I C H T H Y S Ichthys is the most commonly used word in the New Testament for fish. This is the reason why the ICHTHYS is usually found with a fish symbol drawn around it. But you may be wondering, where do we get the word Ichthys and the fish symbol?

Within the fish symbol you will see these letters, IXOYE. Each of these letters then has to be transliterated. I remains I, X transliterates to CH, O becomes TH, Y becomes Y or U, and E transliterates to S. The table below shows the Greek form and the transliteration.

Greek form Greek transliteration

I I

X CH

O TH

Y Y

E S

Now it gets even more interesting.

Greek meaning English transliteration

Iesous Jesus

CHristos Christ

THeos Of God

Yios Son

Soter Savior

And once again.

Greek word English transliteration

Ichthys Fish

Now let's examine the Statement of Fundamental Christian Beliefs that lie within the Ichthys.

The meaning of the Ichthys is "Jesus-Christ-Of God-Son-Savior." Jesus means "To Be" and is the equivalent of "I AM THAT I AM." It means "to exist", but it means eternal (outside of time) existence not existence within time. The name 'Jesus' identified Christ as Yahweh of the Old Testament. The Hebrew "Yeshua" means "God is Salvation." Christ is equal to the Hebrew word "Messiah," meaning the Sent One, the Anointed of God. The word points to redemption and reconciliation between God and man. Of God reminds Christians of the deity of Christ. Christ is in nature with God and the Holy Spirit. Together the 3 are 1 God with 3 differing roles. 'Of God' signifies that God is the Head of Christ. God is Father, Christ is Son. Son As Son, Jesus is not inferior to the Father, but has a different role in the redemption of humanity. The Son is the heir of the Father, and God has given all power and authority to Jesus. As Son, Jesus was obedient to God the Father. Savior At the apex of the obedience of Jesus towards God the Father was Jesus' death on the cross for the redemption of humanity, heaven, and earth. Jesus provides salvation based on His broken body and blood at the cross to every man who trusts in His righteous life. Only God can rightfully judge sin and at the same time be blameless from sin. He did both at the cross.