Topical Bible: Beasts: Received Their Names from Adam

◄ Beasts: Received Their Names from Adam ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the naming of the beasts by Adam is a significant event that underscores humanity's unique role in creation. This event is recorded in the Book of Genesis, where Adam, the first man, is given the responsibility to name all living creatures. This act of naming is not merely a linguistic exercise but a demonstration of authority and stewardship granted by God to humanity over the animal kingdom.

Biblical Account

The account of Adam naming the beasts is found in Genesis 2:19-20 : "So the LORD God formed out of the ground every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and He brought them to the man to see what he would name each one. And whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all the livestock, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field."

This passage highlights several key aspects of the relationship between humanity and the rest of creation. First, it emphasizes the creative power of God, who forms every beast and bird. Second, it illustrates the intimate involvement of God in the process, as He brings the creatures to Adam. Finally, it underscores the authority bestowed upon Adam, as the act of naming signifies dominion and responsibility.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the naming of the beasts by Adam is rich with implications. It reflects the imago Dei, the image of God, in humanity. As bearers of God's image, humans are endowed with the capacity for reason, creativity, and moral responsibility. The act of naming is an exercise of these capacities, as Adam discerns and assigns names that reflect the nature and characteristics of each creature.

Furthermore, this event establishes a hierarchy within creation. While all creatures are part of God's good creation, humanity is set apart with a unique role. The dominion granted to Adam is not one of exploitation but of stewardship and care. This stewardship is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, calling humanity to exercise authority with wisdom and compassion.

Symbolism and Significance

The naming of the beasts also carries symbolic significance. In the ancient Near Eastern context, names were often seen as reflective of one's essence or destiny. By naming the animals, Adam participates in defining their roles within the created order. This act can be seen as a microcosm of humanity's broader calling to bring order and understanding to the world.

Additionally, the narrative foreshadows the relational aspect of creation. The process of naming involves observation and interaction, suggesting a harmonious relationship between humanity and the animal kingdom. This harmony is later disrupted by the Fall, but the initial act of naming serves as a reminder of the intended peace and cooperation within creation.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, the act of naming was often associated with authority and ownership. Kings and rulers would name cities, territories, and even people as a demonstration of their sovereignty. Similarly, Adam's naming of the beasts reflects his God-given authority over creation.

This event also contrasts with other ancient creation myths, where humanity is often depicted as subservient to the whims of capricious deities. In the biblical account, humanity is portrayed as a partner with God, entrusted with a meaningful role in the ongoing work of creation.

Conclusion

The naming of the beasts by Adam is a foundational moment in the biblical narrative, illustrating the unique role and responsibility of humanity within God's creation. It serves as a reminder of the authority and stewardship entrusted to humans, calling them to exercise their dominion with wisdom, care, and reverence for the Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 2:19,20
And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them: and whatever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Our Lord Subdued his Might and Constrained It, that his Living ...
... for wise that are able to charm wild beasts, their charms enter ... two men (that I lie
not) whose names have escaped ... all the dead; even as when I received him, in ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xxxvi our lord subdued.htm

General Service to the Unmercenaries and Wonder-Workers.
... of your various diseases; come also ye beasts, for from ... grace which the holy ones
have received from Christ ... power work miracles, and, when their names are with ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxvi general service to.htm

The Judgment.
... their graves, given up their accounts, received their glory, and ... when they fail of
finding their names in this ... that though they made themselves beasts, yet God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxvi the judgment.htm

God Hath Made Manifest
... and low, that they were easily to be received by all ... who made for gods images of
beasts, and of ... exceeding ungodly, he therefore passed by their names in silence ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily i god hath made.htm

Psalm XLIX.
... But there is the funeral train; he is received in a ... They will but "invoke their names
in their lands ... perceived not, he was compared to the beasts without sense ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlix.htm

1 Cor. xv. 35, 36
... another of birds, and another of beasts." And yet ... from our prayers, from our gifts
in their behalf, from ... pleasing in His sight have never received children at ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xli 1 cor xv.htm

Introduction.
... born, having great horns, and all the beasts of the ... the Christ was as yet not received,
and the ... These four have their special spheres and provinces; and beside ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/introduction.htm

Excerpts of Theodotus;
... Pure places and meadows have received voices and visions ... the Apocalypse, [268] will
produce minute beasts, that prey ... And for their want of faith in Christ, as ...
/.../theodotus/excerpts of theodotus/excerpts of theodotus.htm

The Answer to the Question Raised.
... of their courses and the changes of their seasons, the ... creatures and the rage of
wild beasts, the force ... all nature the seed of Seth received through successive ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxi the answer to.htm

The Book of Enoch
... of birds of prey for wild beasts (xc.2 ... you which are rich; for ye have received your
consolation ... a passage (Enoch xxii.9), mistranslated, "Here their souls are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of enoch.htm