What Does the Bible Mean by Receiving a New Name?

Question.

What does the Bible mean when it talks about being given a “new name”?

Answer:

In Scripture, a name is far more than a label used to identify a person. A name often represents one’s character, nature, destiny, or relationship with God. When someone’s name changes in the Bible, it usually signifies a divine transformation—an inner change that corresponds to a new mission or covenant with God.

1. Biblical Examples of Name Changes

Abram to Abraham (Genesis 17:5).

No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. (ESV)

This change symbolized Abraham’s covenant with God and his destiny as the father of many nations.

Sarai to Sarah (Genesis 17:15):

God changed her name to Sarah, meaning “princess,” marking her role in God’s plan to birth nations through her lineage.

Jacob to Israel (Genesis 32:28):

Jacob’s name, meaning “supplanter,” was changed to Israel, meaning “he struggles with God,” after wrestling with God and receiving His blessing. This signified a shift from striving in his own strength to being marked by God’s covenant.

Saul to Paul (Acts 13:9):

Saul’s Hebrew name was associated with his former life as a persecutor of Christians, but as Paul, he embraced his mission as an apostle to the Gentiles.

2. God’s Names Reveal His Nature

Throughout Scripture, God introduces Himself with various names that reveal aspects of His character:

Jehovah Jireh – “The Lord Will Provide” (Genesis 22:14)
Jehovah Rapha – “The Lord Who Heals” (Exodus 15:26)
Jehovah Nissi – “The Lord Is My Banner” (Exodus 17:15)
Yeshua (Jesus) – “The Lord Saves” (Matthew 1:21)

Each name uncovers a facet of His nature and covenant relationship with His people.

3. The Promise of a New Name in Christ’s Return

The book of Revelation contains two profound promises about new names—one for Christ and one for believers:

Christ’s New Name (Revelation 3:12):

The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. (ESV)

This suggests that when Christ returns, He will be revealed in a new dimension of glory and authority—not just as the Lamb who was slain (Revelation 5:6) but as the conquering King of kings (Revelation 19:11–16). His new name will reflect this royal and majestic reign.

A New Name for Believers (Revelation 2:17):

To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it. (ESV)

This intimate promise shows that every faithful believer will receive a unique name from Christ Himself, known only between them and the Savior, signifying a personal and eternal relationship.

4. Why This Matters for Us Today

Right now, we live in the age of grace where salvation is freely offered through the name of Jesus:

There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

(Acts 4:12, ESV)

But when Christ returns, His new name will not represent His role as Redeemer but as Judge and King. This is why repentance and salvation are urgent now—because the door of mercy will not always remain open (Matthew 25:10–13).

5. The Eternal Glory Awaiting Us

For those who overcome, the new name symbolizes more than a title—it reflects transformation into Christ’s likeness and participation in His eternal kingdom:

A new name means a new identity in God’s family.

It signifies victory over sin and the world through Christ.

It marks our entrance into the New Jerusalem, where God dwells with His people forever (Revelation 21:1–4).

A Final Call

Beloved, the glory to come is beyond human comprehension. It is better to lose everything now than to miss the eternal kingdom of God. These are the last days; Christ’s return is near. Are you still clinging to worldly pursuits? Repent and turn to Christ today.