“But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’” – Isaiah 43:1
Bible Verses About Name Changes
Transformation Through God
Name changes in the Bible often signify a transformation that God brings into our lives. When we look at examples such as Abram’s name being changed to Abraham, we see how God changes not just our names but also our identities and destinies. This speaks to us deeply, reminding us that we are not tied to our pasts but are being transformed daily by His grace. As we walk in faith, we can trust that God will lead us to new beginnings and purposes. Embracing our new identities in Him can be an exciting discovery, encouraging us to step forward boldly in our journey.
Genesis 17:5
“No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.” – Genesis 17:5
Genesis 32:28
“Then the man said, ‘Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.’” – Genesis 32:28
Matthew 16:18
“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.” – Matthew 16:18
Revelation 2:17
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” – Revelation 2:17
Isaiah 62:2
“The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.” – Isaiah 62:2
Names Signifying God’s Promise
The names we are given can hold profound significance, especially when viewed through the lens of God’s promises. In various instances throughout the Bible, we find names that reflect the nature of God’s faithfulness and the blessings He bestows upon His people. When we choose to embrace the new identities God gives us, we become representations of His promise and purpose in our lives. Identifying with these names can motivate us to live up to what they represent, knowing that they reflect God’s purpose for us. Walking in obedience and faith allows us to manifest these divine promises abundantly.
Genesis 12:2
“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” – Genesis 12:2
Exodus 34:5-6
“Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.’” – Exodus 34:5-6
1 Chronicles 4:9
“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, ‘I gave birth to him in pain.’ Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!’ ” – 1 Chronicles 4:9
2 Samuel 12:24
“Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and made love to her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The Lord loved him.” – 2 Samuel 12:24
Jeremiah 33:16
“In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.” – Jeremiah 33:16
The Power of a New Name
John 1:42
“And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which, when translated, is Peter).” – John 1:42
Isaiah 41:13
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you: Do not fear; I will help you.” – Isaiah 41:13
Ezekiel 36:26
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 36:26
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Philippians 3:20
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 3:20
Names of Identity and Heritage
Genesis 29:32
“Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, ‘It is because the Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.’” – Genesis 29:32
Ruth 4:17
“The women living there said, ‘Naomi has a son!’ And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.” – Ruth 4:17
Luke 1:59
“On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father, Zechariah.” – Luke 1:59
Matthew 1:16
“And Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.” – Matthew 1:16
Psalm 147:4
“He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.” – Psalm 147:4
Names Reflecting God’s Nature
Exodus 3:14
“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” – Exodus 3:14
Psalm 23:1
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” – Psalm 23:1
Proverbs 18:10
“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” – Proverbs 18:10
Psalm 95:2
“Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” – Psalm 95:2
Isaiah 9:6
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6
Name Changes in the New Covenant
Romans 8:17
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” – Romans 8:17
Ephesians 1:5
“He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” – Ephesians 1:5
Galatians 3:26
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.” – Galatians 3:26
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
2 Timothy 2:19
“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.’” – 2 Timothy 2:19
Final Thoughts
Name changes in the Bible illustrate how God is always present in our transformations. We embark on new journeys with each name change, affirming a new chapter in our lives. When we embrace our new identities, we step into the promises and purposes God has laid out for us. It’s exciting to think that God gives us names that reflect His faithfulness, love, and grace. As we walk in these new names, we carry the legacy of our faith and trust in how our stories unfold. Each name change is an invitation to experience a deeper relationship with God.
Let us celebrate the beauty of our new names and the heritage that they reflect as we honor our identity in Christ. As we stand firm in what He promises through His names, we draw courage and strength to fulfill our destinies. In faith, we can explore more thoughts on biblical themes, from the significance of blessings to understanding God’s unwavering presence. We may find encouragement in topics like Genesis 35:13 or Jeremiah 31:3-4.