Dictionary of Bible Themes Scripture contains many examples of the naming of people and places. Personal names, usually given at birth by parents, were sometimes changed at a later date. Genesis 41:51-52Names may reflect personal experiences See also Genesis 29:31-35; 30:6-8,18-20,23-24; 35:18Exodus 2:10,21-22; 18:3-4 1 Samuel 1:20 1 Chronicles 4:9 1 Samuel 4:21 Names may reflect national experiences See also Genesis 10:25Isaiah 8:3-4 Hosea 1:2-11 pp 1Ch 1:19 Matthew 1:21Names may indicate future destiny See also Luke 1:31-33Genesis 1:5-10; 2:19-20 The giving of a name reflects the authority of the giver See also Genesis 2:23; 35:182 Kings 23:34 2 Kings 24:17 Luke 1:62-63 pp 2Ch 36:4 Genesis 17:3-8The changing of names See also On divine instruction Genesis 17:15-16; 35:9-10John 1:42 Isaiah 62:2 See also In relation to salvation Isaiah 65:15Revelation 2:17 Judges 6:32 See also In the light of past experience Ruth 1:20Zechariah 8:3 See also In the future Isaiah 1:26; 44:5; 58:12; 62:4,12Jeremiah 7:32; 20:3-6 Malachi 1:4 Genesis 41:45 See also In a new culture Daniel 1:7Acts 13:9 The instance of Paul The occasion of and reason for the change from "Saul" to "Paul" are not clear. Genesis 11:8-9; 16:13-14; 19:21-22; 21:31; 26:32-33; 28:18-19; 31:45-50; 32:1-2,30; 33:17; 35:7-8Place-names may reflect events or experiences See also 1065 God, holiness of1105 God, power of 1348 covenant with Abraham 5215 authority 5655 birth |
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