The concept of God's Great Name is a profound and recurring theme throughout the Bible, signifying His character, authority, and reputation. In the Scriptures, the name of God is not merely a label but a representation of His divine essence and attributes. The reverence for God's name is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting His holiness, power, and covenantal relationship with His people.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the name of God is revealed in various forms, each highlighting different aspects of His nature. One of the most significant revelations is found in Exodus 3:14, where God declares to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." This self-revelation, often associated with the name Yahweh (YHWH), underscores God's eternal existence and unchanging nature. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as, "God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And He said, 'This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.'"

The importance of God's name is further emphasized in the Ten Commandments, where the third commandment instructs, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain" (Exodus 20:7). This commandment highlights the sacredness of God's name and the need for His people to honor it in their speech and actions.

Throughout the Psalms, God's name is a source of worship and praise. Psalm 8:1 declares, "O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens." Here, the psalmist acknowledges the greatness of God's name as a reflection of His glory and majesty.

New Testament Revelation

In the New Testament, the significance of God's name is further revealed through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The name of Jesus itself, meaning "Yahweh saves," embodies the redemptive mission of God. Philippians 2:9-11 states, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This passage highlights the exaltation of Jesus' name and its association with divine authority and worship.

The early church recognized the power and authority inherent in the name of Jesus. Acts 4:12 affirms, "Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." The apostles performed miracles and preached the gospel in the name of Jesus, demonstrating the transformative power of His name.

Theological Implications

Theologically, God's Great Name encompasses His attributes, such as holiness, love, justice, and mercy. It signifies His covenantal faithfulness and the assurance of His promises. Believers are called to live in a manner that honors God's name, as reflected in the Lord's Prayer: "Hallowed be Your name" (Matthew 6:9). This petition expresses a desire for God's name to be revered and glorified in all the earth.

The reverence for God's name also extends to the eschatological hope of His ultimate vindication and glory. Revelation 15:4 proclaims, "Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed." This vision anticipates the universal acknowledgment of God's greatness and the worship of His name by all creation.

In summary, God's Great Name is a central theme in the biblical narrative, reflecting His divine nature, authority, and redemptive work. It calls for reverence, worship, and a life that honors His holy name.