The 'King' of Tyneside overhauled Jackie Milburn's total of 200 goals at the fifth time of asking having equalled the record in the FA Cup win over Mansfield last month.
Shearer has netted some crucial goals during his illustrious career, but the emotion was evident for all to see as the Premiership's leading hitman celebrated his 64th-minute strike.
The trademark arm was raised in the air by Shearer before he was mobbed by his team-mates before he started punching the air with both arms.
The home crowd erupted as they hailed the Messiah who was then given a standing ovation as he left the field at the final whistle.
But this was not just about Shearer, even though he had a hand in Charles N'Zogbia's first-half opener.
United desperately needed a win and under the guidance of caretaker boss Glenn Roeder were never in danger of not claiming maximum points against a Portsmouth side that is without doubt the worst Premiership side to have appeared on Tyneside this season.
One point from 18 cost Graeme Souness his job on Thursday as United slipped to the fringes of the relegation dogfight.
Importantly, Newcastle won back their fans with a no-nonsense display from start to finish.
Scott Parker emphasised the never-say-die approach with an awesome display before he left the field totally exhausted four minutes from time when the points were already sealed.
Perhaps the biggest surprise was that it was only 2-0 as Newcastle were dominant throughout and Shay Given did not have a single save to make.
Pompey were woeful, and on this showing can start preparing for Championship football next season.
It was not until four minutes before the break that the deadlock was broken.
Nolberto Solano worked a one-two with Shola Ameobi before crossing for Shearer to see his header blocked by the legs of Dean Kiely, only for N'Zogbia to fire in the rebound.
There were many more opportunities to increase the lead before Ameobi cleverly back-heeled the ball into the path of Shearer after 64 minutes and he fired through the legs of Kiely to settle the issue.