What does IHS mean?

[Epiphanygirl]

I know I should know this, but I've never really thought about it. What do the letters I H S stand for, is it a latin word, if so, what does it mean?

 

[ps139]

I've heard that it means Iesus Hominum Salvator, which is Latin for "Jesus, Savior of men."

 

[Credo]

I've also heard that it is Greek shorthand for "Jesus".

 

[Epiphanygirl]

Thanks to both of you!

 

[ZooMom]

Hey, EG. Check this out.

 

[AMDG]

Tempted to say that it means "In His Service", but actually it's Greek and it's the first three letters of the name of Jesus--Iota, Eta, Sigma.

 

[Epiphanygirl]

Hey, EG. Check this out.

* Epiphany bonks her head.
I need to remember to ALWAYS look to the Catholic Ency. Thanks ZooMom!

 

[ZooMom]

I've got New Advent bookmarked.

 

[Epiphanygirl]

the funny thing is, so do I! ROFL

 

[Wiffey]

I've also heard that it is Greek shorthand for "Jesus".

Greek shorthand for Jesus Christ= IC XC

It is frequently seen like this: IC XC NIKA or "Jesus Christ Conquers"

IC XC NI KA is pressed onto the prosphora with a special seal. The part of the prosphora with the seal is cut out and used for Holy Communion.

 

[ps139]

Tempted to say that it means "In His Service",

Probably not since this was probably around before the English language .

but actually it's Greek and it's the first three letters of the name of Jesus--Iota, Eta, Sigma.

this makes a lot of sense, except I do not understand where the "h" comes in?
But if this is right its like if in English we abbreviated Jesus' name like "Jes."

 

[Paul S]

this makes a lot of sense, except I do not understand where the "h" comes in?
But if this is right its like if in English we abbreviated Jesus' name like "Jes."

In Greek, "JESUS" is spelled IHSOUS, the second letter eta looking like the letter H. "Iesus Hominum Salvator" was a later Latin interpretation, but like the New Advent article said, it's the first three letters of Our Lord's name in Greek.