In the book of Genesis, God gives new names to three people.
In doing so, God is effectively saying, I’m giving you a new identity. You may see yourself according to your old name, but I see you differently. I’m giving you a new name and a new future.
- Abram becomes Abraham
- Sarai becomes Sarah
- Jacob becomes Israel
The Amplified Bible tells us the meaning for five of these names:
Abram means “high, exalted father,” whereas Abraham means “father of a multitude” (Genesis 17:5).
The meaning of Sarai is not given, but Sarah means “Princess” (Genesis 17:15).
Jacob means “supplanter” (one who usurps or replaces another), whereas Israel means “contender with God” (Genesis 32:28).
Would you like God to give you a new name? Just ask.
A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.
