In the Bible, names hold significant meaning and often reflect the character, destiny, or role of individuals in God's divine plan. Understanding the meanings of these names can provide deeper insight into the biblical narrative and God's interactions with His people.

Adam
The name "Adam" (אָדָם) is derived from the Hebrew word for "man" or "mankind." It is closely related to "adamah," meaning "ground" or "earth," reflecting Adam's creation from the dust of the earth. Genesis 2:7 states, "Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being."

Eve
Eve (חַוָּה, Chavvah) means "living" or "life-giver." She is named by Adam in Genesis 3:20: "The man named his wife Eve because she would become the mother of all the living."

Abraham
Originally named Abram, meaning "exalted father," God changed his name to Abraham (אַבְרָהָם), meaning "father of many nations," to signify the covenant promise that he would be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. Genesis 17:5 records, "No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations."

Sarah
Sarah (שָׂרָה) means "princess" or "noblewoman." Her original name, Sarai, was changed by God to Sarah as part of His covenant promise to Abraham. Genesis 17:15-16 states, "As for Sarai your wife, do not call her Sarai, for her name will be Sarah. And I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her."

Isaac
Isaac (יִצְחָק, Yitzchak) means "he laughs" or "laughter." His name reflects the laughter of both Abraham and Sarah when they were told they would have a son in their old age. Genesis 21:6-7 records Sarah's words: "God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me."

Jacob
Jacob (יַעֲקֹב, Ya'akov) means "heel-grabber" or "supplanter," reflecting his birth holding his twin brother Esau's heel. Later, God changes his name to Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל), meaning "he struggles with God," after Jacob wrestles with an angel. Genesis 32:28 states, "Then the man said, 'Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.'"

Moses
Moses (מֹשֶׁה, Moshe) is believed to mean "drawn out" or "delivered," as he was drawn out of the Nile River by Pharaoh's daughter. Exodus 2:10 explains, "When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, 'I drew him out of the water.'"

David
David (דָּוִד, Dawid) means "beloved." As the second king of Israel, David is described as a man after God's own heart. His name reflects his favored status with God and his central role in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Jesus
Jesus (Ἰησοῦς, Iēsous in Greek; יֵשׁוּעַ, Yeshua in Hebrew) means "Yahweh is salvation" or "The LORD saves." This name signifies His mission to save humanity from sin. Matthew 1:21 declares, "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."

Peter
Peter (Πέτρος, Petros) means "rock" or "stone." Originally named Simon, Jesus gave him the name Peter to signify his foundational role in the early Church. Matthew 16:18 records Jesus' words: "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it."

These names, among many others in the Bible, are not merely labels but are imbued with theological significance, reflecting God's purposes and the unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout history.