WHY DID SOME PEOPLE’S NAME CHANGE IN THE BIBLE

Have you ever wondered why God changed some people’s name in the Bible?  Let’s look at some that were changed by God and why their name was changed.

Abram—Abraham High father – father of many. At the time, Abram wasn't father of anyone directly, although he was the patriarch and acting father of his clan. God changed his name as a sign of His promise that Abraham would be the father of many nations. (Genesis 17:5) (Compelling Truth “Why did some people’s name change in the Bible?”)  

Sarai--Sarah The word Sarai means princely and Sarah means queen of princes or mother of princes. (Genesis 17:15) “God said to Abraham, you shall not call your wife Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.”

God changed Sarai to Sarah because that would be her destiny.  She was unable to have children which must have been distressing to her since God had told her husband Abraham that they would have a son.

Jacob – The word Jacob means cheater, deceiver, and Israel means God’s people. (Genesis 32:28) “And he said, your name no more shall be called Jacob but Israel. For as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.”

“God blessed Jacob and gave him a new name – Israel (Genesis 32:28) and with it a new identity. Jacob was no longer to be associated as the swindler and trickster of his past: He was a new creation, filled with God’s blessings with a divine purpose to establish the Israelite nation.” (“Who Was Jacob in the Bible?  Why Did He Wrestle With God?” Madeline Kalu April 24, 2022

Saul – Paul Meaning of Saul is asked for, prayed for. And Paul means little or small. (Acts 13:9) “Then Saul, (who also is called Paul) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.”   (All About The Bible Learn the Bible Easily)  “Saul – Paul: Some think that God changed Saul's name to Paul after his conversion, but this isn't true. "Paul" is Greek for the Jewish "Saul." Since Paul was a Roman citizen and witnessed to the Greek-speaking world, it was reasonable for him to take a more familiar form of his own name. (Acts 13:9)” (Compelling Truth “Why did some people’s name change in the Bible?”)

Paul’s life had been totally transformed when he met Jesus face to face on the road to Damascus.  He no longer was Saul, who was persecuting Christians but he had taken on a new identity.

Simon – Peter: God has heard – rock. On his own Peter was not a rock. He ran hot and cold depending on the circumstances. With the Holy Spirit, however, Peter became the stabilizing influence for the new church. (John 1:42) 

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades^[ will not overcome it.  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”  Matthew 16:18-19 NIV

Finally, there is a name change for all believers: God says, "To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it" (Revelation 2:17). When we reach heaven, God will also change our names. Perhaps it will represent our own changed identity as we transition from sinful to holy.” (Compelling Truth “Why did some people’s name change in the Bible?”)

Around a month before my granddaughter, Anastasia, was born, my daughter had an ultra sound that indicated that Anastasia had a tumor wrapped around one of her kidneys.  It also indicated that it was a cancerous tumor.  Family and friends stood on God’s Word for her healing and after she was born she had surgery to remove the kidney with the tumor and the tumor was found to be benign!  Praise God for answered prayer!! 

Before my granddaughter’s surgery, I looked up the meaning of her name, Anastasia, and in Greek it means “resurrection” so I knew that this was a sign from the Lord to give me encouragement that she was going to be okay.  Today she is a beautiful, thriving, healthy six year old!

OUR TRUE IDENTITY IN CHRIST:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!  2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:10 NIV

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”  Jeremiah 1:5 NIV

 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.  Ephesians 4:24 NIV

A PRAYER TO PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY

Abba Father, thank you for adopting me into your family and making me a fellow heir with Christ Jesus. Today I build the defenses around my identity by declaring your truth. I am equipped through Christ with every spiritual blessing, chosen by you before the foundation of the world, regarded as holy and blameless before you, redeemed and forgiven, lavished with grace, a recipient of a glorious inheritance in heaven, and secured forever by the Holy Spirit of promise. Let these truths rule in my heart and my life. Amen. (Ephesians 3:1-10, Romans 8:14-15).  (“Six Prayers to Protect Your Identity”  Kira Bridges January 11, 2017)

Marcella Ward June 1, 2022       Author of “Stolen Identity: Plan of the Evil One”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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