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Name

theological_term theological_term standard

In Scripture, a name often signifies more than a label; it can express a person’s identity, character, reputation, or authority. God’s name especially refers to His revealed person and worthy honor.

At a Glance

A biblical name may signify identity, character, reputation, presence, or authority.

Key Points

Description

In biblical usage, a name commonly carries the idea of identity, character, reputation, and authority, not just personal designation. This is seen in the naming of individuals, in changes of name that mark God’s purposes, and in expressions about acting or speaking “in the name” of another. Most importantly, God’s name refers to His self-revelation—who He is as He has made Himself known—and therefore His name is holy and must be honored, trusted, and not misused. Scripture also speaks of salvation, prayer, and ministry in relation to the name of the Lord Jesus, showing that His name stands for His person and divine authority. While the exact nuance depends on context, the safest general definition is that “name” in Scripture often denotes the revealed identity and authority of a person, especially of God.

Biblical Context

The Old Testament frequently treats a name as bound up with identity and reputation. God reveals His name to Moses, commands reverence for it, and places His name among His people as a sign of covenant presence and worship. The New Testament continues this usage, especially in relation to the Father and to Jesus Christ, where the name of the Lord is connected with faith, baptism, prayer, confession, salvation, and worship.

Historical Context

In the ancient world, names often had meaning and could reflect character, hope, family circumstance, or vocation. Renaming could signal a new role or a decisive change in status. Biblical writers use this common cultural feature in a distinctly theological way, showing that God names, renames, and reveals in order to communicate His purposes.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Jewish reverence for the divine name reflects the holiness of God and the command not to take His name in vain. Second Temple Jewish practice also shows increasing caution in pronouncing the divine name, though Scripture itself grounds the main issue in reverence and obedience rather than in ritual avoidance alone. The biblical emphasis remains that God’s name represents His person, character, and covenant faithfulness.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

Hebrew šēm and Greek onoma commonly mean “name,” but in Scripture they may also carry the sense of reputation, identity, or recognized authority. Context determines whether the emphasis is on a personal label or on the person’s character and standing.

Theological Significance

God’s name is a biblical way of speaking about His revealed being, holiness, and covenant faithfulness. To honor His name is to honor Him; to profane His name is to dishonor Him. In the New Testament, the name of Jesus is tied to His saving authority, exaltation, and lordship, showing continuity between the Old Testament reverence for God’s name and the worship given to Christ.

Philosophical Explanation

A name in Scripture often functions as a sign that points to the reality signified. The sign is not identical to the person, but it is not empty either. In biblical language, the name can represent the bearer because words are used relationally and covenantally, not merely as neutral labels.

Interpretive Cautions

Not every use of “name” in Scripture carries the full theological weight of God’s revealed character or authority. Context matters. Also, phrases like “in the name of” should not be reduced to a magical formula; they normally mean acting with authorization, alignment, or representation. Claims about the divine name should remain tied to clear biblical usage.

Major Views

Most interpreters agree that biblical “name” can denote more than a label, especially in theological contexts. Differences usually concern how far that meaning extends in a given passage and whether a statement is emphasizing identity, reputation, authority, or presence.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry does not support any idea that names themselves possess inherent magical power. Nor does it imply that every occurrence of “name” in Scripture carries a secret meaning. The biblical focus is on revealed identity, covenant authority, and reverent use.

Practical Significance

Believers should speak God’s name reverently, pray and serve under Christ’s authority, and seek to live in a way that honors the name they bear as God’s people. Biblical teaching on the name of the Lord also encourages trust, confession, worship, and witness.

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