Why do names change in the bible

Adam named the animals Genesis , parents named their children, masters gave names to slaves, and God named some of His followers. Several people changed their names or had more than one name in the Bible.

But not everyone had their names changed by God. The Bible says that God directly changed the names of four people:. Abram was an elderly man with no children but God promised him that his descendants would be impossible to count! God changed his name to Abraham to reflect that promise Genesis God promised that Sarai, the elderly and barren woman, would become Sarah, the mother of kings and princes Genesis Before God changed his life, Jacob was deceitful and treacherous but one day he struggled with the angel of God.

That day, his life changed and he became a different man. Secondly, the name provides security for its owner. Perhaps God has called them into a daunting task such as serving as a patriarch for the Israelite nation in the case of Jacob. The name given by God reminds its user who has everything under control and who will help them in their new and intimidating purpose. Finally, the name serves as a reminder that they are not who they used to be. Whether this implies a good or bad alteration, a name change signifies a person has experienced a metamorphosis and looks very different than they had from their previous self.

Who Was Nebuchadnezzar in the Bible? Is Jehovah the True Name of God? Hope Bolinger is an editor at Salem, a multi-published novelist, and a graduate of Taylor University's professional writing program. More than 1, of her works have been featured in various publications ranging from Writer's Digest to Keys for Kids. She has worked for various publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, and literary agencies and has edited the work of authors such as Jerry B.

Jenkins and Michelle Medlock Adams. Her modern-day Daniel trilogy is out with IlluminateYA. And her inspirational adult romance Picture Imperfect releases in November of When we are children of God, we can rely on our new nature to change everything that keeps us defeated.

But if you have forgiven your former partner, if you have been forgiven by God and have divorced the proper way in the eyes of God, you can start anew. You no longer have to see yourself as a divorced person, but as a single who is ready to walk in the ways of God. Obviously, when you meet a special person, you will have to talk about your past relationships, and you will have to be completely transparent.

However, do not let the labels of the past define you in your day to day life and paralyze your future! What name have you given yourself? Or what name have you been given? Why do you accept this label? What does God say about you? God wants to resurrect you. He did not promise that your life would be easy and trouble-free, but He does not want you to be miserable either!