Bible Study

The Meaning of “Name” as Character in the Bible

In biblical thought, a name (שֵׁם, Shem in Hebrew; ὄνομα, Onoma in Greek) often represents a person’s character, authority, reputation, and essence rather than just an identifier. When Yeshua (Jesus) says to do something “in His name,” it can mean doing it in His character, in alignment with His nature, authority, and will.

The Hebrew Concept of “Name” (Shem – שֵׁם) as Character

In Hebrew culture, a person’s name represented who they were—their character, reputation, and authority.

Examples in the Old Testament:

Exodus 34:5-7 (HCSB) – YAH’s Name is His Character

“The Lord came down in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed His name Yahweh. Then the Lord passed in front of him and proclaimed: Yahweh—Yahweh is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth.”
Here, YAH proclaims His “name” by listing His attributes—compassion, grace, patience, love, and truth.

Proverbs 22:1 (HCSB) – Name as Reputation

“A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold.”
This doesn’t refer to just a label but to one’s character and integrity.

1 Samuel 25:25 (HCSB) – Nabal’s Name Reflects His Character

“Don’t let my lord pay attention to this worthless fool Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name is Nabal, and stupidity is all he knows.”
Nabal (נָבָל) means “fool,” and his actions matched his name, showing how a name represented one’s nature.

The Greek Concept of “Name” (Onoma – ὄνομα) as Character

In the New Testament, ὄνομα (Onoma) also signifies character, authority, and reputation.

Examples in the New Testament:

John 17:6 (HCSB) – Yeshua Revealed the Father’s Name (Character)

“I have revealed Your name to the men You gave Me from the world.”
Yeshua did not just tell people the name of God—He revealed the character of YAH through His actions and teachings.

Acts 4:7-10 (HCSB) – Authority in Yeshua’s Name

“By what power or in what name have you done this?” Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them… ‘By the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead—by Him this man is standing here before you healthy.’”
The name of Yeshua is not just a phrase—it represents His power, authority, and character.

Philippians 2:9-11 (HCSB) – The Name Above Every Name

“For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow… and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
His name (authority, character, and rule) demands reverence and submission.

Doing Things “In Yeshua’s Name” Means Doing Them in His Character

When Yeshua instructs us to act “in His name,” He is calling us to act in alignment with His character, will, and authority—not just to say His name as a formula.

Examples:

John 14:13-14 (HCSB) – Praying in His Name Means According to His Character

“Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
This doesn’t mean using “Jesus” like a magic word—it means praying according to His will and character.

Colossians 3:17 (HCSB) – Living in His Name Means Reflecting His Character

“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Everything we do should be done in His nature—loving, just, holy, and righteous.

Matthew 7:21-23 (HCSB) – False Followers Used His Name but Lacked His Character

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven.”
Saying His name wasn’t enough—one must act in His character and will.

Conclusion: Acting in Yeshua’s Name is Acting in His Character

In both Hebrew and Greek, a name represents who someone is—their nature, authority, and reputation.

When we pray in Yeshua’s name, we pray according to His character.
When we baptize in His name, we immerse people into His authority and identity.
When we cast out demons in His name, we do so through His power and righteousness.

Final Scripture:

1 John 2:6 (HCSB) – Living in His Name Means Walking as He Walked

“The one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.”

🔹 Matthew 7:21-23 – Many will say, “Lord, Lord, didn’t we do mighty works in Your name?” But Yeshua will respond, “I never knew you.” Why? Because they used His name but didn’t walk in His character.
🔹 Acts 19:13-16 – The sons of Sceva tried to cast out demons using Yeshua’s name like a magic word—but the demons overpowered them because they had no true authority in Him.

To truly walk in His name, we must:
✅ Pray in alignment with His will (John 14:13-14)
✅ Live as He lived (Colossians 3:17)
✅ Walk as He walked (1 John 2:6)

A name without character means nothing.
But when we walk in Yeshua’s name, with His heart, we reflect His power, love, and truth. 💙

➡ To do something “in Yeshua’s name” is to do it in His character, with His heart, and in alignment with His will.

Throughout the Bible, YAH changes people’s names to reflect their new identity, purpose, or calling. Here are some key examples:

1. Abram → Abraham (אַבְרָהָם) – Genesis 17:5

Meaning: “Exalted father” → “Father of many nations”
Why? YAH changed Abram’s name to Abraham to reflect His covenant promise that Abraham would be the father of many nations.

2. Sarai → Sarah (שָׂרָה) – Genesis 17:15

Meaning: “My princess” → “Princess of nations”
Why? YAH changed Sarai’s name to Sarah as a sign that she would be the mother of nations and kings.

3. Jacob → Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל) – Genesis 32:28

Meaning: “Supplanter” → “One who strives with God” or “God prevails”
Why? After wrestling with an angel of YAH, Jacob was renamed Israel, marking his transformation into the patriarch of the 12 tribes of Israel.

4. Hoshea → Joshua (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ) – Numbers 13:16

Meaning: “Salvation” → “YAH is salvation”
Why? Moses changed Hoshea’s name to Joshua, symbolizing his divine mission to lead Israel into the Promised Land.

5. Simon → Peter (Πέτρος / Kefa כֵּיפָא) – John 1:42

Meaning: “He has heard” → “Rock”
Why? Yeshua (Jesus) renamed Simon to Peter (Cephas in Aramaic) to signify his role as a foundational leader in the early church.

6. Saul → Paul (Παῦλος) – Acts 13:9

Meaning: “Asked for, prayed for” → “Small, humble”
Why? Saul, a Pharisee who persecuted believers, was transformed after encountering Yeshua and took on the Roman name Paul as he became an apostle to the Gentiles.

Each name change in Scripture marks a significant transformation in a person’s life, aligning them with YAH’s purpose and calling.