What’s in a Name

What’s in a Name
 
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2.9-11
 

“The phrase ‘what’s in a name?’ asks about the significance of a name, questioning whether it defines the true nature of a person or thing. The question was famously posed by Juliet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to illustrate that a name is an arbitrary label, and the essence of someone (or something) is separate from their name. While the quote suggests names are insignificant, names can also carry deep personal, cultural, or historical weight.” *
 
Within the context of the play, Juliet says this as she loves Romeo despite his family name, Montague, which is the enemy of her family, the Capulets. She argues that a rose would still smell sweet even if it were called something else, just as Romeo would still be himself even without the Montague name.
 
A name, however, connects to an individual’s identity and can be a source of pride or a link to one’s heritage. Names can reflect cultural background, traditions, and family history. Names can be symbolic, representing qualities, blessings, or responsibilities. In some contexts, names and labels can have social weight, influencing perceptions and even carrying stigma.
 
Parents attach names to their newborns after much consideration. Sometimes there is compromise in deciding which set of parents will be honored and which may feel snubbed. Sometimes names are intentionally overlooked because of infamous historical significance – not many would name their baby boy Nero or Hitler. And, some are snubbed because of personal history. (One of my choices in consideration for our first daughter was to name her after my mother; however, Mom’s name was the same as a girl I had dated. That name was quickly taken off the table.)
 
Notice that the name Jesus was given personally by the Father. The “voice” of the verb “given” in the above verse is a “middle deponent.” There is no English equivalent for that Greek voice; however, it is similar to a “reflexive” yet could be described as a reflexive on steroids. It means that God was specifically and intentionally, personally involved in the naming of Jesus. It also indicates that all the surrounding notoriety associated with the name Jesus is expressed as it rolls off one’s lips.
 
“Jesus” – a transliteration of the Hebrew “Joshua,” meaning “Jehovah is salvation” was a common name among the Jews; however, God stripped the name of its commonality and exalted it to a level never-before-seen in the annals of human history. The name “Jesus” is the only saving name. (See Acts 4.12, and John 14.6)
 
No other name has God’s personal stamp of approval on it. No other name has been personally chosen by God as the name through which sinners can be redeemed ** – “…That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

 

* Google Search, public domain.
** Note: the phrases “should bow” and “should confess” are both offered in the class three “subjunctive” mood which expresses a possible outcome with an urgency to make a decision.