Power in a Name

We are not generally taught in this day and age the power of a name. Especially, when it comes to important things such as naming our children. We pick names for a variety of reasons but often times they lack true meaning, depth or purpose. However, our forefathers and foremothers understood that names were powerful and not to be taken lightly.

Proverbs 22:1 KJV

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Think of five friends or family members. What do their names mean? Do they even know? More than likely your guess is as good as theirs. Names often taken with little thought or consideration.

A name is more than something people just call you. And is not something that should be treated as pulling a number or ticket out of a hat. A good name should be given thought and consideration because it has more value than “great riches.” Now, think about that… Most people would say I don’t give a damn about what people think about me if it means I have a lot of money. Because they see money as the more valuable thing. But your name is more than just a title your attributes come along with it... Your character.

Sirach 41:12 KJVA

Have regard to thy name; for that shall continue with thee above a thousand great treasures of gold.

Your name is who you are. Your name should not be lightly regarded. It carries your legacy. And that legacy is passed down to the next generation. Need it be good or bad it will play a role in how people remember you.

Genesis 17:5 KJV

Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

Using the Strong’s Concordance let us get an understanding of what name Abraham was inheriting.

Strong's Number

H85

Original Word

אברהם

Transliterated Word

'abrâhâm

Phonetic Spelling

ab-raw-hawm'

Parts of Speech

Proper Name Masculine

Strong's Definition

Contracted from H1 and an unused root (probably meaning to be populous);

father of a multitude;

{Abraham} the later name of Abram: - Abraham.

God chose a new name more fitting for who Abraham is now becoming and who he will be. A father of a multitude. From his loins will descend many. His name tied into his purpose.

Sirach 6:1 KJVA

Instead of a friend become not an enemy; for [thereby] thou shalt inherit an ill name, shame, and reproach: even so shall a sinner that hath a double tongue.

Our actions can cause us to inherit a good name or a bad name. Or inherit a new title that becomes associated with our name. And this also lets us know that your enemies will more than likely stain your name and add to it.

Sirach 37:1 KJVA

Every friend saith, I am his friend also: but there is a friend, which is only a friend in name.

Many people will take on the title or name of friend but you will find too often that it is only a title. In name they are friends, but in actions they are otherwise. Being known as “friend” should carry some weight. But when the actions are off, that name now bears no little to no meaning.

Sirach 22:14 KJVA

What is heavier than lead? and what is the name thereof, but a fool?

Trick question right? But it is letting you know that you can take on other names based on your character and behavior. You can be known as a fool. That name becomes attached to you and what you are about.

Sirach 37:26 KJVA

A wise man shall inherit glory among his people, and his name shall be perpetual.

Usually someone who is wise will be known amongst his people even on a carnal level. And his name will continue even after he is dead and gone. Friends, family, co-workers, acquaintances and even strangers can remember interactions with this person that they pass on in stories and testimonies to others. On a spiritual level if you were wise you will inherit everlasting life.

Sirach 39:11 KJVA

If he die, he shall leave a greater name than a thousand: and if he live, he shall increase it.

If a wise person dies, he will leave a greater name than a thousand unwise people and if he lives, he shall continue to increase the glory and greatness of his name.

1 Esdras 9:16 KJVA

And Esdras the priest chose unto him the principal men of their families, all by name: and in the first day of the tenth month they sat together to examine the matter.”

Esdras chose chief men by both their name and the name of their families. The name carried weight. We see it in movies that show older times. I am Maelstrom from Thebes son of Typhoon the storm of the east. Your name and who you came from had power and meant something. So when people heard it they knew where to put you. Same if they saw you do some great feat or heard you speak with some wise words they would inquire, who are you? And where are you from?

Sirach 40:19 KJVA

Children and the building of a city continue a man’s name: but a blameless wife is counted above them both.

Your children will continue your name after you are dead and gone. As well as other notable works you have done such as building a city. But even more than that is a man having a blameless wife.

2 Esdras 2:45 KJVA

He answered and said unto me, These be they that have put off the mortal clothing, and put on the immortal, and have confessed the name of God: now are they crowned, and receive palms.

Confessing the name of God is what will be able to get you the heavenly kingdom.

2 Esdras 2:47 KJVA

So he answered and said unto me, It is the Son of God, whom they have confessed in the world. Then began I greatly to commend them that stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord.

These individuals are the ones who stood boldly professing God’s name. That name was everything God stands for…righteousness.

2 Esdras 8:60 KJVA

But they which be created have defiled the name of him that made them, and were unthankful unto him which prepared life for them.

The ungodly have defiled Gods name through their lifestyle. You are no longer representing him and his legacy.

Tobit 3:15 KJVA

And that I never polluted my name, nor the name of my father, in the land of my captivity: I am the only daughter of my father, neither hath he any child to be his heir, neither any near kinsman, nor any son of his alive, to whom I may keep myself for a wife: my seven husbands are already dead; and why should I live? but if it please not thee that I should die, command some regard to be had of me, and pity taken of me, that I hear no more reproach.

You pollute your name based on not only committing a single sin but even through the various sins you commit.

Tobit 5:11 KJVA

To whom he said, Dost thou seek for a tribe or family, or an hired man to go with thy son? Then Tobit said unto him, I would know, brother, thy kindred and name.

He tried to downplay the importance of his background. But Tobit stood on business, he needed to know his name and his family name. We would call that our first and last name. Who are you and where are you from so I can gauge if I can trust you enough to guide my son on his journey.

Tobit 13:11 KJVA

Many nations shall come from far to the name of the Lord God with gifts in their hands, even gifts to the King of heaven; all generations shall praise thee with great joy.