Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical contexts, the term "surnamed" refers to the act of giving an additional name or title to an individual, often reflecting a significant aspect of their character, role, or divine calling. This practice is evident in both the Old and New Testaments, where God or significant figures bestow surnames to convey deeper meanings or to signify a transformation in the individual's life.
Old Testament Examples:1.
Abram to Abraham: One of the most notable instances of surnaming in the Old Testament is when God changes Abram's name to Abraham. In
Genesis 17:5 , God declares, "No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations." This change signifies the covenant between God and Abraham, highlighting his role as the patriarch of a multitude of nations.
2.
Sarai to Sarah: Similarly, God changes Sarai's name to Sarah in
Genesis 17:15 , saying, "As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah." This renaming underscores her role as the mother of nations and the wife of the covenant bearer, Abraham.
3.
Jacob to Israel: Another significant renaming occurs when Jacob is surnamed Israel after wrestling with God. In
Genesis 32:28 , the angel of the Lord tells him, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed." This new name marks a pivotal moment in Jacob's life and the history of the Israelites.
New Testament Examples:1.
Simon to Peter: In the New Testament, Jesus surnames Simon as Peter. In
Matthew 16:18 , Jesus says, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." The name Peter, meaning "rock," signifies Simon's foundational role in the early Church.
2.
Saul to Paul: Although not explicitly described as a renaming by God, Saul of Tarsus is known as Paul after his conversion.
Acts 13:9 notes, "Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked directly at Elymas." The use of the name Paul, which means "small" or "humble," reflects his mission to the Gentiles and his transformed identity in Christ.
Significance of Surnaming:The act of surnaming in the Bible often signifies a transformation or a new mission bestowed by God. It marks a divine intervention or a pivotal moment in the individual's life, aligning them with God's purposes. These new names often carry prophetic significance, revealing God's plans and promises for the individual and, by extension, His people.
In biblical tradition, names hold profound meaning, and the act of surnaming underscores the importance of identity in relation to God's covenant and divine will. Through these new names, individuals are often set apart for specific roles within God's redemptive history, highlighting the transformative power of God's calling and the fulfillment of His promises.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Surname.
Greek
5102a. Titios -- Titius (surnamed Justus), a Christian... 5102, 5102a. Titios. 5102b . Titius (
surnamed Justus), a Christian.
Transliteration: Titios Short Definition: Titius. Word Origin
...5102. titlos -- Titius (surnamed Justus), a Christian
... Titius (surnamed Justus), a Christian. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration:
titlos Phonetic Spelling: (tit'-los) Short Definition: a title...
3686. onoma -- a name, authority, cause
... named (34), names (8), people (1), people* (1), persons (1). called,surnamed.
From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko...
2500. Ioses -- Joses, an Israelite name
... ee-o-sace') Short Definition: Joses Definition: (Hebrew), Joses (a) son of Eliezer,
(b) son of Mary, half-brother of Jesus, (c)surnamed Barnabas (also called...
2424. Iesous -- Jesus or Joshua, the name of the Messiah, also...
... Iesous Phonetic Spelling: (ee-ay-sooce') Short Definition: Jesus Definition: Jesus;
the Greek form of Joshua; Jesus, son of Eliezer; Jesus,surnamed Justus....
2499. Iose -- Jose.
... of Joses Definition: (Hebrew), gen. case of Joses (a) son of Eliezer, (b) son of
Mary, brother of Jesus, (c)surnamed Barnabas (also called Joseph)....
Library
EusebiusSurnamed Emesenus; Gregory Accepted Alexandria...
... Book III. Chapter VI."Eusebiussurnamed Emesenus; Gregory accepted Alexandria;
Athanasius seeks Refuge in Rome. Eusebius,surnamed...
He was Called Ibn-Mansur, from the Name of his Father. --Assemani...
... Orient. ii. 97. RFL cS. Cosmas,Surnamed the Melodist. + AD760. S. Cosmas of Jerusalem
holds the second place amidst Greek Ecclesiastical poets....
The Arians and the Supporters of the Homoousion' Hold Nocturnal...
... and the Supporters of the Homoousion' hold Nocturnal Assemblies and sing Antiphonal
Hymns, a Species of Composition ascribed to Ignatius,surnamed Theophorus....
List of Writers.
... 2. James, the brother of our Lord. 3. Matthew,surnamed Levi. 4. Jude, the brother
of James. 5. Paul, formerly called Saul. 6. Barnabas,surnamed Joseph....
Of the Word Woman, Especially in Connection with Its Application...
... to his own woman; and the two shall be one flesh." Let them therefore among whom
that subtlety obtains show us first, if she weresurnamed woman with a future...
Acts i. 12
... And besides, he was not yet endowed with the spirit. "And they appointed two, Joseph
called Barsabus, who wassurnamed Justus, and Matthias." (v.23.) Not he...
A Brother to all who do the Will of God
... should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and to have power
to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: and Simon hesurnamed Peter; and...
Nor is this an Opinion Confined to Ourselves Alone. ...
... and Mus??us have written; and not only from these, but indeed from others still more
ancient, namely, the two Agathobuli, [1167] who weresurnamed the Masters...
Ambassadors for Christ
... And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: 16. And Simon
Hesurnamed Peter; 17. And James the son of Zebedee, and...
Characteristics of the Twelve
... twelve, that they might be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach,
and to have authority to cast out devils: and Simon Hesurnamed Peter; and...
Thesaurus
Surnamed (15 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Surname. Multi-Version Concordance
Surnamed (15 Occurrences).
... Mark 3:16 And Simon he
surnamed Peter; (KJV ASV WBS RSV).
...Surname (11 Occurrences)
... give flattering or honorary titles." In the former passage foreigners are so envious
of the prosperity of the Jews that they are anxious to besurnamed by the...
Ptolemy
... Those of interest to the Biblical student are: (1) Ptolemy I,surnamed Soter, (Soter,
"Savior"), called also Ptolemy Lagi, was born circa 366 BC, the son of...
Jaffa (10 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 10:5 And now send to Jaffa and fetch Simon,surnamed Peter.... Acts 10:32
Send therefore to Jaffa, and invite Simon,surnamed Peter, to come here....
Fetch (45 Occurrences)
... fetch the Apostles. (WEY). Acts 10:5 And now send to Jaffa and fetch Simon,
surnamed Peter. (WEY ASV DBY). Acts 10:32 Send therefore...
Named (428 Occurrences)
... Golgotha): (BBE). John 20:24 Thomas, one of the twelve--surnamed 'the Twin'
--was not among them when Jesus came. (Root in WEY BBE). John...
Antiochus
... the kingdom.". (2.) Antiochus IV.,surnamed "Epiphanes" ie, the Illustrious,
succeeded his brother Seleucus (BC 175). His career...
Lodging (24 Occurrences)
... do.' (See RSV). Acts 10:18 and called and asked whether Simon, who wassurnamed
Peter, was lodging there. (WEB ASV RSV). Acts 10:23...
Maccabaeus
... 4. Simon: Simon,surnamed Thassi ("the zealous"?) was now the only surviving member
of the original Maccabean family, and he readily took up the inheritance....
Barsabbas (2 Occurrences)
... the King James Version Barsabas, bar'-sa-bas; for etymology, etc., of Joseph, see
general article on JOSEPH): Joseph Barsabbas wassurnamed Justus (Acts 1:23)....
Resources
Surnamed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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