This is a blog about the names of people in the New Testament. The New Testament is the second portion of the Bible, and it’s where a lot of people get their first look at Christianity. It contains many important figures like Jesus and Paul, but it also has a bunch of other people whose names we don’t necessarily hear as often. I’m going to be discussing some of these lesser-known names because I think that they’re fascinating! I’m also going to be talking about how these names were translated into English so that you can learn more about them.
Examples of common English names from the New Testament are:
- Hebrew/Aramaic: Elizabeth, James, John, Mary, Matthew, Simon, Thomas.
- Greek: Andrew, Lois, Luke, Peter, Philip, Stephen, Timothy.
- Latin: Mark, Paul.
New Testament Names in Order
List of Names:
Continuation of List:
- Philippians
- Colossians
- 1 Thessalonians
- 2 Thessalonians
- 1 Timothy
- 2 Timothy
- Titus
- Philemon
- Hebrews
- James
More Names:
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter
- 1 John
- 2 John
- 3 John
- Jude
- Revelation
Name | Number |
---|---|
Matthew | 1 |
Mark | 2 |
John | 3 |
Style: Informative and detailed.
Tone: Neutral and factual.
Bible Names New Testament
Introduction
These names have a long history, and have been re-interpreted by different languages over time. They are all worthy of consideration, but they should not be taken at face value.
Predicting Blog Section Weights (30=pts)
- ———————
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Abigail
Abigail is a biblical name.
Abigail is a Hebrew name.
Abigail means “my father’s joy”.
Abigail was the wife of Nabal, a rich man in the Bible.
Abigail was the wife of David.
Anna
Anna is a Hebrew name meaning “gracious” or “grace.” It was the name of a prophetess who was married to an elderly man named Joachim. Together, they were parents to Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Anna’s story begins in Luke 2:36-38:
Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow until eighty-four years old; she never left the Temple but worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer. 38 At that moment she came up and began giving thanks to God at a loud voice
Dorcas
“Dorcas” was a woman who lived in Joppa. She was full of good works and charitable deeds.
She had an income from her own property, and she welcomed into her home those who were poor and needed help (Acts 9:36-43).
Barnabas
Barnabas was a companion of Paul who traveled with him throughout much of the New Testament. Barnabas was a Levite and a native of Cyprus, and he was also one of the first apostles sent out by Jesus Christ.
The name “Barnabas” is a Greek word meaning “son of consolation,” and it appears to have been given to him as an adult. This could have been because his father died when he was young, or maybe his parents were just really into naming their kids after things like comfort (or perhaps they just liked the sound).
Eliakim
Eliakim is a great name for any child, especially those who like to read the Bible. The name means “God raises,” and comes from the Hebrew word “I will be firm” or “God has raised up.” It appears in the Old Testament as a title given to high-ranking officials in both Judah and Israel, such as Azariah (Zedekiah), Abijah (Abijam), and Ahaziah (Jehoram).
In spite of its decidedly masculine connotations—it is usually translated with words like manly or strong—Eliakim also appears in the New Testament as a woman’s name: “And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Eliakim” (Isaiah 8:4). When you consider that many girls’ names were originally used for boys too, it makes sense that this one would be used for both genders today.
As far as pronunciation goes, you can pronounce it however you want! Some people say ee-lee-ahk-um while others go with eye-lee-ahk-um. Either way sounds fine because it falls on an -EE sound instead of an -AY one at the end. But if you’re going by biblical references alone then either way works just fine!
Jehu
Jehu was the King of Israel from 841 to 814 BC. He was the son of Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, and married a daughter of Ahab, King of Israel.
According to 2 Kings 9:2-10, when Jehu saw Elijah’s chariot approaching him in a whirlwind (described in 1 Kings 18:45), he knew it meant trouble for him because Elijah had cursed Ahab’s family for their idolatry (1 Kings 21:19).
Joanna, one of the women who found the empty tomb after Jesus’ resurrection.
One of the women who found the empty tomb after Jesus’ resurrection. She was one of the women who followed Jesus and accompanied him when he traveled. She was also a disciple of Jesus, following him to Jerusalem and supporting him financially by selling perfume there. Joanna believed in Jesus Christ, as demonstrated by her presence at his crucifixion and subsequent burial; she was also present at his resurrection, where she told Peter and John about it when they arrived at the tomb after hearing that it had been discovered empty earlier in the morning (John 20:1-10).
Mary, the mother of Jesus
Mary, the mother of Jesus
Mary was a virgin who gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem. She lived with her husband Joseph until he died and then lived with his son-in-law and grandchildren. Mary is called “the virgin Mary” because she remained pure and faithful to God, even though she had many opportunities to sin. She visited Jerusalem regularly with her daughter, sometimes going there twice a year for festivals such as Passover or Tabernacles (feast of booths).
Martha, sister of Lazarus and Mary (John 11) – Luke 10:38–42; (11) Sister of Lazarus and Mary. After her brother was resurrected from the dead by Jesus, she chose to serve at home rather than welcome the Savior with sister, who sat at His feet.\n`John 11`
- Martha and Mary were sisters.
- Martha was the older sister.
- Martha was a hostess in her home.
- Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to Him speak of His impending death on the cross (Luke 10:38–42).\n`John 11`
unique names for boys and girls
Biblical names for boys and girls are unique, cool and beautiful. The Bible is filled with great examples of what you can look forward to in your child’s future.
Conclusion
There are many unusual names in the Bible, but also some very common ones. It is interesting to note that some of the more popular names today, like David and Sarah, were used thousands of years ago by ancient people. “The Bible is an excellent source for baby names. The New Testament contains some wonderful examples of unique names for both boys and girls that will last a lifetime!”
Books of the Bible old testament
The Old Testament (also known as the Jewish Tanakh) is the first 39 books in most Christian Bibles. The name stands for the original promise with God (to the descendants of Abraham in particular) prior to the coming of Jesus Christ in the New Testament (or the new promise). The Old Testament contains the creation of the universe, the history of the patriarchs, the exodus from Egypt, the formation of Israel as a nation, the subsequent decline and fall of the nation, the Prophets (who spoke for God), and the Wisdom Books.
- Genesis Genesis speaks of beginnings and is foundational to the understanding of the rest of the Bible. It is supremely a book that speaks about relationships, highlighting those between God and his creation, between God and humankind, and between human beings.
- Exodus Exodus describes the history of the Israelites leaving Egypt after slavery. The book lays a foundational theology in which God reveals his name, his attributes, his redemption, his law and how he is to be worshiped.
- Leviticus Leviticus receives its name from the Septuagint (the pre-Christian Greek translation of the Old Testament) and means “concerning the Levites” (the priests of Israel). It serves as a manual of regulations enabling the holy King to set up his earthly throne among the people of his kingdom. It explains how they are to be his holy people and to worship him in a holy manner.
- Numbers Numbers relates the story of Israel’s journey from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab on the border of Canaan. The book tells of the murmuring and rebellion of God’s people and of their subsequent judgment.
- Deuteronomy Deuteronomy (“repetition of the Law”) serves as a reminder to God’s people about His covenant. The book is a “pause” before Joshua’s conquest begins and a reminder of what God required.
- Joshua Joshua is a story of conquest and fulfillment for the people of God. After many years of slavery in Egypt and 40 years in the desert, the Israelites were finally allowed to enter the land promised to their fathers.
- Judges The book of Judges depicts the life of Israel in the Promised Land—from the death of Joshua to the rise of the monarchy. It tells of urgent appeals to God in times of crisis and apostasy, moving the Lord to raise up leaders (judges) through whom He throws off foreign oppressors and restores the land to peace.
- Ruth The book of Ruth has been called one of the best examples of short narrative ever written. It presents an account of the remnant of true faith and piety in the period of the judges through the fall and restoration of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth (an ancestor of King David and Jesus).
- 1 Samuel Samuel relates God’s establishment of a political system in Israel headed by a human king. Through Samuel’s life, we see the rise of the monarchy and the tragedy of its first king, Saul.
- 2 Samuel After the failure of King Saul, 2 Samuel depicts David as a true (though imperfect) representative of the ideal theocratic king. Under David’s rule the Lord caused the nation to prosper, to defeat its enemies, and to realize the fulfillment of His promises.
- 1 Kings 1 Kings continues the account of the monarchy in Israel and God’s involvement through the prophets. After David, his son Solomon ascends the throne of a united kingdom, but this unity only lasts during his reign. The book explores how each subsequent king in Israel and Judah answers God’s call—or, as often happens, fails to listen.
- 2 Kings 2 Kings carries the historical account of Judah and Israel forward. The kings of each nation are judged in light of their obedience to the covenant with God. Ultimately, the people of both nations are exiled for disobedience.
- 1 Chronicles Just as the author of Kings had organized and interpreted Israel’s history to address the needs of the exiled community, so the writer of 1 Chronicles wrote for the restored community another history.
- 2 Chronicles 2 Chronicles continues the account of Israel’s history with an eye for restoration of those who had returned from exile.
- Ezra The book of Ezra relates how God’s covenant people were restored from Babylonian exile to the covenant land as a theocratic (kingdom of God) community even while continuing under foreign rule.
- Nehemiah Closely related to the book of Ezra, Nehemiah chronicles the return of this “cupbearer to the king” and the challenges he and the other Israelites face in their restored homeland.
- Esther Esther records the institution of the annual festival of Purim through the historical account of Esther, a Jewish girl who becomes queen of Persia and saves her people from destruction.
- Job Through a series of monologues, the book of Job relates the account of a righteous man who suffers under terrible circumstances. The book’s profound insights, its literary structures, and the quality of its rhetoric display the author’s genius.
- Psalms The Psalms are collected songs and poems that represent centuries worth of praises and prayers to God on a number of themes and circumstances. The Psalms are impassioned, vivid and concrete; they are rich in images, in simile and metaphor.
- Proverbs Proverbs was written to give “prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young,” and to make the wise even wiser. The frequent references to “my son(s)” emphasize instructing the young and guiding them in a way of life that yields rewarding results.
- Ecclesiastes The author of Ecclesiastes puts his powers of wisdom to work to examine the human experience and assess the human situation. His perspective is limited to what happens “under the sun” (as is that of all human teachers).
- Song of Songs In ancient Israel everything human came to expression in words: reverence, gratitude, anger, sorrow, suffering, trust, friendship, commitment. In the Song of Solomon, it is love that finds words–inspired words that disclose its exquisite charm and beauty as one of God’s choicest gifts.
- Isaiah Isaiah son of Amoz is often thought of as the greatest of the writing prophets. His name means “The Lord saves.” Isaiah is a book that unveils the full dimensions of God’s judgment and salvation.
- Jeremiah This book preserves an account of the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah, whose personal life and struggles are shown to us in greater depth and detail than those of any other Old Testament prophet.
- Lamentations Lamentations consists of a series of poetic and powerful laments over the destruction of Jerusalem (the royal city of the Lord’s kingdom) in 586 B.C.
- Ezekiel The Old Testament in general and the prophets in particular presuppose and teach God’s sovereignty over all creation and the course of history. And nowhere in the Bible are God’s initiative and control expressed more clearly and pervasively than in the book of the prophet Ezekiel.
- Daniel Daniel captures the major events in the life of the prophet Daniel during Israel’s exile. His life and visions point to God’s plans of redemption and sovereign control of history.
- Hosea The prophet Hosea son of Beeri lived in the tragic final days of the northern kingdom. His life served as a parable of God’s faithfulness to an unfaithful Israel.
- Joel The prophet Joel warned the people of Judah about God’s coming judgment—and the coming restoration and blessing that will come through repentance.
- Amos Amos prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah over Judah (792-740 B.C.) and Jeroboam II over Israel (793-753).
- Obadiah The prophet Obadiah warned the proud people of Edom about the impending judgment coming upon them.
- Jonah Jonah is unusual as a prophetic book in that it is a narrative account of Jonah’s mission to the city of Nineveh, his resistance, his imprisonment in a great fish, his visit to the city, and the subsequent outcome.
- Micah Micah prophesied sometime between 750 and 686 B.C. during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Israel was in an apostate condition. Micah predicted the fall of her capital, Samaria, and also foretold the inevitable desolation of Judah.
- Nahum The book contains the “vision of Nahum,” whose name means “comfort.” The focal point of the entire book is the Lord’s judgment on Nineveh for her oppression, cruelty, idolatry, and wickedness.
- Habakkuk Little is known about Habakkuk except that he was a contemporary of Jeremiah and a man of vigorous faith. The book bearing his name contains a dialogue between the prophet and God concerning injustice and suffering.
- Zephaniah The prophet Zephaniah was evidently a person of considerable social standing in Judah and was probably related to the royal line. The intent of the author was to announce to Judah God’s approaching judgment.
- Haggai Haggai was a prophet who, along with Zechariah, encouraged the returned exiles to rebuild the temple. His prophecies clearly show the consequences of disobedience. When the people give priority to God and his house, they are blessed.
- Zechariah Like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, Zechariah was not only a prophet, but also a member of a priestly family. The chief purpose of Zechariah (and Haggai) was to rebuke the people of Judah and to encourage and motivate them to complete the rebuilding of the temple.
- Malachi Malachi, whose name means “my messenger,” spoke to the Israelites after their return from exile. The theological message of the book can be summed up in one sentence: The Great King will come not only to judge his people, but also to bless and restore them.
Books of the Bible new testament
The New Testament is a collection of 27 books, usually placed after the Old Testament in most Christian Bibles. The name refers to the new covenant (or promise) between God and humanity through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The New Testament chronicles the life and ministry of Jesus, the growth and impact of the early church, and instructive letters to early churches.
- Matthew Matthew’s main purpose in writing his Gospel (the “good news”) is to prove to his Jewish readers that Jesus is their Messiah. He does this primarily by showing how Jesus in his life and ministry fulfilled the Old Testament Scriptures.
- Mark Since Mark’s Gospel (the “good news”) is traditionally associated with Rome, it may have been occasioned by the persecutions of the Roman church in the period c. A.D. 64-67. Mark may be writing to prepare his readers for such suffering by placing before them the life of our Lord.
- Luke Luke’s Gospel (the “good news”) was written to strengthen the faith of all believers and to answer the attacks of unbelievers. It was presented to debunk some disconnected and ill-founded reports about Jesus. Luke wanted to show that the place of the Gentile (non-Jewish) Christian in God’s kingdom is based on the teaching of Jesus.
- John John’s Gospel (the “good news”) is rather different from the other three, highlighting events not detailed in the others. The author himself states his main purpose clearly in 20:31: “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
- Acts The book of Acts provides a bridge for the writings of the New Testament. As a second volume to Luke’s Gospel, it joins what Jesus “began to do and to teach” as told in the Gospels with what he continued to do and teach through the apostles’ preaching and the establishment of the church.
- Romans Paul’s primary theme in Romans is presenting the gospel (the “good news”), God’s plan of salvation and righteousness for all humankind, Jew and non-Jew alike.
- 1 Corinthians The first letter to the Corinthians revolves around the theme of problems in Christian conduct in the church. It thus has to do with progressive sanctification, the continuing development of a holy character. Obviously Paul was personally concerned with the Corinthians’ problems, revealing a true pastor’s (shepherd’s) heart.
- 2 Corinthians Because of the occasion that prompted this letter, Paul had a number of purposes in mind: to express the comfort and joy Paul felt because the Corinthians had responded favorably to his painful letter; to let them know about the trouble he went through in the province of Asia; and to explain to them the true nature (its joys, sufferings and rewards) and high calling of Christian ministry.
- Galatians Galatians stands as an eloquent and vigorous apologetic for the essential New Testament truth that people are justified by faith in Jesus Christ—by nothing less and nothing more—and that they are sanctified not by legalistic works but by the obedience that comes from faith in God’s work for them.
- Ephesians Unlike several of the other letters Paul wrote, Ephesians does not address any particular error or heresy. Paul wrote to expand the horizons of his readers, so that they might understand better the dimensions of God’s eternal purpose and grace and come to appreciate the high goals God has for the church.
- Philippians Paul’s primary purpose in writing this letter was to thank the Philippians for the gift they had sent him upon learning of his detention at Rome. However, he makes use of this occasion to fulfill several other desires: (1) to report on his own circumstances; (2) to encourage the Philippians to stand firm in the face of persecution and rejoice regardless of circumstances; and (3) to exhort them to humility and unity.
- Colossians Paul’s purpose is to refute the Colossian heresy. To accomplish this goal, he exalts Christ as the very image of God, the Creator, the preexistent sustainer of all things, the head of the church, the first to be resurrected, the fullness of deity (God) in bodily form, and the reconciler.
- 1 Thessalonians Although the thrust of the letter is varied, the subject of eschatology (doctrine of last things) seems to be predominant in both Thessalonian letters. Every chapter of 1 Thessalonians ends with a reference to the second coming of Christ.
- 2 Thessalonians Since the situation in the Thessalonian church has not changed substantially, Paul’s purpose in writing is very much the same as in his first letter to them. He writes (1) to encourage persecuted believers, (2) to correct a misunderstanding concerning the Lord’s return, and (3) to exhort the Thessalonians to be steadfast and to work for a living.
- 1 Timothy During his fourth missionary journey, Paul had instructed Timothy to care for the church at Ephesus while he went on to Macedonia. When he realized that he might not return to Ephesus in the near future, he wrote this first letter to Timothy to develop the charge he had given his young assistant. This is the first of the “Pastoral Epistles.”
- 2 Timothy Paul was concerned about the welfare of the churches during this time of persecution under Nero, and he admonishes Timothy to guard the gospel, to persevere in it, to keep on preaching it, and, if necessary, to suffer for it. This is the second “Pastoral Epistle.”
- Titus Apparently Paul introduced Christianity in Crete when he and Titus visited the island, after which he left Titus there to organize the converts. Paul sent the letter with Zenas and Apollos, who were on a journey that took them through Crete, to give Titus personal authorization and guidance in meeting opposition, instructions about faith and conduct, and warnings about false teachers. This is the last of the “Pastoral Epistles.”
- Philemon To win Philemon’s willing acceptance of the runaway slave Onesimus, Paul writes very tactfully and in a lighthearted tone, which he creates with wordplay. The appeal is organized in a way prescribed by ancient Greek and Roman teachers: to build rapport, to persuade the mind, and to move the emotions.
- Hebrews The theme of Hebrews is the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as revealer and as mediator of God’s grace. A striking feature of this presentation of the gospel is the unique manner in which the author employs expositions of eight specific passages of the Old Testament Scriptures.
- James Characteristics that make the letter distinctive are: (1) its unmistakably Jewish nature; (2) its emphasis on vital Christianity, characterized by good deeds and a faith that works (genuine faith must and will be accompanied by a consistent lifestyle); (3) its simple organization; (4) and its familiarity with Jesus’ teachings preserved in the Sermon on the Mount.
- 1 Peter Although 1 Peter is a short letter, it touches on various doctrines and has much to say about Christian life and duties. It is not surprising that different readers have found it to have different principal themes. For example, it has been characterized as a letter of separation, of suffering and persecution, of suffering and glory, of hope, of pilgrimage, of courage, and as a letter dealing with the true grace of God.
- 2 Peter In his first letter Peter feeds Christ’s sheep by instructing them how to deal with persecution from outside the church; in this second letter he teaches them how to deal with false teachers and evildoers who have come into the church.
- 1 John John’s readers were confronted with an early form of Gnostic teaching of the Cerinthian variety. This heresy was also libertine, throwing off all moral restraints. Consequently, John wrote this letter with two basic purposes in mind: (1) to expose false teachers and (2) to give believers assurance of salvation.
- 2 John During the first two centuries the gospel was taken from place to place by traveling evangelists and teachers. Believers customarily took these missionaries into their homes and gave them provisions for their journey when they left. Since Gnostic teachers also relied on this practice, 2 John was written to urge discernment in supporting traveling teachers
- 3 John Itinerant teachers sent out by John were rejected in one of the churches in the province of Asia by a dictatorial leader, Diotrephes, who even excommunicated members who showed hospitality to John’s messengers. John wrote this letter to commend Gaius for supporting the teachers and, indirectly, to warn Diotrephes.
- Jude Although Jude was very eager to write to his readers about salvation, he felt that he must instead warn them about certain immoral men circulating among them who were perverting the grace of God. Apparently these false teachers were trying to convince believers that being saved by grace gave them license to sin since their sins would no longer be held against them.
- Revelation John writes to encourage the faithful to resist staunchly the demands of emperor worship. He informs his readers that the final showdown between God and Satan is imminent. Satan will increase his persecution of believers, but they must stand fast, even to death. They are sealed against any spiritual harm and will soon be vindicated when Christ returns, when the wicked are forever destroyed, and when God’s people enter an eternity of glory and blessedness.