The thoughtful implication of names
IN the New Testament, the importance of names continues to be emphasised, particularly in the context of Jesus Christ, whose very name embodies the essence of His mission and identity. As the angel declared to Joseph, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The name “Jesus” signi es not only His earthly role as Saviour but also His divine nature as the Son of God incarnate.
Furthermore, the apostle Paul reminds us of the exalted status of Jesus’ name, declaring that God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11). Here, the name of Jesus represents ultimate authority and sovereignty, deserving reverence and adoration from all creation.
In addition to the name of Jesus, the Bible also speaks of the power inherent in the name of God Himself. Throughout Scripture, God’s name is synonymous with His character, His attributes, and His promises. In Exodus 3:14, when Moses asks God for His name, God replies, “I AM WHO I AM,” signifying His eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His covenant with His people. Moreover, the psalmist declares, “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:1). Here, the name of the Lord is extolled for its splendour and majesty, re ecting His greatness and glory as Creator and King over all creation.
Beyond individual names, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of honouring and revering the name of God. In the Ten Commandments, God instructs His people, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain” (Exodus 20:7). This commandment underscores the sacredness of God’s name and the necessity of using it with reverence and respect.
Moreover, throughout the Psalms and the prophets, God’s name is invoked as a source of refuge, strength, and salvation. Psalm 20:7 declares, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Here, the name of the Lord is exalted as the ultimate source of security and deliverance, surpassing any human strength or power.
Similarly, the prophet Isaiah proclaims, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2). In times of trouble and uncertainty, the name of the Lord serves as a beacon of hope and assurance, guiding
His people through adversity and leading them to victory.
Furthermore, the New Testament rea rms the signi cance of the name of God, particularly in the context of prayer and worship. Jesus Himself instructs His disciples, “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glori ed in the Son” (John 14:13). Here, the name of Jesus serves as a powerful invocation, granting access to the Father and the ful lment of His promises.
Additionally, the early Christian church recognised the authority and power inherent in the name of Jesus. In Acts 4:12, Peter boldly declares, “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.” This proclamation underscores the exclusive and unparalleled role of Jesus as the Saviour of humanity, whose name alone has the power to reconcile us to God and grant us eternal life.
One aspect to consider is the symbolism behind the names of places in the Bible. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, locations are often named to commemorate signi cant events, divine interventions, or attributes of God. For example, Bethel, meaning “house of God,” was named by Jacob after his encounter with God in a dream (Genesis 28:19). Similarly, Jerusalem, meaning “city of peace,” holds profound signi cance as the centre of worship and the prophesied dwelling place of God’s presence (Psalm 122:6).
Furthermore, the importance of names extends to familial lineage and inheritance in the Bible. Genealogies are meticulously recorded in scripture, tracing the lineage of individuals and tribes to establish their rightful inheritance and legacy. The genealogy of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, underscores His royal lineage as the descendant of David and Abraham, ful lling Messianic prophecies and a rming His rightful claim to the throne of David (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38).
Moreover, the concept of “calling on the name of the Lord” is a recurring theme in the Bible, signifying prayer, worship, and dependence on God. In Genesis 4:26, it is recorded that “men began to call upon the name of the Lord,” indicating a recognition of God’s sovereignty and a desire for His presence and intervention. Throughout the Psalms and the prophets, calling on the name of the Lord is depicted as an act of faith and surrender, resulting in deliverance, healing, and salvation (Psalm 116:4; Joel 2:32).
Additionally, the signi cance of names can be seen in the context of divine commissioning and empowerment. In the Old Testament, prophets were often given speci c names or titles that re ected their mission or message. For example, Isaiah, whose name means “Yahweh is salvation,” was called to proclaim God’s message of judgment and restoration to the nation of Judah (Isaiah 6:8-10). Likewise, Jeremiah, whose name means “Yahweh exalts,” was appointed as a prophet to the nations, tasked with delivering messages of warning and hope (Jeremiah 1:410).
In the New Testament, disciples and apostles were similarly commissioned and empowered through the name of Jesus. Before His ascension, Jesus instructed His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything He had commanded (Matthew 28:18-20). This Great Commission empowered the early church to proclaim the name of Jesus boldly, leading to the spread of the gospel throughout the known world.
Another noteworthy aspect to consider is the symbolic meaning of names in the context of parables and allegories found throughout Scripture. In many instances, characters in parables are not given speci c names but represent archetypal gures or moral concepts. For example, in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), the characters are referred to simply as “a certain man,” “the younger son,” and “the elder son,” highlighting their roles as symbolic representations of humanity, God’s mercy, and religious self-righteousness, respectively.
Furthermore, names in the Bible often re ect the cultural and linguistic context in which they were given, providing insights into the historical and social dynamics of the biblical world. For instance, the signi cance of names in ancient Near Eastern cultures extended beyond personal identity to encompass familial lineage, tribal a liation, and religious devotion. Names were often chosen based on their meanings or associations with signi cant events or deities.
In conclusion, the signi cance of names in the biblical narrative extends far beyond mere labels or identi ers.
*Prosper Tingini is the Scribe of the Children of God Missionary Assembly — God’s messengers. Contact details: Mobile & WhatsApp: 0771 260 195. Email address: ptingini@gmail.com