“And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
When I was choosing names for each of my sons, I didn’t just pick names I liked—I also wanted biblical names with meaningful stories behind them. I remember flipping through baby name books and looking up meanings because I wanted each of them to know their name was a special gift—something that could encourage them throughout their lives.
Because names matter.
In the Bible, names often held significant meaning. They reflected identity, character, purpose, and sometimes even a person’s future. And when it comes to God, His names reveal something important—not just about what He does, but about who He is.
In the Old Testament, God reveals His identity through the many names He is given, each expressing something about His character. Some highlight His faithfulness, while others show His provision, closeness, or compassion.
And the more we understand His character, the more we learn to trust Him in our own lives.
Yet—there’s something else that makes the names of God even more powerful.
Names of God Point Us to Jesus
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8 NIV)
The names and attributes of God found in the Old Testament are also applied to Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
God revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush as “I AM,” (Exodus 3:2) and later Jesus used those same words about Himself again and again:
“I am the bread of life.”
“I am the light of the world.”
“I am the good shepherd.”
These weren’t casual statements—they pointed to the triune nature of God.
Names Reveal God’s Heart
The more we study the names of God, the more we begin to see something beautiful woven throughout all of Scripture:
The God of the Old Testament and the Savior of the New Testament aren’t telling different stories; they’re showing the heart of a God who wants us to truly know Him.
Knowing the names of God reminds us that He isn’t distant or unknowable. He reveals Himself because He wants a relationship with us.
Not just so we know about Him. But so we truly know Him.
On Thursdays in the coming weeks, I’m excited to walk with you as we look at some of the names of God found in Genesis—not just to study them, but to better know the God who still reveals Himself to His people today.
Journaling Prompts
- Knowing that the same names and attributes of God in the Old Testament are given to Jesus, how does that strengthen my trust in Him?
- Do I tend to know more facts about God than I truly know Him personally?
- How have difficult seasons shaped the way I view God?
- What would change if I truly trusted God’s heart for me in this season of life?
