TIP OF THE DAY 38: Not named by Mother, multiple names, names attested to by archeology, trivia

link to next post TIP OF THE DAY 39: Name as a word; basic linguistics - Logos Forums

Since the forum change has been delayed, I've started adding these posts to the previous tip list. See L/V 10 Tip of the Day

QUESTION: Who typically named a baby in Biblical times?

SOFTWARE: The Logos/Verbum all search feature produces reasonable results with a search argument similar to “naming babies”.

ANSWER: from the all search synopsis:

The naming of babies is an important tradition in Jewish culture, often accompanied by specific ceremonies. For boys, the naming typically occurs during the circumcision ceremony on the eighth day after birth. For girls, the naming ceremony is more flexible and can take place at various times, such as during a Torah reading in the synagogue or at a separate event in the family's home. During these ceremonies, blessings are often recited for the well-being of the baby and parents, and it is customary to announce the child's Hebrew name. In Ashkenazic tradition, babies are usually named after deceased relatives, while Sephardic Jews often name children after living relatives. The choice of name is significant, as it is believed to embrace parental hopes and may signify the child's sense of destiny and calling.[1]

From Gower, Ralph, and Fred Wight. The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times. Chicago: Moody Press, 1987.

The naming of the child frequently accompanied the act of circumcision. This happened in Jesus’ case (Luke 2:21). Names normally had some kind of significance in the family, and it is interesting to follow through the meanings where they are given in the margin of a Bible. So important was the birth and the naming that parents’ names were often changed. Father became “father of x,” and mother became “mother of y.”^[2]

From Queen-Sutherland, Kandy. “Naming.” Edited by Chad Brand, Charles Draper, Archie England, Steve Bond, E. Ray Clendenen, and Trent C. Butler. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003.

NAMING In biblical tradition the task of naming a child generally fell to the mother (Gen. 29:31–30:24; 1 Sam. 1:20) but could be performed by the father (Gen. 16:15; Exod. 2:22) and in exceptional cases by nonparental figures (Exod. 2:10; Ruth 4:17). The last son of Jacob and Rachel received a name from each parent, Jacob altering the name Rachel gave (Gen. 35:18). Naming could be attributed to God originating through a divine birth announcement (Gen. 17:19; Luke 1:13). Naming took place near birth in the OT and on the eighth day accompanying circumcision in NT narratives (Luke 1:59; 2:21).

The biblical concept of naming was rooted in the ancient world’s understanding that a name expressed essence. To know the name of a person was to know that person’s total character and nature. Revealing character and destiny, personal names might express hopes for the child’s future. Changing of name could occur at divine or human initiative, revealing a transformation in character or destiny (Gen. 17:5, 15; 32:28; Matt. 16:17–18).

The knowing of a name implied a relationship between parties in which power to do harm or good was in force. That God knew Moses by name occasioned the granting of Moses’ request for divine presence (Exod. 33:12, 17). The act of naming implied the power of the namer over the named, evidenced in the naming of the animals in Gen. 2:19–20 or Pharaoh’s renaming Joseph (Gen. 41:45; cp. Dan. 1:6–7; 2 Kings 24:17).

Proper names consisting of one or more terms consciously chosen by the namer conveyed a readily understandable meaning within the biblical world. Reflecting circumstances of birth Rachel, called the child of her death, Benoni, “son of my sorrow” (Gen. 35:18). Jacob was named “the supplanter” for he was “holding on to Esau’s heel” (Gen. 25:26). Moses, the “stranger in a strange land,” named his son Gershom (Exod. 2:22). Conditions of the times proved imaginative as well: Ichabod, “The glory has departed from Israel,” came about by the ark of the covenant falling into Philistine hands (1 Sam. 4:21–22) and the symbolic names of Isaiah’s sons: Shear-jashub, “a remnant shall return,” (Isa. 7:3); Maher-shalal-hash-baz, “swift is the booty, speedy is the prey,” (Isa. 8:3, NASB).

Personal characteristics: Esau means “hairy”; Careah means “bald” (Gen. 25:25; 2 Kings 25:23); and the use of animal names in early times; Deborah means “bee”; Jonah means “dove”; Rachel means “ewe.” Less frequently occurring are names taken from plants: Tamar means “palm tree”; Susanna meaning “lily.”

Simple names functioning as epithets, such as Nabal meaning “fool” and Sarah meaning “princess,” gave way to compound names factual or wishful in nature, such as Mattaniah meaning “gift of Yahweh” and Ezekiel meaning “may God strengthen.” Compound names in the main employ the divine names El and Yah (Elijah, Ishmael, Nathaniel). Titles and kinship terms (Abimelech, melech means “king”; Abigail, Ab(i) means “father”) and foreign names occur: Aramaic, Greek, and Roman (Martha, Salome, Alexandra, John Mark).

The patronymic practice whereby a child received the name of a relative, especially the grandfather (Simon Bar-Jona is “son of Jona”) was common by the Christian era. Geographical identities are attested as well (Goliath of Gath and Jesus of Nazareth).^[3]

QUESTION: Who was named by someone other than their Mother?

ANSWER: Developed from multiple searches and resources. The list is not comprehensive.

• Isaac: Named by Abraham, his father (Genesis 21:3)
• Solomon: Named by Nathan the prophet, although his mother Bathsheba also named him (2 Samuel 12:24-25)
• Jedidiah: Another name for Solomon, given by Nathan the prophet (2 Samuel 12:25).
• Obed: Named by the women of Bethlehem, not his parents Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 4:17)
• John the Baptist: Named by his father Zechariah, following the angel Gabriel's instructions (Luke 1:13, 59-63)
• Jesus: Named by Joseph, following instructions from an angel (Matthew 1:21; Luke 1:31)
• Benjamin: Originally named Ben-Oni by his mother Rachel, but renamed Benjamin by his father Jacob (Genesis 35:18)
• Lo-Ruhamah and Lo-Ammi: Named by God through the prophet Hosea (Hosea 1:6-9)
• Moses: Named by Pharaoh's daughter after she rescued him from the Nile River (Exodus 2:10).
• Ishmael: Named by Abraham, following God's directive to Hagar (Genesis 16:11, 15).
• Seth: According to Genesis 5:3, named by Adam, although Genesis 4:25 suggests Eve named him
• Ishmael: Named by Abraham, following God's directive to Hagar (Genesis 16:11, 15).

QUESTION: Who in the Bible are known by multiple names?

ANSWER: Developed from multiple searches and resources. The list is not comprehensive.

QUESTION: List some names from the Bible that are attested to by other sources.

ANSWER: List compiled from several sources. It is illustrative not comprehensive.

1. Ahikam son of Shaphan: Bullae bearing his name have been found, confirming his existence as mentioned in the Bible.
2. Azaliah son of Meshullam: Another bulla was found with this name, corroborating his biblical mention.
3. Baalis, King of Ammon: Seals found in Jordan bear his name, confirming his biblical mention.
4. Bar Kokhba (Simon bar Kosiba): Leader of the Second Jewish Revolt, with his name found on letters and weights in caves at Wadi Murabba’at and Nahal Hever.
5. Baruch ben Neriah: Several bullae inscribed with his name have been discovered, supporting his role as a scribe and disciple of Jeremiah.
6. Caiaphas: The name of the high priest during Jesus' time, found on ossuaries in Jerusalem, confirms his historical existence as mentioned in the New Testament.
7. David: The Tel Dan Stele references the "House of David," providing historical evidence for King David's existence.
8. Eshbaal (Ishbaal): An inscription on a 3,000-year-old ceramic jar found in the Valley of Elah bears the name "Eshbaal Ben Beda." This is significant as Eshbaal is also mentioned in the Bible as a son of King Saul, although the jar likely belonged to a different individual with the same name.
9. Hazael, King of Aram-Damascus: His name appears on several inscriptions, including the Tel Dan Stele and Zakkur Stele.
10. Hezekiah, King of Judah: Numerous inscriptions and seals have been found bearing his name, confirming his historical existence.
11. Hezir: A priestly family mentioned in Nehemiah and Chronicles, with their name found inscribed in a family mausoleum in the Kidron Valley.
12. Jehu, King of Israel: Mentioned in Assyrian inscriptions, including the Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III, which depicts him offering tribute.
13. Jeroboam II, King of Israel: His name is found on a seal belonging to one of his servants named Shema.
14. Jerubbaal (Gideon): A jug fragment discovered at Khirbet al-Ra’i contains an inscription with the name Yrb’l (Jerubbaal), a name used for the biblical judge Gideon.
15. Mesha, King of Moab: His victories are recorded on the Mesha Stele, which corresponds with the biblical account in 2 Kings 3.
16. Nicanor: Known from the Talmud for donating bronze gates to the Herodian Temple; his name was found on an ossuary in Jerusalem.
17. Pontius Pilate: His name appears on a stone inscription discovered in Caesarea, providing evidence of his role as the Roman prefect who presided over Jesus' trial.
18. Qatros: Another priestly family name found inscribed on a stone weight in Jerusalem, confirming its historical presence.
19. Uzziah (Azariah), King of Judah: An Aramaic inscription on a stone plaque found on the Mt. of Olives reads "Here were brought the bones of Uzziah, King of Judah".

QUESTION: What are some typical trivia questions related to personal names in the Bible?

SOFTWARE: I let Perplexity write the questions.

ANSWER:

1.           Who was renamed "Israel" after wrestling with an angel?

•             Answer: Jacob (Genesis 32:28).

2.           What was Sarai's name changed to, signifying her role as a mother of nations?

•             Answer: Sarah (Genesis 17:15).

3.           Which biblical figure was given the name "Zaphenath-Paneah" by Pharaoh?

•             Answer: Joseph (Genesis 41:45).

4.           Who was called "Belteshazzar" by the Babylonians?

•             Answer: Daniel (Daniel 1:7).

5.           What was Saul's name changed to after his conversion on the road to Damascus?

•             Answer: Paul (Acts 13:9).

6.           Who was renamed "Peter" by Jesus, meaning "rock"?

•             Answer: Simon (Matthew 16:18).

7.           Which prophet's name means "God is my salvation"?

•             Answer: Isaiah.

8.           Who was given the name "Mara," meaning "bitter," after experiencing great personal loss?

•             Answer: Naomi (Ruth 1:20).

9.           What was the original name of Abraham before God changed it?

•             Answer: Abram (Genesis 17:5).

10.         Which king's name meant "peaceable"?

•             Answer: Solomon (1 Chronicles 22:9).

11.         Which biblical figure was named by Pharaoh's daughter after being found in the Nile River?

•             Answer: Moses (Exodus 2:10).

12.         What was the original name given to Benjamin by his mother Rachel?

•             Answer: Ben-Oni (Genesis 35:18).

13.         Who was named by an angel before his birth and became the forerunner of Jesus?

•             Answer: John the Baptist (Luke 1:13).

14.         What was Abram's name changed to, signifying his role as a father of many nations?

•             Answer: Abraham (Genesis 17:5).

15.         Which prophet's name means "God is my strength"?

•             Answer: Ezekiel.

16.         Who was named "Jedidiah" by Nathan the prophet, meaning "beloved of the Lord"?

•             Answer: Solomon (2 Samuel 12:25).

17.         What does the name "Isaac" mean, and who named him?

•             Answer: "He laughs"; named by Abraham (Genesis 21:3).

18.         Which son of Hagar and Abraham was named by God through an angel?

•             Answer: Ishmael (Genesis 16:11).

20.         Which deuterocanonical figure was known for his wisdom and was named after the angel Raphael helped him?

•             Answer: Tobias (Tobit 3:17).

21.         Who was the king of Babylon that changed Daniel's name to Belteshazzar?

•             Answer: Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:7).

22.         What was the original name of Paul before his conversion on the road to Damascus?

•             Answer: Saul (Acts 9:1-6).

23.         Who was given the name "Cephas," which is translated as Peter, by Jesus?

•             Answer: Simon (John 1:42).

24.         What does the name "Emmanuel" mean, as mentioned in the prophecy of Jesus' birth?

•             Answer: God with us (Matthew 1:23).

25.         Who was named "Barnabas," meaning "son of encouragement," by the apostles?

•             Answer: Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus (Acts 4:36).

26.         Which deuterocanonical book features a woman named Judith who beheaded Holofernes?

•             Answer: The Book of Judith.

27.         Who was renamed "Zerubbabel," a leader who helped rebuild the temple in Jerusalem after the exile?

•             Answer: Sheshbazzar is sometimes associated with Zerubbabel, but Zerubbabel is primarily known by this name (Ezra 2:2; Haggai 1:1).

28.         In the New Testament, who was known as Didymus, meaning "twin"?

•             Answer: Thomas (John 11:16).

29.         What are the traditional names of the three wise men who visited Jesus after his birth?

•             Answer: Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar

30.         Who is traditionally named as the soldier who pierced Jesus' side with a spear?

•             Answer: Longinus

31.         What are the names given to the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus according to extra-biblical sources?

•             Answer: Gestas and Dismas

32.         In Christian tradition, what is the name of the woman at the well who spoke with Jesus in Samaria?

•             Answer: Photini (though she is unnamed in the Bible)

33.         Who is identified by tradition as the child whom Jesus called to him to illustrate humility and greatness in the kingdom of heaven?

•             Answer: Ignatius, who later became bishop of Antioch

34.         According to tradition, what are the names of the children brought to Jesus for a blessing in Mark's Gospel?

•             Answer: Timothy and Titus

35.         What name is traditionally given to Pharaoh's daughter who rescued Moses from the Nile?

•             Answer: Bithiah (though she is unnamed in the Bible)

36.         What name does tradition assign to the rich man in Jesus' parable of Lazarus and the rich man?

•             Answer: Dives (though he is unnamed in the Bible)

37.         Who is traditionally named as the centurion at the crucifixion who proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God?

•             Answer: Longinus (though he is unnamed in the Bible)

38.         In some traditions, what name is given to Noah's wife?

•             Answer: Naamah (though she is named only in Jubilees)

QUESTION: What are some articles studying names that are accessible to the non-academic?

Answer: These are articles that I ran into while researching these tips.

• The Confusing Case of Zacharias | Religious Studies Center
• Getting Personal - The BAS Library
• Allegorical Interpretation of the Names in Genesis 5 - Dr. Michael Heiser
• The Names of God - The Gospel Coalition

[1] Jacob Neusner, Alan J. Avery-Peck, and William Scott Green, eds., The Encyclopedia of Judaism (Leiden; Boston; Köln: Brill, 2000), 799. and Ronald L. Nickelson and Jonathan Underwood, eds., The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2007–2008 (Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 2007), 138–139. and Joyce Eisenberg and Ellen Scolnic, Jewish Publication Society, The JPS Dictionary of Jewish Words (Philadelphia, PA: Jewish Publication Society, 2001), 114. and Grant R. Osborne, Luke: Verse by Verse, ed. Jeffrey Reimer, Elliot Ritzema, and Danielle Thevenaz, Awa Sarah, Osborne New Testament Commentaries (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018), 73

^[2] Ralph Gower and Fred Wight, The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times (Chicago: Moody Press, 1987).

^[3] Kandy Queen-Sutherland, “Naming,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, ed. Chad Brand et al. (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 1173–1174.