In the Bible, name changes often signify a new identity or calling from God. From Abram becoming Abraham to Saul becoming Paul, name changes mark significant spiritual transformations. Let’s explore what scripture says about the significance of names and how they reflect our identity in Christ.
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What Does The Bible Say About Changing Your Name
Genesis 17:5
No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.
This verse illustrates the moment when God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, signifying a new identity and a new purpose. It shows that changing one’s name can symbolize a transformative experience and a new direction in life.
Genesis 32:28
Then He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
This passage describes the encounter between Jacob and God, in which Jacob’s name was changed to Israel. The change of name represents his transition from deception and worldly struggles to a transformed relationship with God. It emphasizes that a change of identity comes through overcoming personal battles and seeking God’s guidance.
Matthew 16:17-18
Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
In this passage, Jesus renames Simon as Peter, which means “rock.” This symbolic name change signifies Peter’s pivotal role in the establishment and foundation of the early church. It illustrates that through divine revelation, a person’s name can be changed to reflect their calling and purpose in advancing God’s kingdom.
John 1:42
And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).
Similar to Matthew 16:17-18, this verse highlights Jesus renaming Simon as Cephas or Peter, emphasizing his future role as a steadfast follower and leader. It teaches that Jesus has the authority to change someone’s name, defining their identity in alignment with their spiritual destiny.
Acts 13:9
Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him.
This verse signifies a significant turning point in the life of the apostle Paul. As a persecutor of Christians, he was known as Saul. However, after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, his name was changed to Paul. The change of name represents his transformation from a persecutor to a disciple and missionary, reflecting God’s grace and forgiveness.
Revelation 2:17
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”
This verse speaks of a future promise to those who overcome, receiving a new name written on a white stone. It suggests that in the eternal kingdom, God will grant His faithful followers an identity that reflects their unique relationship with Him. It symbolizes the intimate knowledge and reward that come from being in a personal relationship with God.
Isaiah 62:2
The nations shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will name.
In this scripture, God promises to give His people a new name, highlighting their righteousness and reflecting His glory. It emphasizes that God’s chosen ones will bear a distinct identity before the nations, a name that exalts their divine calling and character.
Isaiah 56:5
Even to them I will give in My house and within My walls a place and a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off.
In this verse, God reassures His people that He will give them a place and a name that surpasses that of sons and daughters. This promise signifies the eternal inheritance and status that believers receive when they belong to God’s household. It assures that their name is secure and honored forever.
Revelation 3:12
He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.
This verse depicts the promise to those who overcome to be made pillars in the temple of God. Furthermore, it speaks of having the name of God and the New Jerusalem written upon them, symbolizing their belonging and being identified with the eternal dwelling place of God. It also mentions the Lord’s own new name, signifying a deep personal connection with Him.
Isaiah 65:15
You shall leave your name as a curse to My chosen; for the Lord God will slay you, and call His servants by another name.
Here, God speaks of judgment upon rebellious individuals, stating that their names will be remembered as a curse among His chosen people. This serves as a reminder that those who reject God’s ways and bring harm to His servants will face consequences and be remembered with disdain among His faithful followers.
Isaiah 62:4
You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married.
This verse inspires hope and restoration, as God proclaims His people will no longer be considered forsaken or desolate. Instead, they are given the names Hephzibah (My Delight Is in Her) and Beulah (Married), indicating a renewed covenant relationship with God and a restored state of blessing and favor.
Jeremiah 33:16
In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell safely. And this is the name by which she will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness.
This verse prophesies about the future salvation of Judah and Jerusalem, and it reveals the name they will be known by: The Lord Our Righteousness. It signifies a transformed state of righteousness granted by God’s grace, demonstrating His presence and divine attributes within His redeemed people.
Isaiah 60:14
Also the sons of those who afflicted you shall come bowing to you, and all those who despised you shall fall prostrate at the soles of your feet; and they shall call you The City of the Lord, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
Here, the scripture speaks of a future restoration and reconciliation, where those who once oppressed God’s people will humbly acknowledge their authority. The name “The City of the Lord, Zion of the Holy One of Israel” represents a glorified and honored position, as God’s chosen ones are exalted and recognized in the sight of all.
Isaiah 49:16
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.
In this verse, God assures His people that He has engraved them on the palms of His hands, demonstrating His constant remembrance and care for them. It symbolizes an intimate relationship where their identity is forever known and cherished by the Creator.
Isaiah 62:12
And they shall call them The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord; and you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.
This scripture speaks of a future state where God’s people will be recognized as The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord. The names Sought Out and A City Not Forsaken signify a restored and secure state of divine favor, illustrating God’s faithfulness in relentlessly pursuing His people.
Revelation 19:12
His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.
In this verse, the majestic description of Jesus reveals that He possesses a name that is known only to Himself. It signifies the unfathomable depth of His divine nature and authority, surpassing human comprehension. This speaks of the exalted and sovereign nature of Jesus, the one who reigns supreme.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
This verse exhorts believers to live their lives in a manner that brings honor and glory to the name of the Lord Jesus. It emphasizes the significance of conducting oneself with gratitude, recognizing God’s authority in all actions and expressions.
Philippians 2:9-11
Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
This powerful passage proclaims that God has given Jesus the name that surpasses all others. It declares the universal authority and lordship of Jesus Christ, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His name, ultimately bringing glory to God the Father.
Acts 4:12
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
This verse establishes the exclusivity of salvation through the name of Jesus Christ. It highlights the unique and unparalleled role of Jesus as the Savior, emphasizing that salvation can only be obtained through faith in Him.
Psalm 8:1
O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, who have set Your glory above the heavens!
This Psalm celebrates the greatness and excellence of God’s name, acknowledging His supreme authority and majesty. It invites all creation to recognize and exalt the glorious name of the Lord, reflecting an attitude of awe and reverence.
Psalm 113:3
From the rising of the sun to its going down, the Lord’s name is to be praised.
This verse urges the continual praise and adoration of the Lord’s name. It emphasizes that throughout the day and from every corner of the earth, the name of the Lord is worthy of unceasing honor and exaltation.
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
This Proverb describes the name of the Lord as a fortified tower of safety and security for the righteous. It portrays God’s name as a refuge and shelter, offering protection and deliverance to those who seek His name in times of trouble.