What’s in a Name?

Names are amazing! What is your name? Are you named after someone? Is your name a family name? What does your name mean? My name is Tommy, but my whole name is Ernest T. Herndon, Jr. Since my father was also named Ernie and one Ernie is enough in any family, I’ve been known as Tommy all my life.

Names are important in the Bible because they often reflected a person’s character or their role. Abram and Sarai’s names were changed when God made a covenant with them. God promised He would be their God if they would be His people. Abram means “exalted father,” and Abraham means “father of many.” Sarai means “princess,” and Sarah means “princess of many.” When Sarah finally gave birth to their son, they were overjoyed and named him Isaac which means “he laughs.” In Genesis 21:6 Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.”

Abraham and Sarah were both advanced in years and didn’t think they would have children, but at age 75, God promised Abram he would be the father of “a great nation” and his descendants would possess Canaan (Genesis 12:2 & 7). Genesis 15:18 tells us, “On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram.” This is the first time the word “covenant” is used as God’s promise to Abram. Thirteen years later, God made Abram “the father of many nations” and changed his name from Abram to Abraham (Genesis 17:4-5).

We show honor and respect to people when we call them by name and affirm who God has created them to be. A loving nickname that reflects someone’s unique qualities can do the same thing. Let us all use names to establish to the world that we are all created in the image of God.

Prayer – Oh God, you made me in Your image, and You love me. Shape and mold me to be more like You. Amen.

Genesis 17:5 – “Your name will be Abraham for I made you a father of many nations.”

By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Images: Canva AI, Chuttersnap & Clayton Cardinalli/Unsplash