The Meaning of A Name

Every detail of The Word is relevant; this includes names, as they each have a meaning. The very name of Jesus translates into "Jehova Saves." That one is pretty straight forward, yeah?

Whenever I meet new people, I like to think about the meaning of their name, or I often look it up if I don't know it, as I have found that many people's names happen to be quite reflective of who they are as a person, or even prophetic in nature; even in ways that they themselves do not understand.

In most ancient cultures, the meaning of a name was the main factor that weighed into the decision of assigning it to a child. In Genesis 25:26, when Rebecca gives birth to twin sons, one of them comes out holding the older's heal, and he is named Jacob, which literally means "He Takes By The Heel" or "He Cheats."Lo and behold, as an adult, Jacob cheats his brother out of his birthright and tricks his father into giving him in blessing of the eldest.He displays a lack of integrity on several other occasions, as well. Now, the Lord gives him another name later, but we will get back to that.

Jacob's wife, Leah, names all of her children based on where her standing with her relationship with the Lord and with her husband is (Gen 29: 31-35) Awkward family dynamic: Leah has to share her husband with her sister, Rachel, who is his favorite, but unable to have children. Therefore, when Leah has her first child, she names him Reuben, which means "See, a son," convinced that now she will have the attention and affection of Jacob. Her next child she names Simeon, meaning "heard" as she feels that the Lord has heard her sorrow and her desire for children. Then her third son she names Levi (Attached) thinking that surely her husband was truly bound to her, after she had bore him three sons. Her fourth and final son she names Judah, which means Praise, and she says, "This time I will praise the Lord." Many see this as a turning point for her, where she no longer relies on the affection of Jacob to feel loved, but considers the love of the Lord to be enough. Funny enough, some of these names end up being quite prophetic as well. The tribe of Judah was known for their worship, and grew to be the strongest tribe of Isreal.

Naturally, in Western culture today, that's not exactly how most people name their children, but I still believe that the meanings of names are very significant to a person. I'm certainly not saying that every single person's name tells their life story, or that that's the intention/desire of every parent when they name their kid "Raindrop" or "Feather." However, ultimately, we are the Lord's children, and he knows us by name; whether or not that's the same one as that which our parents call us by, I have no clue. He is fully capable, though, of whispering his intended names for us to our parents; they may or may not decide on them.

In Genisis 35, after Jacob wrestles with the Lord, God renames him, calling him Israel, which means "May God Prevail," and the Lord urges him to walk with integrity, that he may be the godly father of a nation that he was destined to be. It doesn't surprise me that, up to this point, Jacob had lived much of his life dishonestly. When we are called something over and over again, especially as children, we often brand ourselves with it, claiming it as our identity and allowing it to become us. It is an unfortunate flaw of humanity. Therefore, when Jacob was constantly referred to as "Liar" by his own parents, it doesn't shock me that he allowed himself to fall into such habits. This isn't to say that he was doomed to these sins, or that if his parents had named him "angel" he would have been perfect, but you get my point. This concept expands beyond that of literal names that we have in this life. God has an identity for each of us, and he knows all of our strengths and our weaknesses. Unfortunately, things are sometimes spoken over us, and we allow the word of man to overrule that of God; things like "You're ugly" or "you're stupid" or "you will never succeed." These may discourage us from even trying to follow the Lord's path for us, and we miss out, ultimately hurting the Lord, hurting ourselves, and hurting those around us.

I would highly recommend looking into your name and its meaning, if you haven't already, and praying about it. Ask the Lord what his name is for you, and how he sees you.There have been times when I've forgotten, and he has been gracious enough to remind me, through my name.

Here are just some (there are many) Biblical names and their meanings that have stood out to me:

Abram: High Father

-later changed to Abraham: Father of many

Moses: To Draw Out/Pull Out

- He was named this by the princess who literally drew him out of water as an infant, but I also think it applies to his leading the Hebrews out of Egypt.

Ruth: Companion

- Her story largely revolves around her loyalty to her mother-in-law, and her love story with Boaz.

Hannah: Grace

-Mother of Samuel, who was barren until she asked the Lord for grace and favor

Samuel: Heard by God/Asked of God

-The great prophet who anointed Saul and David as kings of Israel in the Old Testament.

David: Beloved

-The most beloved King in Israel--a man after God's own heart.

Peter: Stone

-Read 1 Peter 2:1-12 for this one.

John: Jehovah is gracious

-Name of the apostle and of John the Baptist, both extremely close to Jesus.

#bible #spiritual