In the biblical narrative, names often carry profound significance, serving as testimonies to divine encounters, promises, and the character or destiny of individuals. The act of naming is not merely a cultural or familial tradition but is frequently depicted as a spiritual act that reflects God's purposes and revelations.

Old Testament Examples

1. Adam and Eve: The practice of naming begins in the Genesis account with Adam, who names the animals, demonstrating authority and stewardship over creation (Genesis 2:19-20). Eve, meaning "life" or "living," is named by Adam as "the mother of all the living" (Genesis 3:20), signifying her role in the continuation of human life.

2. Abraham and Sarah: God changes Abram's name to Abraham, meaning "father of many nations," as a testimony to the covenant promise that he would be the father of a multitude (Genesis 17:5). Similarly, Sarai's name is changed to Sarah, meaning "princess," reflecting her role in the divine promise (Genesis 17:15).

3. Isaac: The name Isaac, meaning "he laughs," serves as a testimony to the joy and incredulity surrounding the promise of his birth to Abraham and Sarah in their old age (Genesis 21:6).

4. Jacob and Israel: Jacob's name, meaning "supplanter," reflects his early life of struggle and deception. However, after wrestling with God, his name is changed to Israel, meaning "he struggles with God," signifying his transformation and the birth of a nation (Genesis 32:28).

5. Moses: The name Moses, meaning "drawn out," is a testimony to his rescue from the Nile and foreshadows his role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 2:10).

New Testament Examples

1. John the Baptist: The name John, meaning "Yahweh is gracious," is given by divine instruction, signifying the grace that would come through his role as the forerunner of Christ (Luke 1:13).

2. Jesus: The name Jesus, meaning "Yahweh saves," is the ultimate testimony of God's salvation plan. The angel instructs Joseph to name Mary's son Jesus, "because He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).

3. Peter: Jesus renames Simon as Peter, meaning "rock," to testify to the foundational role he would play in the early Church (Matthew 16:18).

Symbolic and Prophetic Naming

1. Isaiah's Children: The prophet Isaiah names his children with symbolic names as testimonies to God's messages to Israel. Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, meaning "quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil," serves as a prophetic sign of impending judgment (Isaiah 8:3).

2. Hosea's Children: Hosea's children are given names that testify to God's relationship with Israel. Lo-Ammi, meaning "not my people," reflects the broken covenant, while Jezreel signifies both judgment and future restoration (Hosea 1:4, 9).

Theological Implications

Naming as a testimony in the Bible underscores the belief in a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people, guiding their destinies and revealing His purposes through their names. This practice reflects the conviction that names are not arbitrary but are imbued with spiritual significance, often serving as reminders of God's promises, character, and the identity He bestows upon His people.