The Way of The Word
Jan 17, 2025
cast out demons
The term “name” may appear to be a simple word that is used frequently throughout the Old and New Testaments. However, when examined from a cultural perspective, its importance becomes much clearer. In modern society, we often view names as mere labels, terms by which we are identified, given at birth or chosen later in life. Yet, in the ancient Greek and Hebrew cultures, a person’s name carried profound significance that extended far beyond mere identification.
In these ancient societies, names were not just random labels but rather powerful symbols that reflected a person’s identity, character, and social status. In ancient Greece, names often conveyed meanings related to virtues, physical traits, or familial ties. For instance, names like “Sophia,” meaning wisdom, or “Andreas,” meaning manly, were common and representative of the values held in high regard by Greek society.
For the Greeks, a name was indistinguishably linked to one’s identity, reputation, heritage, and legacy. A respected individual’s name could lend credibility to their arguments or claims in public and legal matters.
Similarly, in Hebrew culture, names held substantial importance. The Hebrew words that translate to “name” in the Old Testament include “shem,” “qaru,” “to’evot,” and “et,” with “shem” being the most frequently used in reference to a person’s name. The term “shem” primarily means “name” and encapsulates the essence of a person’s nature, destiny, reputation, and character.
The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) illustrates that names were often assigned based on the circumstances surrounding a person’s birth or their prophetic significance. A notable example is the name “Isaac,” which means “laughter.” This name was given to Abraham’s son because Sarah laughed when she learned from God that she would give birth to a son in her old age. This moment is captured in Genesis 18:12-15, where God questions Sarah about her laughter, emphasizing the significance of the name that reflected her reaction and the miraculous nature of Isaac’s birth.
“Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” And the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, when I am so old?’ “Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” Sarah denied it however, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh.” (Genesis 18:12-15 NASB 1995)
“Then Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me.” (Genesis 21:6 NASB 995).
Names in Hebrew tradition were often imbued with messages and meanings. For instance, in Genesis 4:1, Eve names her son Cain (Qayin), stating, “I have gotten a manchild with the help of the LORD.” (NASB 1995) The name Qayin is derived from the root word “qanah,” which implies acquisition or creation. This demonstrates how Hebrew names often indicated lineage and tribal affiliation, which were vital in a society where ancestry influenced social standing. Additionally, names could reflect God’s character or His covenant with His people. For example, the name “Elijah” means “My God is Yahweh,” highlighting the individual’s relationship with the divine.
In both Greek and Hebrew cultures, the act of naming often coincided with significant life events or divine interventions. A prominent example from the New Testament is found in Acts 13:9, where Saul of Tarsus is referred to as “Paul.” Saul, a Jew and Roman citizen, used his Hebrew name until he began his missionary journeys to the Gentiles, at which point he adopted the name “Paul,” meaning “small” or “humble.” This change signifies a transformation in his mission and identity.
“But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him,” (Acts 13:9 NASB 1995).
The Greek language also reflects the importance of names. The term “onoma” comes from the verb “onomazo,” which means “to name” or “to call by name.” This significance is echoed in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Luke, where the angel Gabriel instructs Zechariah and Mary to name their sons John and Jesus, respectively. John’s name means “Yahweh is gracious,” while Jesus means “Yahweh is salvation.” These names were divinely chosen, further emphasizing their importance.
“But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John [Yahweh is gracious].” (Luke 1:13 NASB 1995)
“Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus [Yahweh is salvation]. (Luke 1:31 NASB 1995)
In Matthew 1:18-25, Joseph is directed in a dream to name the child Mary carries, Jesus. This passage recalls a prophecy from Isaiah that underscores the weight of the name given at birth: “They shall call His name Immanuel,” meaning “God with us.” This reveals how both the Hebrew and Greek traditions placed immense value on the names assigned to individuals, particularly those with divine significance.
“Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.” (Matthew 1: 22-25 NASB 1995)
In both cultures, a name not only represented the individual but also symbolized authority, character, and reputation. Invoking a person’s name often meant calling upon the authority associated with that name, especially in religious contexts. The name of God, for instance, was regarded as sacred and powerful.
Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we see instances where Yahweh and Jesus offer their names as sources of authority, favor, and blessing, while also highlighting the reverence required when using their names.
Numerous scriptures illustrate the significance God places on His name.
For example, in Malachi 1:11, God declares, “My name will be great among the nations,” (NASB 1995) indicating the respect and honor that should accompany His name. Similarly, in Mark 9:37, Jesus teaches that receiving a child in His name equates to receiving Him, further demonstrating the connection between identity and authority. In John 14:14, Jesus promises, “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it,” (NASB 1995) reinforcing the power and significance of invoking His name.
“Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.” Mark 9:37 (NASB 1995)
But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. Mark 9:39 (NASB 1995)
“These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; Mark 16:17 (NASB 1995)
“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” Matthew 18:20 (NASB 1995)
“In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you.
“Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full. John 16:23-24 (NASB 1995)
“For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. Matthew 24:5 (NASB 1995)
“If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:14 (NASB 1995)
“But go now to My place which was in Shiloh, where I made My name dwell at the first, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel. Jeremiah 7:12 (NASB 1995)
“Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:13 (NASB 1995)
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26 (NASB 1995)
‘But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ (Deuteronomy 18:20 NASB 1995)
“I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. John 5:43 (NASB 1995)
The above scriptures provide insight into the weight and value that God places on the use of His name. Misusing it can lead to severe consequences, as seen in the Old Testament, while honoring it can bring protection, guidance, and miracles. In the New Testament, Jesus extends His name to believers, signifying their alignment with Him and His teachings.
He warns, however, against those who would misuse His name to deceive others. Through faith and honor, believers are assured that they will experience His presence, grace, and power in their lives.
The significance of names in the Old and New Testaments go beyond mere identification. Names reflect identity, character, and divine purpose, shaping how individuals are perceived within their communities.
Understanding the cultural weight of names enriches our comprehension of biblical texts and highlights the profound relationship between names and the authority they carry.
Word Study Challenge:
How does this study challenge or change your understanding of “in Jesus’ name we pray” as most Christians use it today?