In the Bible, we see that God sometimes changed a person’s name, usually to signify a new calling, purpose or identity for that person. The new name reflected the new spiritual reality that God was bringing about in that person’s life. Let’s explore some examples of name changes in the Bible and what they can teach us.
Abram to Abraham
When Abram was 99 years old, God appeared to him and said, “No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations” (Genesis 17:5). God changed Abram’s name, which meant “exalted father,” to Abraham, which meant “father of many.” This signified God’s promise to make Abraham the progenitor of many nations and peoples.
The name change reflected the new identity and purpose God had for Abraham. Where once he was a childless old man, God transformed his life and future by promising to make him the father of nations. The new name “Abraham” reminded him of God’s promise and calling whenever he heard it spoken.
Sarai to Sarah
Similarly, God changed the name of Abraham’s wife Sarai to Sarah. Sarai meant “my princess,” while Sarah meant “princess” or “mother of nations.” God said, “I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her” (Genesis 17:16). Again, the name change signified the promise of God to make her the mother of nations and kings.
Whereas Sarai’s name highlighted her beauty and status (“my princess”), God wanted her new name Sarah to reflect His purpose for her life – to be the mother of nations. The name change reflected her new identity and calling as a key person in God’s redemptive plan.
Jacob to Israel
After Jacob wrestled with God, God changed his name to Israel, saying, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed” (Genesis 32:28). “Jacob” meant deceiver or supplanter, reflecting Jacob’s earlier sinful tendencies to trick people. “Israel” meant “God strives,” signifying Jacob’s spiritual growth and submission to God.
This new name acknowledged Jacob’s character development and new identity as one who wrestled with God Himself and prevailed. The name change signified Jacob/Israel’s spiritual maturity and reflected his new status as patriarch of the 12 tribes of Israel.
Simon to Peter
When Jesus first met Simon, He gave him a new name – Peter (John 1:42). “Peter” means “rock” – a reference to Peter being the rock upon which Jesus would build His church (Matthew 16:18). The new name signified Peter’s new identity and purpose as a foundational leader of the early church. Where Simon was an ordinary fisherman, Peter would become the “rock” of spiritual authority and service.
Interestingly, “Peter” is the Greek form of the Aramaic word “Cephas,” which also means “rock.” By giving Simon the name Peter/Cephas, Jesus affirmed Simon’s new identity and purpose which would be revealed in the future.
Saul to Paul
After his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, the proud and zealous persecutor of the church Saul was renamed Paul (Acts 13:9). Paul means “small” or “humble” – which reflected the profound inner transformation in the former Pharisee. The new name signified the former enemy of the gospel becoming a soldier for Christ. His identity changed from persecutor to preacher of the gospel to the Gentiles.
Just as significantly, Saul was a Hebrew name pointing to his Jewish heritage, while Paul was Greek/Roman – befitting his new calling as apostle to the Gentile world. The name change affirmed his new identity and purpose in God’s kingdom.
God’s Purposes in Name Changes
From these examples, we see various purposes in God’s name changes for His people:
- To signify their new identity in Him
- To reflect their new status or position
- To indicate their new purpose, calling or direction in life
- To affirm their spiritual growth and development
- To remind them of God’s promises, blessings or authority in their lives
The name changes were not arbitrary but strategic to affirm God’s work in the lives of His people. The new names were enduring reminders of who God had called them to be and what He had promised them.
Principles for Us Today
While name changes are not common today, we can still learn important principles from the name changes in the Bible:
- God cares deeply about our identity and purpose in Him. Our “names” as His children matter.
- God transforms us from the inside out. The new names reflected an inner change in the person.
- God wants to do greater things through us than we can imagine in our own strength.
- God patiently develops our character over time to reflect Christ more.
- God’s assignments for our lives are always purposeful and for our good.
- Our identity is secure in who God says we are, not what others say about us.
No matter what our current name is, God calls us all to find our deepest identity in Him. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, He continues to transform us to reflect His love, purposes and glory. While our names may not change, our new life in God should be reflected in how we joyfully live for Him each day.
In conclusion, name changes in the Bible often signified God calling His people into new realms of purpose, promise and growth. While the custom of name changes is foreign to us today, we can still appreciate why God did this in biblical times. The new names powerfully affirmed God’s desires to transform His people and direct them into the unique callings He had for their lives. As in biblical times, may our hearts and lives today be open to however God chooses to lead us into greater growth and usefulness for His glory.