What’s in a name? (1/2)

As a kid, I loved watching “X-men” on TV, mainly because of the quips of a particular character— Beast. It was from this character that I first heard the quote from “Romeo and Juliet”—

“What's in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet.”

But God’s word says differently, beloved. 

Consider Genesis 2:19–

“Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name.”

The English Language does not really do justice to “name” as it pertains to its connotation in the original Hebrew text of the Bible where “name” connotes the nature, reputation, character and constitution of the person or thing which is named. According to Strong’s Bible Lexicon—

“…an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.”

We see these definitions reflected in the popular Bible verse—

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:10‬

The Passion Translation puts it thus—

“The character of God is a tower of strength, for the lovers of God delight to run into his heart and be exalted on high.” Proverbs‬ ‭18:10‬.

Also consider Proverbs 22:1– “A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold.”

The Complete Jewish Bible version brings out the richness of the Hebrew definition of “name” in the verse—

“Rather than wealth, choose a good reputation, esteem over silver and gold.”

In essence, the “name” that a person or thing is called defines its nature, reputation, character and constitution. Hence Genesis 2:19–

“…And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name.”

Whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name—  its nature, reputation, character and constitution. Adam knew this. And this is why he did something that many like me have never taken note of right after he and his companion fell under the curse of death after they ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil: Adam gave his female companion a new name! 

Recall what the Lord said to them after they believed Satan which led to their disobedience of striving for godliness (to be like God) by human effort through dependence on the tree of the knowledge of good and evil which is a typology for the law? The tree is a typology for the law which many churchgoers are striving to obey in order to be godly/be like God. The law kills and gives the same knowledge as the tree.

So here’s the final part of the curse that fell on Adam after his disobedience — in verse 20 is where we see him giving his companion the name “Eve”—

19 “In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.”

20 And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.” Genesis 3. 

Notice that it was immediately after the sentence was passed on them that Adam called his wife’s name Eve?  Eve was not called “Eve” before this time. In fact, “Eve” was not the name that God gave to Adam’s female companion at creation. God named her Adam too, just like the first man—

“Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.” Genesis 5:2

Eve’s God-given name was “Adam” and not “Eve.” Adam called his wife’s name “Eve” right after the curse came into effect for a reason. See why in 2/2.