TIP OF THE DAY 23: Name.meaning > historical methods of finding meaning of name

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TOPIC: Name.meaning method

QUESTION: Why should I understand unscientific Bible study methods like acrostic interpretation?

ANSWER: from Perplexity:

While some Bible study methods like acrostic interpretation may seem unscientific at first glance, understanding them can provide valuable insights into the text and its original context. Here are some reasons why it's worthwhile to be familiar with these approaches:

Historical and Cultural Context

Understanding methods like acrostic interpretation helps us appreciate the literary and cultural context in which the biblical texts were written. These techniques were part of the ancient Near Eastern literary tradition and reflect the ways in which the original authors and audiences engaged with texts.

Literary Appreciation

Recognizing acrostics and other poetic devices enhances our appreciation of the Bible as literature. It allows us to see the artistry and skill of the biblical authors in crafting their messages.

Mnemonic Function

Acrostics and similar devices often served as memory aids in oral cultures. Understanding this can help us appreciate how these texts were preserved and transmitted over time.

Structural Insights

Acrostic patterns can provide insights into the structure and organization of certain biblical texts. For example, recognizing the acrostic structure in Psalm 119 helps explain its length and repetitive nature.

Interpretive Clues

While acrostics shouldn't be over-interpreted, they can sometimes provide clues to the author's intentions or emphasis. For instance, the acrostic in Proverbs 31:10-31 emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the "woman of valor" description.

Critical Thinking

Studying these methods can help develop critical thinking skills about biblical interpretation. It encourages readers to consider multiple layers of meaning and to question assumptions about how ancient texts should be read.

However, it's important to approach these methods with caution:

1. They should not be used to derive hidden meanings or esoteric interpretations that go beyond the text's plain sense.

2. The significance of acrostics and similar devices should not be overstated or used to support doctrinal positions.

3. These methods should be considered alongside more rigorous historical-grammatical approaches to biblical interpretation.

Understanding these methods, when used judiciously, can enrich our reading of the Bible and help us engage more deeply with its literary and cultural context. However, they should be seen as complementary to, rather than replacements for, more systematic and scholarly approaches to biblical study.

Note that the Logos forums have had posts from people encountering these types of interpretation for the first time and asking, for example, “is it true that Adam is an acrostic of…” It is important to know methods that are out of favor to understand the authors writing while they were in favor. It is also important to know them so that you can decide whether or not they are helpful methods outside the pressure of an apologetic situation.

QUESTION: Are there New Testament equivalents to the Old Testament unscientific methods?

ANSWER: from Perplexity:

While the New Testament does not contain acrostic poems like those found in the Old Testament, there are some related interpretive approaches and literary devices used:

1. Symbolic Name Interpretations: The New Testament often interprets names symbolically or explains their significance. For example:

- Jesus (Yeshua): Explained as meaning "he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).

- Peter (Petros): Given by Jesus to Simon, meaning "rock" (Matthew 16:18).

2. Numerological Significance: While not an acrostic, the number 666 in Revelation 13:18 is described as the "number of a man" and has been subject to various interpretations.

3. Word Play: The Gospel writers sometimes use word play, though not acrostics. For instance, in Matthew 16:18, there's a play on words between "Peter" (Petros) and "rock" (petra).

4. ICHTHYS Acrostic: While not in the New Testament text itself, early Christians used the Greek word for "fish" (ICHTHYS) as an acrostic:

   Iēsous Christos Theou Hyios Sōtēr (Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior)

5. Typological Interpretation: New Testament authors often interpret Old Testament names and events as foreshadowing Christ or Christian concepts. This isn't acrostic but shares a similar interpretive approach of finding deeper meaning in names and texts.

6. Allegorical Interpretation: Early Christian writers, following Paul's example (e.g., Galatians 4:21-31), developed allegorical interpretations of Old Testament stories and names.

While these methods differ from acrostic interpretation, they reflect similar efforts to find deeper meanings in names and texts. The New Testament approach tends to focus more on typology, fulfillment of prophecy, and symbolic interpretations rather than the alphabetical or structural patterns found in Old Testament acrostics.

QUESTION: What was Philo of Alexandria’s approach to interpreting the meaning of Old Testament names?

ANSWER: From Perplexity:

Based on the search results, we can infer some key points about how Philo interpreted Old Testament personal names:

1. Allegorical Interpretation: Philo frequently used allegorical techniques to interpret Hebrew names and texts, following Greek philosophical traditions. He sought hidden meanings beyond the literal sense of names and stories.

2. Symbolic Meanings: Philo often assigned symbolic or spiritual meanings to names, seeing them as representing virtues, attitudes of the soul, or aspects of the divine.

3. Greek Etymology: At times, Philo would give Greek etymologies to Hebrew names, blending Jewish and Hellenistic thought.

4. Numerological Significance: Philo engaged in numerology inspired by Pythagorean ideas, assigning meanings to numbers associated with names or concepts.

5. Moral and Philosophical Lens: He interpreted names and biblical figures through a moral and philosophical lens, often seeing them as representing ideals or ethical concepts.

6. Universal Themes: Rather than focusing on narrow national interpretations, Philo sought universal moral and philosophical meanings in biblical names and stories.

7. Mystical Approach: His interpretations often had a mystical flavor, using names to explain spiritual experiences or the soul's relationship with God.

8. Harmonization with Greek Philosophy: Philo attempted to harmonize Jewish scripture with Greek philosophical ideas in his interpretations of names and texts.

While the search results don't provide specific examples of Philo's name interpretations, they indicate that his approach was deeply allegorical, philosophical, and aimed at uncovering spiritual truths he believed were embedded in the biblical text. This method was influential in early Jewish and Christian biblical interpretation.

QUESTION: How did Judeo-Christian gnosticism interpret personal biblical names?

Answer: from Perplexity:

Based on the search results and broader knowledge of Judeo-Christian Gnosticism, here are some key points about how Gnostics interpreted personal biblical names:

1. Allegorical and Symbolic Interpretation: Gnostics often interpreted biblical names allegorically, seeing them as representing spiritual principles, divine attributes, or cosmic entities rather than just historical figures.

2. Multiple Levels of Meaning: Names were often seen as having multiple layers of significance - literal, symbolic, and mystical.

3. Connection to Divine Principles: Many biblical names were interpreted as representing aspects of the divine pleroma or spiritual realm. For example, Sophia (Wisdom) was a central figure in many Gnostic systems.

4. Reinterpretation of Old Testament Figures: Gnostics often reinterpreted Old Testament characters and their names to fit their cosmological and theological views. For instance, the God of the Old Testament was sometimes identified as the Demiurge, a lower creator god.

5. Use of Etymology and Wordplay: Gnostics would often use etymology (sometimes creatively) to derive spiritual meanings from names.

6. Names as Cosmic Entities: Some biblical names were interpreted as representing cosmic aeons or emanations from the divine. In Valentinian thought, for example, names like Logos (Word) and Zoe (Life) were seen as divine aeons.

7. The Importance of the "Name": In some Gnostic texts, like the Gospel of Truth, there's a focus on the concept of the "Name" as a representation of divine reality or the Son.

8. Division of Prophetic Utterances: Some Gnostics divided prophetic statements in the Old Testament, attributing them to different sources (e.g., Sophia, the Demiurge, or other entities) based on their interpretation of the names used.

9. Names as Keys to Gnosis: Understanding the true meaning of names was often seen as part of the path to spiritual knowledge (gnosis).

10. Rejection of Worldly Names: Some Gnostic texts, like the Gospel of Philip, distinguished between false worldly names and true spiritual names.

11. Connection to Jewish Mysticism: Gnostic interpretation of names sometimes showed influence from Jewish mystical traditions, particularly in relation to the divine name (e.g., Iao or Yahweh).

12. Christological Interpretations: Names and titles associated with Jesus were often given special mystical or cosmological significance.

This approach to interpreting names was part of the broader Gnostic tendency to seek hidden, spiritual meanings behind the literal text of scriptures, often resulting in interpretations that differed significantly from mainstream Jewish and Christian understandings.

QUESTION: Give some examples of these methods to explore below:

Answer: my personal list

• Acrostic
• Acronym
• Kabbalah
• Gematria
• Allegorical
• Symbolic
• Theophoric
• Patronyms
• Onomancy
• Phonetic similarity
• Astrological
• Midrashic
• Folkloric
• Esoteric Christian name analysis

This list is deliberately light on number, equidistant, and astrological interpretative methods. I lack the background to distinguish between the serious and the idiosyncratic in this area.

ANSWER: Sample from the query “Please give the acrostic, acronym, kabbalah, gematria, allegoricl, symbolic, theophoric, patronymic, onomancy, phonetic similarity, astrological, midrashic, folkloric, and esoteric Christian name analysis for the Biblical name Jonah.” fed into Perplexity yields:

Here is an analysis of the biblical name Jonah from various interpretive perspectives:[1]

Acrostic:

J - Journeying prophet

O - Obedient (eventually) to God's call

N - Nineveh's reluctant evangelist 

A - Angry at God's mercy

H - Humbled by the great fish

Acronym:

Just Obey Now And Hurry

Kabbalah:

In Kabbalistic numerology, Jonah (יונה) has a numerical value of 71, which reduces to 8 (7+1). 8 represents infinity, eternity, and divine perfection.

Gematria:

The gematria value of Jonah (יונה) is 71, which is the same value as:

- "Dove" (יונה)

- "Fullness" (מלא)

- "Night" (לילה)

This connects Jonah to themes of peace, completion, and darkness/mystery.

Allegorical:

Jonah represents Israel's reluctance to be a "light to the nations." The great fish symbolizes exile, with Jonah's three days inside representing Israel's exile and eventual restoration.

Symbolic:

The dove (Jonah's literal meaning) symbolizes the Holy Spirit, peace, and God's mercy. Jonah himself symbolizes resurrection and God's universal love for all people.

Theophoric:

While not explicitly theophoric, Jonah's name relates to the dove, a symbol often associated with God's Spirit.

Patronymic:

"Bar-Jonah" meaning "son of Jonah" is used as a patronymic for Simon Peter in Matthew 16:17.

Onomancy:

As "dove," the name suggests a peaceful, gentle nature. However, Jonah's actions in the biblical narrative often contradict this.

Phonetic similarity:

Similar to Hebrew "yonah" (dove) and Greek "Ionas"

Astrological:

In some systems, Jonah is associated with the zodiac sign Pisces (the fish).

Midrashic:

Midrash identifies Jonah as the son of the widow of Zarephath whom Elijah resurrected.

Folkloric:

Jonah is often invoked in maritime folklore as a symbol of bad luck on ships.

Esoteric Christian:

Some interpret Jonah's three days in the fish as prefiguring Christ's three days in the tomb before resurrection.

This multifaceted analysis demonstrates how a single biblical name can be interpreted through many different lenses, each offering unique insights into its meaning and significance.

Note I don’t recommend this type of all-in-one query except to get the lay of the land. The details that you get by asking for each one independently is often the information worth keeping. Nevertheless, it is worth looking at similar output for Dorcas as an example that is female and from the New Testament.

Here's an analysis of the biblical name Dorcas from various interpretive perspectives:[2]

Acrostic:

D - Devoted disciple

O - Offering aid to others

R - Resurrected by Peter

C - Charitable and compassionate

A - Admired for good works

S - Seamstress for the poor

Acronym:

Disciple Of Righteousness, Charitable And Selfless

Kabbalah:

In Greek gematria, Δορκάς (Dorcas) has a value of 395, which reduces to 8 (3+9+5). 8 represents infinity, renewal, and resurrection, fitting for Dorcas's story.

Gematria:

Δορκάς (Dorcas) = 395

4 (Δ) + 70 (ο) + 100 (ρ) + 20 (κ) + 1 (α) + 200 (ς) = 395

Allegorical:

Dorcas represents the virtues of charity and good works in the early Christian community. Her resurrection symbolizes the power of faith and divine intervention.

Symbolic:

As "gazelle," Dorcas symbolizes grace, beauty, and swiftness in doing good. The gazelle is also associated with keen vision, symbolizing spiritual insight.

Theophoric:

While not explicitly theophoric, the name connects to divine attributes through its meaning and the miracle associated with Dorcas.

Patronymic:

Not applicable, as Dorcas is not described as anyone's daughter in the biblical text.

Onomancy:

The name suggests a person of grace, swiftness in good deeds, and spiritual alertness.

Phonetic similarity:

Similar to Greek "dorkas" (gazelle) and Aramaic "tabitha" (gazelle).

Astrological:

In some systems, Dorcas might be associated with Capricorn, symbolizing service and practical compassion.

Midrashic:

While not in Jewish midrash, Christian tradition expands on Dorcas's story, emphasizing her exemplary character and the impact of her resurrection on the community.

Folkloric:

Dorcas became a symbol of charitable works, particularly associated with sewing groups and societies dedicated to providing clothing for the poor.

Esoteric Christian:

Some interpret Dorcas's resurrection as a prefiguration of the general resurrection, symbolizing the triumph of life over death through Christ.

This multifaceted analysis demonstrates the rich symbolic and interpretive potential of the name Dorcas in biblical and religious contexts.

Dorcas illustrates the desire of Perplexity to provide answers where it should not. As Dorcas is a New Testament name, there should be no Kabbalah interpretation. However, Perplexity takes the pattern of Kabbalist interpretation and creates a reasonable answer. That is why one should request that answers that should be drawn from a particular corpus of literature provide the original reference. Also illustrated by Dorcas is the possibility of inventing nontraditional acrostics and acronyms to serve as mnemonics in teaching and preaching.

[1] https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Jonah.html and https://www.ask-oracle.com/baby-name/jonah/ and https://www.thetorah.com/article/whats-in-a-name-the-bible-vs-the-middle-ages and https://www.momjunction.com/baby-names/jonah/ and https://www.momjunction.com/baby-names/jona/ and https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1702445/jewish/What-Does-the-Name-Jonah-Mean.htm and https://www.behindthename.com/name/jonah and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonah_(given_name) and https://www.thebump.com/b/jonah-baby-name and https://www.theyeshiva.net/jewish/item/817/jonah-the-psychological-story and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonah_in_rabbinic_literature and https://www.gematrix.org/?word=jonah  and https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/3700215/jewish/Name-Changes-in-the-Bible-Torah.htm and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonah and https://nickcady.org/2018/08/06/is-jonah-a-historical-account-or-an-allegory/ and https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/229435678.pdf and https://up.uncommonpursuit.net/t/what-type-of-literature-is-the-book-of-jonah/1339 and https://jamesbejon.substack.com/p/jonah-as-allegory-c35 and https://www.truthunity.net/mbd/jonah and https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1702445/jewish/What-Does-the-Name-Jonah-Mean.htm and https://www.reddit.com/r/namenerds/comments/cpd9zn/jonah_and_its_bad_luck_origin/ and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theophoric_name and https://markhaughwout.com/Bible/Prefixes_suffixes_divine_names_Genesis.htm and https://intapi.sciendo.com/pdf/10.2478/v10297-012-0004-6 and https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/bar-jonah/ and http://kmooreperspective.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-aramaic-patronymic-bar.html and https://adversariapodcast.com/2019/03/09/why-is-the-apostle-peter-called-simon-bar-jonah/ and https://www.pronouncenames.com/Jonah and https://namesabout.com/Jonah-meaning-11793 and https://www.cornerstonewestchester.com/post/the-sign-of-jonah-astrology-and-early-christianity  and https://www.freedomlifelight.com/gods-celestial-word-the-zodiac-in-job-3831-3930/ and https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/3700215/jewish/Name-Changes-in-the-Bible-Torah.htm and https://wealthymatters.com/2014/07/13/chaldean-hebrew-kabbalah-numerology/ and https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/8751-jonah-book-of and https://www.jewishideas.org/article/meaning-book-jonah and https://sacreddrama.org/2017/08/08/what-are-the-jewish-perspectives-on-the-book-of-jonah/ and https://www.bidiboo.com/name/j/jonah and https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1702445/jewish/What-Does-the-Name-Jonah-Mean.htm and https://www.esotericmeanings.com/jonahs-whale/ and https://finchsnest.com/the-interesting-biblical-meaning-of-the-name-jonah/ and https://www.truthunity.net/mbi/jonah-3

[2] https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Dorcas.html and https://www.momjunction.com/baby-names/dorcas/ and https://www.ask-oracle.com/baby-name/dorkas/ and https://www.thebump.com/b/dorcas-baby-name and https://www.reddit.com/r/namenerds/comments/i1i4w5/can_we_talk_about_dorcas/ and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorcas