Has anyone ever stopped you and asked you your name? What was your response? How did it make you feel? Bet you wondered for a while why was it important to that person? Why did he or she want to know?
Well, names are important. They are identifiers – things that distinguish one person from another. Names have significance. When someone calls you by name, it gives you a sense of worth. It makes you feel special. Not only that – our name can make up our character and the outcome of events in our lives. This might sound strange but it is true. Names mean a lot and it could be good or evil. With all the strange and made up names that parents usually give their children it is a wonder that they could be pronounced, but the scariest part is, what do those names mean?
Oftentimes, people put letters together and come up with words to use as names that have absolutely no value. Just making up names is not a wise thing to do especially if you do not know its meaning. Choosing names should never be taken lightly. Utmost thought and care must be given to it. We should give careful thought when naming our children because it could be the difference between living a prosperous life or living a life of pain. The names we give our children could actually be placing a curse upon them unaware. Parents should always give their children the best possible start in their lives and it should start with their name.
In the Bible, names had deep significance and were carefully chosen to have meaning and purpose. Sometimes the name was closely related to an aspect of the child’s birth. For example, when Sarah and Abraham had a son, he was named “Isaac,” which means “laughter,” because Sarah laughed when God said she would conceive. The angel Gabriel told the old man (Zechariah) that his prayer for a son would be answered. His wife Elizabeth would give birth and they were to name the baby John. Gabriel said John would be a great man who would lead many to the Lord and would be a prophet announcing the Messiah.
An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins'” (Matthew: 1: 20-21).
God knew the importance of names and made many changes in peoples’ names as well. A brief study of some biblical folks whose names were changed reveals that God made the changes for a specific reason. The name change corresponded with a life change that would make them entirely different people. For example: Abram had his name changed to Abraham (Genesis 17:3 – 6). At the same time, his wife Sarai had her name changed to Sarah (Genesis 17:15 – 16). Every time Abraham put out his hand to greet someone and said my name is “Abraham”, he was saying, telling them, “I am a father of many nations”, but at that time he did not have a child. But, by accepting and confessing his name brought that fact into being. Genesis 17:5 – “No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.” Every time Abraham spoke his name, or someone else did, the promise of God drew closer. Today, Abraham is known as the Father of many Nations just as God promised.
Pashur was called “Terror on Every Side” by God (Jeremiah 20:1 – 6) because that was how he was going to feel when he was punished for prophesying falsely.
Jacob’s “supplanter” name was changed to “Israel,” meaning “having power with God” (Genesis 32:28).
Simon’s “God has heard” name was changed to “Peter,” “rock” (John 1:42). Peter will be a rock not only by name, but by nature as well. He will be foundational in the church that Jesus was planning to build.
In the same way, the name “Jesus Christ” tells us a great deal about His purpose and part in God’s great plan as well. It enlightens us about His character, purpose and love for humanity. Throughout Scripture God attaches great significance to names. His own names are powerful testimonials to His great glory and majesty. He reveals Himself to us through His many names:
? EL, ELOAH: God “mighty, strong, prominent” (Genesis 7:1; Isaiah 9:6)
? ELOHIM: God “Creator, Mighty and Strong” (Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:33
? EL SHADDAI: “God Almighty,” “The Mighty One of Jacob” (Genesis 49:24; Psalm 132:2,5)
? ADONAI: “Lord” (Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15)
? JEHOVAH: “LORD” (Deuteronomy 6:4; Daniel 9:14)
? JIREH: “The Lord Will Provide” (Genesis 22:14)
? RAPHA: “The Lord Who Heals” (Exodus 15:26
? NISSI: “The Lord Our Banner” (Exodus 17:15)
? M’KADDESH: “The Lord Who Sanctifies, Makes Holy” (Leviticus 20:8; Ezekiel 37:28)
? SHALOM: “The Lord Our Peace” (Judges 6:24)
? TSIDKENU: “The Lord Our Righteousness” (Jeremiah 33:16)
? ROHI: “The Lord Our Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1)
? SHAMMAH: “The Lord Is There” (Ezekiel 48:35)
? SABAOTH: “The Lord of Hosts” (Isaiah 1:24; Psalm 46:7)
? EL ELYON: “Most High” (Deuteronomy 26:19)
? EL ROI: “God of Seeing” (Genesis 16:13)
? EL-OLAM: “Everlasting God” (Psalm 90:1-3)
? EL-GIBHOR: “Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6)
Isaiah 9:6-7 also points out, “ And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace…”
Do you see how powerful names are and why they should not be given lightly? How about you? What is your name? What does it mean? Do you know? Have you ever even thought about it? It would be nice to find out.
Remember: a name is more than just a noun, verb, or adjective. It’s your life, your legacy, your journey, sacrifices, and everything you’ve worked hard for everyday of your life as an adolescent, young adult and adult.— Christopher Jordan Dorner
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. Referrals can also be made directly through the Atlantic Star Center of Medical Excellence, South Hill, Anguilla. By Appointment Only: Tel 497-0765.
