What does the Bible say about names?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that names carry meaning and witness to identity, character, calling, and above all God’s saving authority. A good name is more precious than wealth when it reflects godly character (Proverbs 22:1; Ecclesiastes 7:1). God sometimes gave new names to mark His covenant purposes, as Abram became Abraham and Jacob became Israel (Genesis 17:5; Genesis 32:28). Adam’s naming of the creatures reflects humanity’s God-given stewardship (Genesis 2:19-20). Yet the supreme name is Jesus: He was named because He saves His people from their sins, and salvation is found in no other name (Matthew 1:21; Acts 4:12). God promises His people a new name, while Christ’s name receives universal worship (Isaiah 62:2; Revelation 2:17; Philippians 2:9-11).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 22:1
A good name is more desirable than great riches, And loving favor is better than silver and gold.
- Genesis 17:5
Neither will your name any more be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made you.
- Acts 4:12
There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"
- Isaiah 62:2
The nations shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of Yahweh shall name.
- Revelation 2:17
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes, to him I will give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he who receives it.
- Ecclesiastes 7:1
A good name is better than fine perfume; and the day of death better than the day of one's birth.
- Matthew 1:21
She shall bring forth a son. You shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins."
- Philippians 2:9-11
[9] Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, [11] and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
- Genesis 32:28
He said, "Your name will no longer be called 'Jacob,' but, 'Israel,' for you have fought with God and with men, and have prevailed."
- Genesis 2:19-20
[19] Out of the ground Yahweh God formed every animal of the field, and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. Whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. [20] The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every animal of the field; but for man there was not found a helper suitable for him.
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