What's in a Name?
Have you ever flipped through a baby naming book? Being at the stage of my life where we might actually need to find a name for a little Torsy, I must say that I rarely look at one—especially compared with all my foraging as a youth!
There are indeed some very interesting names, including a great many with a million variations! For instance, Elizabeth can be shortened to Beth, Bertie, Liz, Eliza, Betty, and Liza. And then there are those names that could be for a boy or girl, such as Pat, Lynn, or Ashley. It’s really fascinating how many names there are in the world, not to mention those mothers with a flair for being unique who add one to the list!
My mother was certainly one of those! ‘Genessa,’ though more common today, was hardly heard of when I was born. As a child, I was always disappointed that my name couldn’t be found in one of those name books; I always felt it was a little bit empty because there wasn’t a neat little line of text to the side of it to tell me what it meant.
Of course, my mom told me that meant I could define it my way! I could set the precedent for what the name meant. It sounds great, but as a kid, you just want to find your name means something!
During my first year teaching, I attended a World Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. There was the usual booth where you could find the meaning of your name and have it printed on a pretty page and framed. When asked by the attendant if I would like to see my name, I told him mine didn’t have any meaning.
He seemed doubtful until I told him my name. Unlike others, however, he didn’t say that it was not in the database; instead, he told me he thought it was the most amazing coincidence. Although my name was indeed not in his computer system or any of the books on his table, he happened to have a personal book on the history of the Cherokee nation that he was reading while waiting for customers.
Interestingly, my name actually the same as one of the women who made a small niche for herself in the history of the Cherokee reservation; finding the chapter, he quickly revealed to me that she had discussed her naming with the authorities as she was registered. Her name meant fair-haired maiden!
What an exciting discovery! In fact, in nine years, I’ve not forgotten the excitement of learning the meaning of my name and finding that it indeed matched the description of me!
Of course, the definition didn’t define my personality or point me toward my destiny in any way but it was nice to have a meaning attached to the word. I’m still not sure why it was so important to have a meaning, but it was so momentous for me that I’ve never forgotten the man!
In Biblical times, however, the meaning of one’s name was very important. A child’s name was considered carefully—even by God!
Interesting Names and Meanings:
Take, for instance, these names and meanings:
Noah means comfort concerning one’s work and toil because of the cursing of the land (Genesis 5:29).
Peleg means “the earth divided” (Genesis. 10:25). What a happy thought! Being named Peleg because of the division that would take place in your lifetime was a heavy moniker to bear, I’m sure!
Manasseh means “God hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house”(Genesis 41:51). That’s not bad. Causing your father to forget his trials is a good thing! You would sure hope your father or mother was in a good mood on the day of your birth, wouldn’t you?
Ephraim means “God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction” (Genesis 41:52).
Moses means drawn from the water (Exodus 2:10).
Gershom means a “stranger in a strange land” (Exodus 2:22).
Ichabod means “the glory is departed from Israel” (I Samuel 4:21).
These are just a few of those mentioned in scripture. Apparently, the idea of ‘making a name for oneself’ is not necessarily a modern idea. It was practiced by parents naming their children as well as God dictating children’s names, such as Ishmael.
Unfortunately, making a name for one’s self is primarily a prideful, fleshly goal as we see in the account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11: “And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name.”
Their motive? Build a tower that would reach into heaven, enabling them access to heaven without having to go through God himself! What an interesting—and common—concept! Just how many today are trying to find an alternate route to salvation and eternal paradise in heaven?
Having access to heaven would give them the pass-key for all those who chose not to submit to God’s way of doing things! Instead, these builders of Babel could be the religious leaders with the big name. Sadly, this is quite akin to the Catholic practice of confession. Although scripture never encourages us to confess to a priest who then takes our message to God and comes back with forgiveness for a price, we see millions daily returning to the tower of Catholicism, asking its human builders for entrance into heaven.
If only they knew that we can “come boldly into the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” without going through a priest or a saint (Heb. 4:16). Quite simply, we can approach Jesus himself!
Note, God was not pleased with the builders of the Tower of Babel. Instead, he confounded their language so they could no longer communicate in unity to the completion of their goal. Genesis 11:19 says, “Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of the earth.”
They indeed received a name but, because their enterprise was about self-exaltation and power, it wasn’t the name they wanted!
Renaming!
Although I wished for meaning for my name as a child, I never wished to truly change my name. It was too much a part of me. In fact, when I married recently and changed my last name to Torsy, it was quite a challenge for me to remember!
While Shakespeare indeed said that “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” God apparently disagreed in the Old Testament. Several names were changed to fit the calling or blessing upon their lives!
Adam and Eve
In Genesis 5:2, we find evidence of the first name switch: “Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.” We find here that both man and woman were called Adam—almost like a surname might be today!
Adam, in his quest to name all the animals, seems to have, likewise, renamed his wife! “And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living” (Genesis 3:20). Apparently, her role had changed.
When she was first created out of Adam’s rib, she was flesh of his flesh; in fact, they even shared a name due to their oneness! However, as Adam considered the dawning of motherhood upon his helpmeet, he renamed her according to her purpose!
Abraham and Sarah
Abram and Sarai, likewise, endured such a transformation. Although the name change occurred later in life, God mentioned it during his very first conversation with Abram, proclaiming, “I will make thy name great” (Genesis 12:2). Indeed, after Abram and Sarai had proven their loyalty and trust by leaving their family and homeland to follow God’s call, God destined them to be mother and father of a great nation.
In accordance with the change in their destiny, He changed their names! “Neither shall thy name any more be call Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee” (Genesis 17:5). Similarly, God blessed Sarai, saying “As for Sarai thy wife, though shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be…for I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations” (Genesis 17:15-16).
Whether the change in name was simply meant to give the bearer a change of mindset or whether it indeed shaped their future is unknown. All we know is that a change of name was warranted as necessary by God!
Jacob
Similarly, Jacob, son of Isaac, was born under a moniker that meant ‘supplanter’ or deceiver. The mere nature of his name conjured visions of a trickster, a con-artist, and one who usurps authority! In truth, he lived the meaning of his name, stealing his brother’s birthright and deceiving his father on his deathbed.
We can see how he tried to change his ways after leaving his father’s land. In fact, when his new employer, his Uncle Laban, suspected that he was being cheated by Jacob, Jacob suggested that he take all the speckled, lame, and sickly cattle and sheep as his wages.
Because of his humility, God blessed him anyway. Unfortunately, however, having a name like Supplanter didn’t help matters. Several times, scripture mentions that Laban still thought he was being cheated because God would bless the offspring of these sickly animals. Laban distrusted Jacob so much that, when his idols were stolen, he instantly accused Jacob!
How could he ever live life free of suspicion with such a name? God indeed heard his cry as he wrestled with the angel at Bethel, determined to be blessed and changed. In Genesis 32:28, we find God changing the hated label that had troubled him all his life: “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.”
Consider, however, how the name of Jacob and its effects impacted the lineage of Jacob and Esau throughout scripture. Although Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, the Edomites—Esau’s descendants—always distrusted the Israelites.
Although they seldom attacked or fought against them, they did not join with them either. In fact, in I Chronicles, we see where the king of Edom wouldn’t even allow the Israelites to walk through his land on their way to Canaan! While he did not attack them, he was prepared to resist them. Sadly, the image of a trickster or a money-hungry usurer has followed those of the lineage of Jacob even to this day, although such references are largely scoffed at.
The Power of a Name
In Jacob, we find that a name does indeed matter!
Ecclesiastes 7:1 says that “a good name is better than precious ointment.”
So, does it matter what we name our children today?
While a myriad of opinions abound on the subject, few would say that a child’s name can negatively impact their future success in marriage, on the job, or in ministry. However, as always, we should consult the Word for the answer—rather than popular opinion!
In the New Testament, people’s names are less prominent. While indeed Saul’s name was changed to Paul when he was called into ministry, he—like Jacob—was sorely in need of a new name based upon his past of persecuting Christians.
Also, John the Baptist was named under the instruction of God as seen in Luke 1:13. Simon Barjona was renamed Peter in Mark 3 as James and John were renamed the sons of thunder. It seems that those who were to serve as pillars of the dispensational doctrine were named or renamed according to the dictates of God.
Another name mentioned was that of Legion, a man infiltrated by thousands of demonic spirits. Scripture reveals that this was not his birth name, but rather, the name defined who he had become as a demoniac. In Mark 5:9, we find Jesus asking the man his name. The response? “My name is Legion: for we are many.” The use of ‘we’ denotes that the man did not answer but rather one of the demons within. The name, therefore, would be a description of the depth of depravity and demon-possession, disqualifying it from our study.
Other than these changes, there is little instruction as to the giving of children’s names. There are a great many references to renaming, however!
A Greater Name Will I Give Thee
Adam and Eve
In Genesis 5:2, we find evidence of the first name switch: “Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.” We find here that both man and woman were called Adam—almost like a surname might be today!
Adam, in his quest to name all the animals, seems to have, likewise, renamed his wife! “And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living” (Genesis 3:20). Apparently, her role had changed.
When she was first created out of Adam’s rib, she was flesh of his flesh; in fact, they even shared a name due to their oneness! However, as Adam considered the dawning of motherhood upon his helpmeet, he renamed her according to her purpose!
Abraham and Sarah
Abram and Sarai, likewise, endured such a transformation. Although the name change occurred later in life, God mentioned it during his very first conversation with Abram, proclaiming, “I will make thy name great” (Genesis 12:2). Indeed, after Abram and Sarai had proven their loyalty and trust by leaving their family and homeland to follow God’s call, God destined them to be mother and father of a great nation.
In accordance with the change in their destiny, He changed their names! “Neither shall thy name any more be call Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee” (Genesis 17:5). Similarly, God blessed Sarai, saying “As for Sarai thy wife, though shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be…for I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations” (Genesis 17:15-16).
Whether the change in name was simply meant to give the bearer a change of mindset or whether it indeed shaped their future is unknown. All we know is that a change of name was warranted as necessary by God!
Jacob
Similarly, Jacob, son of Isaac, was born under a moniker that meant ‘supplanter’ or deceiver. The mere nature of his name conjured visions of a trickster, a con-artist, and one who usurps authority! In truth, he lived the meaning of his name, stealing his brother’s birthright and deceiving his father on his deathbed.
We can see how he tried to change his ways after leaving his father’s land. In fact, when his new employer, his Uncle Laban, suspected that he was being cheated by Jacob, Jacob suggested that he take all the speckled, lame, and sickly cattle and sheep as his wages.
Because of his humility, God blessed him anyway. Unfortunately, however, having a name like Supplanter didn’t help matters. Several times, scripture mentions that Laban still thought he was being cheated because God would bless the offspring of these sickly animals. Laban distrusted Jacob so much that, when his idols were stolen, he instantly accused Jacob!
How could he ever live life free of suspicion with such a name? God indeed heard his cry as he wrestled with the angel at Bethel, determined to be blessed and changed. In Genesis 32:28, we find God changing the hated label that had troubled him all his life: “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.”
Consider, however, how the name of Jacob and its effects impacted the lineage of Jacob and Esau throughout scripture. Although Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, the Edomites—Esau’s descendants—always distrusted the Israelites.
Although they seldom attacked or fought against them, they did not join with them either. In fact, in I Chronicles, we see where the king of Edom wouldn’t even allow the Israelites to walk through his land on their way to Canaan! While he did not attack them, he was prepared to resist them. Sadly, the image of a trickster or a money-hungry usurer has followed those of the lineage of Jacob even to this day, although such references are largely scoffed at.
The Power of a Name
In Jacob, we find that a name does indeed matter!
Ecclesiastes 7:1 says that “a good name is better than precious ointment.”
So, does it matter what we name our children today?
While a myriad of opinions abound on the subject, few would say that a child’s name can negatively impact their future success in marriage, on the job, or in ministry. However, as always, we should consult the Word for the answer—rather than popular opinion!
In the New Testament, people’s names are less prominent. While indeed Saul’s name was changed to Paul when he was called into ministry, he—like Jacob—was sorely in need of a new name based upon his past of persecuting Christians.
Also, John the Baptist was named under the instruction of God as seen in Luke 1:13. Simon Barjona was renamed Peter in Mark 3 as James and John were renamed the sons of thunder. It seems that those who were to serve as pillars of the dispensational doctrine were named or renamed according to the dictates of God.
Another name mentioned was that of Legion, a man infiltrated by thousands of demonic spirits. Scripture reveals that this was not his birth name, but rather, the name defined who he had become as a demoniac. In Mark 5:9, we find Jesus asking the man his name. The response? “My name is Legion: for we are many.” The use of ‘we’ denotes that the man did not answer but rather one of the demons within. The name, therefore, would be a description of the depth of depravity and demon-possession, disqualifying it from our study.
Other than these changes, there is little instruction as to the giving of children’s names. There are a great many references to renaming, however!
A Greater Name Will I Give Thee
As New Testament Christians, we are to assume a much higher name than the one chosen by our mothers. We are called the bride of Christ; as any bride, we are to take on the name of our groom!
Let us consider the name that is above every other name:
***Jesus: It is a name that encompasses and fulfills the prophecy spoken by Isaiah, “ For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Is. 9:6).
***Jesus: It is the name of the fleshly shell infilled by the Almighty God, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matt. 1:23).
***Jesus: It is the name of the creator who robed himself in flesh so that he might shed his own blood to save his creation, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made… He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. …He came unto his own, and his own received him not… And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:1, 3, 10, 11, 14) …. “feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28).
***Jesus: It is the name of our God, who was made manifest, meaning he was made visible or tangible, in the flesh, “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (I Timothy 3:16).
***Jesus: It is the name of the father of all creation, the son of Mary whose earthly body worked redemption, and the Holy Ghost in the regeneration of our bodies by the infilling of His Spirit, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one” (I John 5:7).
Just what’s in a name?
Quite simply, all power in heaven and earth belongs to the holder of that name! “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist” (Col. 1:15-17).
The image of the invisible God would be the fleshly manifestation of Him in which he dwelt, the man Christ Jesus!
As Proverbs 22:1 states, “a GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”
What greater name could you have than the name of Jesus? What greater renaming than being renamed as His bride, washed in His blood, and set free forever?
That’s why Colossians 3:17 compels us that “whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
And Acts 2:38 commands us, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost!”
And you will not find anyone in scripture baptized any other way!
Why? Because even Jesus said that “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it!”
If you want your sins forgiven and remitted, use His name!
If you want deliverance, use His name!
If you want a life change, His name is the only name worth changing to!
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
