man in the furnace | Like the Son of God |
| Preincarnate | Daniel 7:13–14 | Son of Man before Ancient of Days | Receives everlasting dominion |
| Incarnate | Matthew 1–2 | Birth narratives | God enters history as man |
| Incarnate | Matthew 5–7 | Sermon on the Mount | Lawgiver with divine authority |
| Incarnate | Matthew 8–9 | Miracles | Authority over nature, sin, sickness |
| Incarnate | Matthew 27 | Crucifixion | Atonement; veil torn |
| Post‑Resurrection | Matthew 28:9–10 | Appears to the women | Receives worship |
| Post‑Resurrection | Luke 24:36–43 | Appears to disciples | Bodily resurrection |
| Post‑Resurrection | John 20:26–29 | Appears to Thomas | Confessed as Lord and God |
| Post‑Resurrection | Acts 1:9–11 | Ascension | Enthronement; promised return |
| Post‑Resurrection | Acts 7:55–56 | Appears to Stephen | Standing at God’s right hand |
| Post‑Resurrection | Acts 9:3–6 | Appears to Saul | Sovereign authority |
| Post‑Resurrection | Revelation 1:12–18 | Glorified Son of Man | Holds keys of death and hell |
| Post‑Resurrection | Revelation 5:6–14 | The Lamb on the throne | Receives universal worship |
This unified chart shows that who is Jesus in the Bible cannot be reduced to His earthly life alone. Scripture presents Jesus as eternally active: appearing before Bethlehem, walking among humanity in the incarnation, and reigning after the resurrection with authority, worship, and judgment.
Jesus as Judge and King
Jesus is not only Savior; He is Judge.
Scripture states that judgment is entrusted to the Son:
- John 5:22 – https://biblehub.com/john/5-22.htm
Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the Son of Man who will judge the nations:
- Matthew 25:31–46 – https://biblehub.com/kjv/matthew/25.htm
His kingdom is everlasting:
- Luke 1:33 – https://biblehub.com/luke/1-33.htm
Thus, who is Jesus in the Bible includes eternal kingship and final judgment.
Why the Question Matters
The Bible ties salvation, judgment, and eternal life directly to one’s response to Jesus:
- Acts 4:12 – https://biblehub.com/acts/4-12.htm
- John 14:6 – https://biblehub.com/john/14-6.htm
The question who is Jesus in the Bible is therefore not academic. Scripture presents Jesus as the decisive revelation of God.
Conclusion: Who Is Jesus in the Bible?
So, who is Jesus in the Bible?
According to Scripture, who is Jesus in the Bible can be summarized clearly and carefully.
Jesus is the eternal Word who existed before all things; the promised Messiah foretold in the Old Testament; the virgin-born Son who entered history; the authoritative teacher who delivered the Sermon on the Mount; the miracle-working Lord who demonstrated divine authority; the crucified sacrifice whose death tore the veil; the risen Savior vindicated by resurrection; the reigning King seated at God’s right hand; and the appointed Judge who will return in glory.
Scripture also maintains a consistent distinction without division: the Father is repeatedly called Almighty, while the Son fully shares the divine nature, receives authority, reigns forever, judges the world, and brings all things into submission to God. This preserves the full biblical witness without flattening roles or essence.
The question who is Jesus in the Bible is therefore not academic. Scripture presents Jesus as God’s final and fullest revelation, the dividing line between belief and unbelief, life and judgment. How one answers who is Jesus in the Bible determines how one responds to Father Himself.