Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, names hold significant importance, often reflecting the character, destiny, or divine purpose of individuals. The act of naming in the Bible is not merely a label but often conveys deeper theological and spiritual meanings. Names can signify a person's role in God's plan, commemorate an event, or express a parent's hopes or prayers for their child.Old Testament Significance In the Old Testament, names are frequently given by God or changed by Him to reflect a new mission or covenant. For example, Abram's name was changed to Abraham, meaning "father of many nations," to signify the promise God made to him (Genesis 17:5). Similarly, Jacob's name was changed to Israel after wrestling with God, symbolizing his struggle and prevailing with divine favor (Genesis 32:28). Names also serve as memorials of divine encounters or events. For instance, Bethel, meaning "house of God," was named by Jacob after his vision of the ladder reaching to heaven (Genesis 28:19). The name reflects the place's spiritual significance and Jacob's encounter with God. New Testament Context In the New Testament, names continue to carry profound meanings. The name Jesus, derived from the Hebrew Yeshua, means "The Lord is salvation," encapsulating His mission to save humanity from sin (Matthew 1:21). The angel instructed Joseph to name Mary's child Jesus, emphasizing the salvific purpose of His life and ministry. The apostles also experienced name changes that signified their new roles. Simon was renamed Peter, meaning "rock," indicating his foundational role in the early Church (Matthew 16:18). Saul, a persecutor of Christians, became Paul after his conversion, marking his transformation and mission to the Gentiles (Acts 13:9). Symbolic and Prophetic Names Prophetic names are prevalent throughout Scripture, often used to convey messages from God. Isaiah's children, for example, were given names that symbolized prophetic messages to Israel. Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, meaning "quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil," was a sign of impending judgment (Isaiah 8:3). Names also reflect God's attributes and character. The many names of God, such as Elohim, Yahweh, and El Shaddai, reveal different aspects of His nature and His relationship with His people. Each name provides insight into His power, faithfulness, and covenantal love. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, names were often linked to the identity and heritage of individuals. They could denote family lineage, tribal affiliation, or social status. The genealogies in the Bible, such as those in Genesis and Chronicles, highlight the importance of names in preserving history and fulfilling God's promises through specific lineages. Names were also used in covenants and treaties, serving as a testament to agreements and oaths. The significance of names in legal and religious contexts underscores their role in establishing identity and authority. Theological Implications Theologically, names in the Bible underscore the belief in a personal God who knows and calls individuals by name. This personal relationship is evident in passages like Isaiah 43:1, where God says, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine." Names also reflect the transformative power of God's grace. The renaming of individuals signifies a new identity and purpose in God's redemptive plan. This theme is echoed in Revelation 2:17, where believers are promised a new name, symbolizing their eternal identity in Christ. In summary, names in the Bible are rich with meaning and significance, reflecting divine purposes, personal identity, and the unfolding of God's redemptive history. They serve as reminders of God's promises, His character, and His intimate involvement in the lives of His people. Greek 3686. onoma -- a name, authority, cause ... a name, authority, cause. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: onoma Phonetic Spelling: (on'-om-ah) Short Definition: name, character, reputation ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3686.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 8034. shem -- a name... 8033, 8034. shem. 8035 . a name. Transliteration: shem Phonetic Spelling: (shame) Short Definition: name. Word Origin of uncertain ... /hebrew/8034.htm - 6k Library He Leadeth Me in the Paths of Justice for his Name's Sake. John Chapter xv. 20, 21 The Grace by which the Stony Heart is Removed is not Preceded by ... From Such Scriptures Grace is Proved to be Gratuitous and ... The Destruction of Jerusalem and the Coming of Christ. Ch. 21:5-38 Why are Men Saved? A Prayer for Pardon and Its Plea The Shepherd King of Israel Vision Third. Concerning the Building of the Triumphant Church ... Chapter iii. Thesaurus Name's (31 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Name's (31 Occurrences). Matthew 10:22 You will be hated by all men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved. ... /n/name's.htm - 15k Sake (241 Occurrences) Profaned (43 Occurrences) Pollute (42 Occurrences) Endureth (63 Occurrences) Endures (75 Occurrences) Saved (183 Occurrences) Stands (111 Occurrences) Distant (56 Occurrences) Polluted (80 Occurrences) Resources What does quicken mean in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIs it wrong to be a Christian secretly in order to preserve your own life? | GotQuestions.org What are the greatest promises in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Name's (31 Occurrences)Matthew 10:22 Matthew 19:29 Matthew 24:9 Mark 13:13 Luke 21:12 Luke 21:17 John 15:21 Acts 9:16 Romans 1:5 1 John 2:12 3 John 1:7 Revelation 2:3 1 Samuel 12:22 1 Kings 8:41 2 Chronicles 6:32 Psalms 23:3 Psalms 25:11 Psalms 31:3 Psalms 79:9 Psalms 106:8 Psalms 109:21 Psalms 143:11 Isaiah 48:9 Isaiah 66:5 Jeremiah 14:7 Jeremiah 14:21 Ezekiel 20:9 Ezekiel 20:14 Ezekiel 20:22 Ezekiel 20:44 Ezekiel 36:22 Subtopics Related Terms Out-stretched (17 Occurrences) |
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