What’s in a Name?
By Carolyn Hulliberger
“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalm 9:10
If you have ever been asked to give input on the naming of a child, you know this to be a great responsibility. In biblical times, names carried even more significance. Not just a label to separate one person from another, “names were often thought to reveal the essential nature and character of a person.” (1) Throughout Scripture, God uses variations of His name to reveal His character. We often lose this aspect in translating the text to our English, and end up reading the more general words “God,” “Lord,” or “LORD.” Today, let’s go back to a few of the original names and see what God reveals to us about Himself.
God, Mighty Creator – Elohim
The God Who Sees Me – El Roi
God Almighty – El Shadday
Eternal God – El Olam
LORD, Master – Adonai
The Lord Will Provide – Jehovah-jireh
The Lord Who Heals – Jehovah-rapha
Consuming Fire, Jealous God – Esh Oklah, El Kanna
The Lord Is Peace – Jehovah-shalom
The Lord My Rock – Yahweh Tsuri
The Lord Is My Shepherd – Jehovah-raah
The LORD Our Righteousness – Jehovah-tsidkenu
King – Melek
Judge – Shophet
God Most High – El Elyon
The Lord Is There – Jehovah-shammah
Father – Ab, Abba, Pater
GOING DEEPER:
1. Review the list of God’s names. Is there one that stands out to you for where you are today?
2. Just as we appreciate being called by our name, pray to God today using one of His specific names.
FURTHER READING:
Psalm 91:14-15
Along with caring for her husband, two children and the dog, Carolyn is an Office Representative for State Farm Insurance, serves in Student Ministries with junior high girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.
(1) Spangler, Ann. Praying the Names of God. Zondervan, 2004.
