NAMES IN THE BIBLE
One of the interesting details in the stories of the Bible is the giving of names. We can read many accounts where something or someone was given a name or renamed. In biblical times, naming was not done casually—it was intentional and often meaningful. A name provided some information about a person’s distinguishing characteristics and was believed to be connected to the person’s destiny.
Sometimes, the name given depended on the circumstances surrounding the birth of a person. For example, the name “Seth” means “put in place” or “substitute.” Eve gave this name to her third son because, for her, he was the one the Lord appointed in place of Abel (Gen 4:25). Hannah named her son “Samuel,” which means “heard by God,” because God answered her prayer (1 Sam 1:20). The meaning of “Isaac” is “one who laughs,” because Abraham (Gen 17:17) and Sarah (18:12) laughed when God told them they would still have a son.
It is also interesting to notice that sometimes a name provides a clue to the character’s personality or to what will happen in the story. Many times, the biblical authors highlight the meanings of names so that we won’t miss the connection. In other words, there are intentional “puns.” The best example is the name Jacob, which literally means “he grasps the heel,” an idiom meaning “he deceives.” He grabbed the heel of his twin (Gen 25:26), and later he deceived people (25:31; 27:19; etc.). The name “Nabal” means “foolish” (1 Sam 25:25), which perfectly fit his character. “Moses,” from the Hebrew word meaning “to draw out,” was named this way because he was drawn out of the water (Ex 2:10). It also foreshadowed how he would later lead Israel out of the sea (14:21). Joseph, renamed by the apostles as “Barnabas,” meaning “son of encouragement,” lived up to his name—he was generous (Acts 4:37), encouraged the church to accept Paul (9:27), and gave John Mark a second chance (15:37–38).
Renaming also carried significance. People were often given new names when they became part of another culture or nation. Joseph received the Egyptian name “Zaphenath-Paneah” (Gen 41:45). Hadassah was given the Babylonian name “Esther” (Esth 2:7). Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were renamed “Belteshazzar,” “Shadrach,” “Meshach,” and “Abednego” (Dan 1:6–7). The name “Mattaniah” was changed to “Zedekiah” when he came under Nebuchadnezzar’s authority (2 Kings 24:17).
A new name could also symbolize a new purpose or destiny. The first woman was called “Eve” after the Fall because “she would become the mother of all the living” (Gen 3:20). When God Himself changed a person’s name, it also signified a new relationship with Him that would impact the future. Since Abram would become the father of many nations, God renamed him “Abraham,” meaning “father of many” (Gen 17:5). Jacob’s new name, “Israel,” became the very name of the nation that descended from him. Simon was called “Peter” (meaning “rock”) by Jesus (Jn 1:42), even though he was initially emotional and unstable—Jesus saw his potential as a strong leader of the early church.
Christ Himself was given the name “Jesus,” highlighting His mission of saving people from their sins (Matt 1:21). It’s important to note that when the Bible refers to “the name of Jesus,” the focus is not on the syllables of the name but on the Person who bears it. Jesus was not the only one with that name in those days, but only He had the power to save. He was given the name above all names (Phil 2:9–10). In other words, Christ is supreme and worthy above all. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12).
Sources and Studies:
McKenzie, J.L (1965). “Name”. 𝘋𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦. McMillian Publishing.
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