Why do some people in the Bible have more than one name?

Answer

There are several individuals in the Bible who are known by more than one name. For instance, Ahasuerus in Esther 1:1 is historically recognized as Xerxes. Esther, also known as Hadassah «And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. », (Esther 2:7). The reasons behind the multiple names of certain biblical figures vary.

One reason for the presence of multiple names in the Bible is divine intervention leading to name changes. In the Old Testament, Abram (“exalted father”) was renamed Abraham (“father of a multitude”) in Genesis 17:5. Sarai (“my princess”) became Sarah (“princess”) in Genesis 17:15. Jacob (“heel-catcher” or “deceiver”) was renamed Israel (“God’s fighter”) in Genesis 32:28. In the New Testament, Jesus changed Simon’s name (meaning “one who hears”) to Cephas (“rock”) in John 1:42. In each instance, the name alteration symbolized God’s transformative work in the individual’s life. Whether through a promise or a change in character, God occasionally bestowed a new name.

Another reason for individuals having multiple names is external influence leading to a name change. For example, “Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah” «And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-paaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. », (Genesis 41:45) to assimilate Joseph into the Egyptian culture. Pharaoh Necho changed the name of King Josiah’s eldest son, Eliakim, to Jehoiakim «And Pharaoh-nechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, andTook Jehoahaz away, and he went to Egypt, where he died.” (2 Kings 23:34). Nebuchadnezzar renamed Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah as Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to honor Babylonian gods. “The prince of the eunuchs gave them these names: Daniel became Belteshazzar, Hananiah became Shadrach, Mishael became Meshach, and Azariah became Abed-nego.” (Daniel 1:7). Similarly, Hadassah in Persia was renamed Esther, likely in honor of the goddess Ishtar.

Various biblical characters had their names changed due to significant events or to reflect their character. Gideon was called Jerub-Baal (“let Baal contend”) by the men of his town because they believed he had challenged Baal by destroying the god’s altar. “Therefore on that day he was called Jerubbaal, saying, ‘Let Baal plead against him because he has thrown down his altar.'” (Judges 6:32). After losing her husband and sons in Moab, Naomi returned to Bethlehem and called herself Mara (“bitter”). The name Mary is derived from Mara. “She said to them, ‘Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.'” (Ruth 1:20).

Some name changes are simply translations from one language to another. For instance, Cephas is the Aramaic equivalent of the Greek name Peter, both meaning “rock.” Joshua is the Anglicized version of the Hebrew name for Jesus (see Hebrews 4:8 in the KJV). John in Greek corresponds to Jona or Jonah (compare the KJV and NIV translations of John 1:42).

It is important to understand that individuals in the Bible occasionally experienced name changes for various reasons.

Having more than one name can resolve apparent difficulties. In Matthew 1:9, Matthew mentions Uzziah as the father of Jotham; however, 2 Kings 15:1–7 and 1 Chronicles 3:12 state that Jotham’s father was Azariah. The passages can be harmonized by reading further in 2 Kings 15. The biblical historian clarifies that Jotham’s father was known as both Azariah (verse 7) and Uzziah (verse 32). Different names, same individual.

At times, the reason why a person had multiple names is uncertain. Moses’ father-in-law, for instance, was identified as both Reuel and Jethro (Exodus 2:18;Exodus 3:1). No rationale for the dual name is provided, but both names are documented in Scripture. One of the most well-known name changes in the Bible, from Saul to Paul, remains unexplained. Saul is a Hebrew name; Paul is a Roman name. He started using Paul exclusively during the initial missionary journey (Acts 13), following the conversion of the Gentile proconsul of Cyprus. It is plausible that Saul/Paul had both names since childhood and began using his Roman name as he journeyed deeper into the Roman world «Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, », (Acts 13:9).

It is not surprising that the ancient cultures of the Bible often assigned different names to the same individual. Today, we are equally adaptable in our naming practices. For instance, a girl named Julia could be referred to as Julie or Jules; or she might use her middle name, Anne; or her friends could give her a nickname like “Rose” or “Tweety.” If Julie visits Russia, she might be called Yulia or Yuliana; in parts of Eastern Europe, she could be Julija or Julita; in Italy, she would be known as Giulia. All these names can still pertain to the same person.

Believers anticipate a new name bestowed upon us personally by Jesus Himself: “TTo the one who is victorious, I will give a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it” «He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. », (Revelation 2:17). As we enter glory, our Redeemer will apply to us a new name of His own choosing. “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” «He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. », (Revelation 22:20).