Names And Their Meaning In The Bible – Although “a rose by any other name smells sweeter,” the same cannot be said of biblical names. Most students of the Scriptures know that biblical names have meaning. A name can say something about a character’s personality or contribute in some way to the narrative in which that person appears. One of the most obvious examples of this is the name
. Matthew conveys the following instructions from the angel of the Lord to Joseph: “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Of course, the name Jesus, or Yeshua in Hebrew, comes from the word “save” and means “He will save.” In some cases, as in the case of Abram’s name being changed to Abraham (Genesis 17:5) or Jacob’s name being changed to Israel (Genesis 32), names are purposely changed in the Scriptures to refer to that person’s destiny. :27). 28). The same thing happens in the New Testament where Jesus changes Simon’s name to Peter (Matthew 16:17-18).
Names And Their Meaning In The Bible
I have found in my experience studying the Bible that names often have some significance to the narrative in which they are found. Sometimes the biblical authors draw attention to the meaning of the name (as in the cases above), but more often the reader is left with the task of seeing the meaning for himself. For those who read these texts in Hebrew or Greek, it would be more clear what these names mean and how they relate to a particular story or have a particular meaning. But since we are all separated from the original culture of the Bible – some two to three thousand years removed from it – and most do not read the Bible in the original Hebrew or Greek, the meaning of many biblical names is overlooked.
Beautiful Boy Names With Meaning
From time to time I will post articles on this site about biblical names that are not always clear to English Bible readers. I decided to start this series by looking at the biblical character Abner and the meaning of his name. Abner was Saul’s cousin or uncle (unknown who) and the commander of the Israelite army. The following information is a few excerpts from my book
With some minor modifications for the purposes of this article). Excerpts from the chapter titled “Abner: A Strong Man in a Weak House.”
Avner’s name means “my father is Ner” (the first time Avner’s name appears in the Hebrew text, it is written “Abiner”. Abi = “my father”). Nine times he is called “the son of Ner” (passages: 1 Sam. 14:50; 26:5, 14; 2 Sam. 2:8, 12; 3:23, 25, 28, 37). And the name Ner means “lamp,” and therefore “Abner” means “my father is a lamp.” I think it is interesting that “Ner” is found in the name “Abner” and he is also called “son of Ner” nine times! It seems excessive and suggests that the author had a deliberate reason for including it multiple times. In the books of Samuel and Kings, the word “lamp” is used several times to refer to the royal family (2 Sam. 21:17; 1 Kings 11:36; 15:4; 2 Kings 8:19), and several verses suggest it. for Saul’s family longed for the kingdom from the beginning (1 Samuel 9:20–21; 10:14–16). Abner is not only powerful, but, as we shall see, a man who enjoys the use of force. So it is no coincidence that this man (his name means “My father is a lamp” – think, “king”) is presented as the right hand of the king and will later imagine himself as the kingmaker (2 Sam. (2: 2:1). 8 ; 3:12).The story of Abner is closely related to the story of Israel’s “ner” (lamp/kingdom) (Family Portraits,
After Saul’s death, David is anointed king over Judah in Hebron (2 Sam. 2:1–3). This could have been an opportunity for the entire nation to unite under the leadership of David, but instead we are told that “Abner the son of Ner, the captain of Saul’s army, took Ish-bosheth the son of Saul and brought him to Mahanaim; and made him king” (verses 8-9a). Notice that Abner is identified in two ways in verse 8. First, Avner is called “son of Ner” – as if we needed reminding! This is the first of six uses of this name in 2 Samuel 2-3, and its high concentration suggests its association with royalty. As “the son of Ner,” Abner serves as king. Second, Abner is known as “the commander of Saul’s army.” It is his position and the loyalty of his troops that enable him to make Ish-Bosheth king.
Who Is Who: 40 Bible Names And Their Meaning By Jean Stapleton
After the break with Ish-Bosheth (probably because Abner realized that David was stronger and would soon rule over all of Israel), Abner tries to bring all of Israel under David’s rule.
After gathering the support of Benjamin, a member of Saul’s tribe, Abner sets out with a delegation to seal the deal (v. 19). Abner once again considers himself the creator of the king and says: “I will get up and go and gather all Israel to my lord the king, so that they will make a covenant with you and you will be king.” over everything his heart desires” (my translation – v. 21). Notice the triple “I” with Abner as the subject balanced by the triple “you” referring to David. Abner declares that David will be the man to fulfill his dreams of kingship. Furthermore, it is probably no coincidence that the appellation “son of Ner” occurs four times in the mouth of men in this section (v. 23, the soldier; v. 25, Joab; v. 28, David; v. 37, the narrator), telling us that “the man with the lamp ” is at work again, trying to put his stamp on the kingdom of Israel.
In conclusion, Abner’s name helps his actions in the story. Just as he constantly tries to have a say in who will be king, his name, Abner son of Ner, declares that he sees himself as king. The irony in Abner’s name is that he resists the true king (David) and when he finally comes to terms with David’s reign, it is too late. Joab’s sword ends Avner’s hopes of being second in command or manipulating David in the same way as Ish-Bosheth. Abner always bets on the wrong horse. First it was Saul, then Ish-bosheth. This so-called “king” did not recognize the real king until it was too late. So Abner’s name suggests that he is not who he, and perhaps others, think he is.
For more information about Abner, purchase a copy of Family Portraits. Family Portraits is available on Amazon US/UK and WestBow Press, as well as on Logos.com
Hebrew And Biblical Names: Meanings And Significance
Save 15% on basic Logos packages! Get 5 additional books for free. Click the image below! Sale ends February 13th. Finding a unique biblical name for a boy that is unusual and easy to pronounce can be difficult. It seems like everyone has a new name for their child these days. But for many Christian couples, it is more important to have a name that glorifies God and has biblical meaning behind it.
Just because you don’t like traditional names doesn’t mean you can’t find a unique name that also represents your faith.
In this list of unique biblical names for boys, you’ll find word names inspired by biblical verses as well as many names derived from the Hebrew language. I hope this list helps you and your spouse choose a name for your child that is based on your faith and represents the qualities you pray he will have.
Choosing a baby name can be overwhelming, especially when friends and family give you ideas. I wanted to share some tips for choosing names for our children. We hope this gives you some guidance in choosing a name you’ll love.
Abel Name Meaning & Origin
Actually naming our first baby was easy… We already had a boy and a girl name that we loved! But when we found out we were pregnant with another girl, we had a hard time choosing a name.
We’ve spent months creating a “Master List” of our favorite baby names. This decision was not so simple
You and your spouse should keep a list of your favorite names. Review the list from time to time. Keep the “maybes” and “yeses”… get rid of the “NOs”.
With most biblical boy names, the meaning is really powerful and God-honoring. Although there may be certain meanings that don’t fit your life… and that’s okay!
Latest Xhosa Baby Names With Their Meanings
Sometimes just hearing a name gives you clarity. In fact, it helped us choose Josie. We love the sound, especially with our oldest daughter’s name! Which brings me to my next tip…
Even if this is your first, you might want to think about how this name would sound with sibling names. In fact, the names of your children
Names of the bible and their meaning, female names in bible and their meaning, women's names in the bible and their meaning, women names in the bible and their meaning, the names of god in the bible and their meaning, list of female names in the bible and their meaning, first 10 names in the bible and their meaning, names of saints in the bible and their meaning, good names in the bible and their meaning, different names for god in the bible and their meaning, names in the bible and their meaning, male names in the bible and their meaning