What’s in a Name?
Weekly Devotionals
These devotionals are designed for one lesson per week for family or private devotions.
You’ve probably seen books that list names and their meanings. For instance, Jean means “God’s gracious gift,” and Mark means “warlike.”
In some cultures, parents name their children after traits they hope the children will exhibit. Other children are named after historical figures, celebrities, or family members. Some children receive one name at birth and “earn” another name later. Certain cultures name children after saints or religious heroes, and many Christian parents choose names from the Bible.
In the Bible, we see many names that have meaning. Esau means “hairy one” (Genesis 25:25). Jacob means “deceitful one” (Genesis 25:26). Names in the Bible might reflect cultural events, such as Ichabod, which means “the glory of the Lord has departed” (1 Samuel 4:21), or a person’s life situation, such as Naomi requesting to be called “Mara,” which means “bitter” (Ruth 1:20).
Scripture gives us examples of names changed to reflect transformation in a person’s life—such as Simon becoming Peter (Matthew 16:18) or Abram (“exalted father”) becoming Abraham (“father of multitudes,” Genesis 17:5). As Saul started ministering to Gentiles, he used his Roman name, Paul.
Most importantly, the Bible tells us different names of God that reflect qualities he possesses, character traits we can count on, and things he has done.
In this series of devotionals, let’s look at some of the names and scriptures that reflect those attributes. Look for examples of God’s “name of the week” revealed in your life and write them down (such as noting Jehovah-Jireh when God provides for you). Ask your children at the dinner table if they recognized an attribute of God in their lives that day.
Be sure to pray for godly discernment before and after each study.
In these devotionals, consider the authority of God’s Word in fundamental aspects of life. Read the Scriptures referenced to understand God’s thoughts on the topics. Discuss what you’ve learned and how you can apply the truths to stand strong on the authority of Scripture in this confused world.
Weekly Devotional
Week 1—Adonai, “Lord” or “Master”
Psalm 103:19; Isaiah 46:9–10; Ephesians 3:20–21; Colossians 1:16–17
Our Adonai, the maker and sustainer of the universe, rules over us not only from a big-picture perspective but also from a personal perspective.
Week 2—El-Olam, “The Everlasting God”
Psalm 48:14, 90:2; Isaiah 40:28–31
Our challenges, joys, and earthly lives come and go, but God has been here since the beginning and will be here for eternity. What does that mean regarding the trustworthiness of God’s wisdom?
Week 3—El-Roi, “The God Who Sees All”
Genesis 16:13; Exodus 3:7; Proverbs 15:3; Ecclesiastes 12:13–14
When Hagar fled her distressing situation, God promised to take care of her. God watches us and sees our joys and tears. Why is it comforting to know that God oversees our lives?
Week 4—Jehovah-Rapha, “The Lord Our Healer”
Genesis 20:1–18; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Isaiah 53:5, 61:1–3; Malachi 4:2
God plans to redeem not only our souls and spirits but also our bodies in heaven. Sometimes even here on earth he heals our sicknesses. In what ways do you need healing?
Week 5—El-Deah, “The God of Knowledge”
1 Samuel 2:3; Psalm 147:5; Romans 11:33–36; 1 Corinthians 1:20–25
Scripture reveals God as the ultimate source of knowledge. He knows all—including every detail about us. How should that affect our trust in him?
Week 6—Jehovah-Jireh, “The God Who Provides”
Genesis 22:7–14; Exodus 16:11–15; Psalm 37:25; Philippians 4:19
In miraculous and ordinary ways, God always provides. What do you need? Have you talked to God about it? What are examples in the Bible of God providing for his people?
Week 7—El-Chuwl, “The God Who Gave You Birth”
Genesis 2:7; Psalm 139:13–18; Jeremiah 1:4–5
Your existence is not by happenstance. Even before you were born, God knew everything about you. What does this say about your life and purpose?
Week 8—Jehovah-Shammah, “The Lord Is There”
Genesis 28:15; Isaiah 43:1–2; Matthew 28:20
Throughout Scripture, God promised to be with his people. How does it affect our lives that God wants to commune with us?
Week 9—El-Gibhor, “Mighty God”
Deuteronomy 10:17; Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 32:27; Zephaniah 3:17; Ephesians 6:10
God is all-powerful. He is able to help us overcome challenges in our lives. How has God shown his might in Scripture and in your life?
Week 10—Jehovah-Tsidkenu, “The Lord Our Righteousness”
Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 145:17; Jeremiah 23:6, 33:16; Romans 3:10
Sin makes our lives impure and impairs our reasoning and judgment. But God is pure, perfect, and just, and we can live in righteousness because of him.
Week 11—Jehovah-Nissi, “The Lord Our Banner”
Exodus 17:15; Deuteronomy 20:2–4; 2 Chronicles 20:12; Isaiah 54:17; Romans 8:31–34
A banner was a flag that went before an army or group to identify them. God is our banner as we face spiritual battles. He covers us and fights for us. How does this affect our attitudes and actions regarding our challenges?
Week 12—Jehovah-Shalom, “The Lord Is Peace”
Judges 6:16–24; Psalm 29:11; Matthew 11:28; John 14:27, 16:33; Philippians 4:4–7
The unsaved world calls for peace, but why can’t they reach that goal? God promises an eternity of peace to believers. How can a believer have peace in the midst of chaos now?
Week 13—Jehovah-Rohi, “The Lord Our Shepherd”
Psalm 23, 80:1–2; Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11–16
Sheep can’t do much on their own. Shepherds meet their basic needs, guide them, protect them, bind their wounds, and even groom them. How does God shepherd us?
Answers Magazine
July–September 2021
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