23 Bible Verses about I Have Called You by Name (With Commentary)

Have you ever wondered about your purpose in life or felt a deep longing for significance and belonging? The Bible provides us with the profound assurance that God knows us intimately and has called us by name. In this soul-nourishing exploration, we will delve into verses that affirm our unique identities and illuminate the depth of God’s personal and loving relationship with each of us. Join me as we embark on a journey of self-discovery and divine calling.

Bible Verses about I Have Called You by Name

Isaiah 43:1

“But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.'”

In this verse, God assures His chosen people that He has called them by name and they belong to Him. It demonstrates the intimate relationship between God and His people, highlighting His redemptive love and the promise of His presence.

Isaiah 45:3

“I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel.”

God declares His sovereignty and authority, promising to provide His people with abundant blessings and wisdom. By calling them by name, He reveals His personal involvement and care in their lives, reminding them that He is the one true God.

Jeremiah 1:5

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

This verse expresses God’s intimate knowledge and purpose for Jeremiah. It emphasizes that even before his birth, God had set him apart and ordained him to be a prophet. It reminds us that God has a specific plan and purpose for each individual, and He knows us intimately even before we are born.

John 10:3

“To him, the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”

Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd to describe Himself, highlighting the personal relationship He has with His followers. As the Good Shepherd, He knows each of His sheep by name and leads them with care and guidance. This verse signifies the individual attention and guidance Jesus provides to His disciples.

Romans 8:28

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

In this verse, Paul assures believers that God works all things for their ultimate good. It emphasizes that those who are called according to God’s purpose can trust in His sovereign plan, even in difficult circumstances. It reminds us that God’s calling encompasses a larger purpose, and He orchestrates everything for the benefit of His people.

1 Peter 2:9

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

Peter addresses the believers as a chosen and special people, highlighting their unique calling and identity in Christ. This verse emphasizes the transformative power of God’s calling, as believers are called out of darkness and into His marvelous light. It reminds us of our responsibility to proclaim God’s praises as His chosen and redeemed people.

Also Read: 29 Bible Verses about Everything Will Be OK (With Commentary)

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.”

In this verse, Jesus promises rewards to those who overcome. The white stone with a new name symbolizes a personal and intimate relationship with Him. It highlights the idea that God knows us deeply and uniquely, and He grants us a special identity and closeness with Him through our faithfulness and perseverance.

Psalm 139:1

“O LORD, You have searched me and known me.”

This psalm emphasizes God’s omniscience and intimate knowledge of His people. He knows us completely, including our thoughts, desires, and fears. The fact that God knows us by name and understands us on such a deep level is a testament to His love and care for each individual.

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).”

In this verse, Jesus encounters Simon Peter and declares his new identity. Jesus changes Simon’s name to Cephas, which means “A Stone” or “Peter.” This act signifies a new calling and purpose for Simon Peter, foreshadowing his significant role in the foundation of the early Church.

Isaiah 49:1

“Listen, O coastlands, to Me, and take heed, you peoples from afar! The LORD has called Me from the womb; from the matrix of My mother, He has made mention of My name.”

This verse prophesies about the coming of the Messiah, who will be called by name from the womb. It foreshadows Jesus’ divine calling and mission, highlighting the intentionality and purpose behind His birth and ministry for the salvation of humanity.

Acts 9:15

“But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.'”

God commissions Ananias to minister to Saul (later known as Paul) and confirms Paul’s calling as a chosen vessel to proclaim the name of Jesus to various groups. This verse exemplifies God’s authority in calling and appointing individuals for specific tasks and underscores the significant impact of Paul’s ministry on the early Christian movement.

Galatians 1:15

“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace.”

Paul affirms his calling as an apostle, highlighting that it was God’s sovereign plan from even before his birth. This verse emphasizes the role of God’s grace in calling and equipping individuals for His purposes, illustrating how divine calling is not based on human merit but on God’s unfathomable love and purpose.

Jeremiah 1:8

“Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,” says the LORD.

God assures Jeremiah of His presence and protection as he embarks on his prophetic calling. This verse highlights God’s faithfulness to His called ones, reminding them that they need not fear opposition or challenges because He will be with them, guiding and delivering them.

John 15:16

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”

In this verse, Jesus addresses His disciples, emphasizing that they were chosen and appointed by Him for a purpose. The disciples were not self-selected but were called by Jesus to bear lasting fruit through their lives and ministry. This verse highlights the power and authority that comes from being chosen and sent by Christ.

Isaiah 62:2

“The Gentiles 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.”

This prophetic verse speaks of the future restoration and exaltation of God’s people. The promise of being called by a new name signifies a fresh identity and status, representing a transformational work of God’s grace and redemption. It reveals God’s intention to display His righteousness and glory through His chosen ones.

Exodus 33:12

“Then Moses said to the LORD, ‘See, You say to me, “Bring up this people.” But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, “I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.””

Moses speaks to God, expressing his desire for assurance of divine presence and guidance as he leads the Israelites. God responds by assuring Moses that He knows him by name and has found favor in His sight. This verse underscores the personal relationship and favor Moses enjoyed with God, exemplifying the comforting reality of God knowing His people intimately.

Matthew 4:18-19

“And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.'”

Jesus calls Simon Peter and Andrew, inviting them to leave their profession as fishermen and become His disciples. The use of their names adds a personal touch to the calling, signifying that Jesus knew them individually. This verse highlights the transformative power of Jesus’ call, as He promises to shape their lives and equip them for a greater purpose.

Isaiah 43:7

“Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”

God declares that everyone called by His name is created for His glory. This verse emphasizes that God’s purpose in calling and creating His people is to bring glory to Himself. It reminds us of our divine identity and the responsibility to live in a way that reflects the glory and honor of our Heavenly Father.

Matthew 28:19-20

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

In the Great Commission, Jesus instructs His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the triune God. This verse highlights the authority and power that comes with being called by the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It also assures believers of Jesus’ abiding presence as they fulfill their calling to make disciples.

Ephesians 4:1

“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.”

Paul exhorts believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling in Christ. This verse emphasizes the responsibility that comes with being called by God, urging believers to conduct their lives in a manner that aligns with their divine identity. It serves as a reminder that our actions should reflect the grace and truth of the One who has called us.

These verses highlight the significance of being called by name by God and the implications it carries for our identity, purpose, and relationship with Him. Each verse offers unique insights into the nature of God’s calling and encourages us to embrace our divine identity with faith and obedience.