What’s in a name?

In ancient times, people attached great importance to the meaning of names. Ruth, a Bible character, is one example. Her name means “friendship”. This young woman from Moab was Naomi’s daughter-in-law, but she became a widow. When Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem in Judah, Ruth firmly chose to go with her. Naomi urged her to remain among her own people, but Ruth replied … “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from following you, because wherever you go, I’ll go … Your people will be my people, and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16) Ruth’s loyal actions matched the meaning of her name.

Parents usually gave a child its name at birth. However, people sometimes changed that name later or added another one to describe a person’s character or circumstances more accurately. For example, after suffering a series of tragedies, Naomi no longer felt that her name, which means “my pleasantness”, suited her. She said … “Don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.” (Ruth 1:20)

At times, God gave people new names to mark a particular purpose. For example, when Abram, whose name means “father of exaltation”, was 99 years old, God changed his name to Abraham, meaning “father of a multitude”. He also confirmed His promise that Abraham’s descendants would become numerous. (Genesis 17:1-6)

The Greatest Name of All

The psalmist wrote …

” 18 May people know that you, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.“

Psalm 83:18

Jehovah is the name of the universe’s Supreme Ruler. This name belongs to him alone. Based on its Hebrew root, it means “He causes to become”. The name shows that Jehovah always fulfils his promises and remains fully in control of every situation.

You probably value and respect your own name. But how do you regard God’s name? Hebrews 6:10 says …

” 6 For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones.“

– Hebres 6:10

Loving God’s name involves more than knowing that he has one. We must also learn about the person behind that name, including his purposes, actions and qualities. That knowledge should guide every part of our lives.