Nicknames are used here and there in the bible, often when Jesus is addressing his disciples. They are more intimate then the actual names of the people themselves. Most of them are affectionate and loving, not at all improper like some of the ones we use today. But some nicknames can be geographical if two were from different places, like Peter and Andrew
This article shows that nicknames are used quite frequently in the bible. What is a nickname? A nickname is “a familiar or shortened form of a person’s proper name, used as an informal or familiar substitute”. This can be viewed as a way of strengthening someone’s personality. It may also be used to exaggerate the features of the person.
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Nicknames In The Bible
1. Simon called Peter
One of the most well-known nicknames in the Bible is Simon being called Peter. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says to Simon, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” The name Peter, or Petros in Greek, means “rock,” symbolizing Peter’s strong and steadfast faith.
2. Abram called Abraham
In Genesis 17:5, God changes Abram’s name to Abraham, which means “father of many nations.” This new name reflects God’s promise to make Abraham the ancestor of nations, even though he and his wife Sarah were childless at the time.
3. Saul called Paul
In Acts 13:9, Saul is renamed Paul after his conversion on the road to Damascus. The name Paul means “small” or “humble,” signifying his transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a humble servant of Jesus Christ.
4. James and John called “Sons of Thunder”
In Mark 3:17, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, are given the nickname “Boanerges,” which means “Sons of Thunder.” This nickname likely reflects their zealous and fiery personalities as disciples of Jesus.
5. Nathanael called “True Israelite”
In John 1:47, Jesus refers to Nathanael as a “true Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” This nickname highlights Nathanael’s sincerity and honesty in his faith in Jesus.
6. Jabez called “He Makes Sorrowful”
In 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, a man named Jabez is given the nickname “He Makes Sorrowful” by his mother because she bore him in pain. However, Jabez prays to God for blessing and protection, and God grants his request, turning his sorrowful nickname into one of blessing and prosperity.
In the bible, many people are referred to by a nickname rather than their actual name. This is most common with apostles, but there are also others. This page lists these nicknames and explains who they might refer to in real life.
The Bible is full of nicknames.
The Bible was written in a time before social media, when people had to find creative ways to keep their friends straight. It wouldn’t be uncommon for someone to have multiple names, or perhaps just one nickname.
Some of these nicknames are still used today by Christians and non-Christians alike. For example, Peter is the name Jesus gave him–it means “stone”–but it’s also his nickname.
Here are some other common nicknames you’ll find in the Bible:
Bartholomew: The son of Tolmai (and thus brother of Nathaniel) who was known as Nathanael (). He was also called Bartholomew because he carried a staff around with him that had been given him by an angel ().
Judas Iscariot: This is the most famous nickname in the Bible. Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus and then committed suicide (). A lot of people think this nickname came from Judas’ hometown of Kerioth (), but others say it comes from his father’s name Iscariot (which means “man with red hair”).
There are many nicknames in the Bible. Here are some of the most interesting ones:
-The Whale: Jonah’s whale-like appearance caused him to be called “the whale” by his shipmates (Jonah 1:17).
-The Dove: When Noah released a dove from the ark, it returned with an olive branch in its mouth (Genesis 8:8). This event is often used as a symbol of peace or reconciliation.
-The Man of God: This was probably one of the most common nicknames in the Bible, but it was always used positively, as a title of respect. Two examples are Elijah and Moses.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – CIRCA 2015: A stamp printed in USA shows Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, series The Civil War 1865, circa 2015
Nicknames and Their Power
I (Vincent) love reading biographies. In good biographies, you really get to know the person. As a marriage counselor, I now read biographies with a little different slant – with more depth than I did before. I read about a person’s experiences and interpret how it affected their decisions and attitudes and the direction that their life takes. I find it fascinating.
“General Grant’s parents were devout Methodists, who attended church every Sunday and were involved in the leadership.”
I have started a new biography, Grant, by Ron Chernow. I have read a lot of history on the Civil War and biographies of other figures in the Civil War. So I have some knowledge of Grant, but reading this book just enlightens me even more. Ron Chernow of course, is a great historian and writer. He wrote Hamliton, the book that so fascinated Lin-Manuel Miranda that he was inspired to write, direct, and star in a hit musical about Alexander Hamilton – our first Secretary of Treasury.
With Grant, I feel a certain similarity. He grew up going to a Methodist church with parents who attended faithfully. I did as well. My parents and my family were always involved in our Methodist church.“Unfortunately, Grant’s initials spelled HUG and he was teased about it in school.”
What I find interesting about Grant was his name and how it evolved over time. When he was born, his parents had not decided upon a name. His father liked the biblical name Hiram. His mother liked Albert – from Thomas Jefferson’s Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin.
But his mother’s stepmom suggested Ulysses after the ancient commander. By some accounts, it was said that they drew names out of a hat to decide the matter. Anyway, he was named Hiram Ulysses Grant. Unfortunately, his initials spelled HUG, and his classmates teased by calling him “Useless” Grant.
My Name and Its Origin
When I think about my name, I feel I got the best names considering the naming procedure. My parents named my older brother after my father. But for me they named me after my two grandfathers – Millard Vincent Ketchie and Ervin Quitman Donaldson. I could have been named Millard Quitman Ketchie, but more reasonable heads prevailed and I was named Ervin Vincent Ketchie.
Like Grant, I was teased in school some. I was given the nickname Fish or Moby Dick, not because of any oddity in my name, but because my hair gets wavy when it gets long. But most people called me “Vinnie” or “Vince”.
Reluctant Obedience
At the age of 17, Grant went to school at West Point, but not by his own desires. His father was quite boisterous, strong-willed, and ambitious. He arranged for him to get an appointment there though Grant preferred to stay near home and be a farmer. Grant acquiesced and begrudgingly went. During the process, the local politician misspelled his name and wrote Ulysses S. Grant in the application.
When he arrived to West Point, his name was listed on the roll call as U. S. Grant. The other cadets saw this and immediately called him Uncle Sam. During his years at school, he was known as Sam. That was his nickname.
My immediate thought is wow! Here is the person who led the Union to victory, who really didn’t want to be a soldier, but is kind of renamed U.S. Oh, and I didn’t mention that Grant was disgusted by blood and slaughter. His father was a tanner, and he was revolted by the work. Grant loved animals, especially his horses. This is the man to lead thousands of Union soldiers to their death while restoring the unity of the United States.
God’s Greater Purpose and Accepting It
The bible says in Proverbs 16:33 “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”
As I pondered deeper, I thought how maybe Grant took on this new name. He did adopt U.S. as his initials, but I think it went deeper than that. As a youth, Grant was comfortable with horses, reading, and family time, but he was quiet and not seemingly ambitious. At West Point, Grant used his horsemanship to stand out from the others. He becomes sociable and makes many friends – everyone likes him even though he is quiet. He is still not in love with soldiering, but he soaks up all of the knowledge about it.
Through Grant’s service in the Mexican War, he seems to identify more with his new name. He is comfortable leading and putting his life on the line for his country. On one occasion, his regiment was hemmed in by musket fire from low rooftops nearby and they were running out of ammunition. Grant volunteered to go get more. He wrapped his foot to the saddle and hung onto his horse’s neck so that his entire body was shielded by the horse. He made it safely through and back again.
The bible says in Proverbs 16:33 “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” In essence, this proverb describes how things don’t happen by chance, but instead God is in control. It seems that Grant was destined to become a leader even though he was resistant. His name seemed to be a powerful way that his resolve was bolstered. He is named after a great ancient commander from a hat drawing. Mistakingly, a politician gives him the initials US. It seemed to be his destiny from God.
How God Uses Nicknames in the Bible
Does God use nicknames to bolster our self-worth and purpose? Or how does God use nicknames in our lives? In the old testament, God renames the fatherless Abram to Abraham (Gen. 17:5). Abram means “God exalted”, whereas Abraham means “father of many”. After Jacob wrestles with God, he is renamed Israel which means, “one who struggles with God” (Gen. 32:8). Jacob beforehand did not really seek God. Instead he used his own means to get what he wanted. He manipulated his family by persuading his brother Esau and deceiving his father Isaac (Genesis 27).God uses nicknames to bolster a person’s weakness.”
In the new testament, Jesus gives Simon the nickname of Peter which means “Rock” (John 1:42). This is Peter who waivered when walking on the water (Matthew 14:22-31) and denied Christ on the night Jesus was betrayed by Judas (Luke 22:54-62). Peter was not at the foot of the cross when Jesus died. Simon Peter was unsteady in his belief, but he was nicknamed “the rock”. On the other hand, John was at the foot of the cross when Jesus died (John 19:25-27). Jesus tells him to take care of his mother Mary. John and his brother James were nicknamed by Jesus “Sons of Thunder”. Interestingly, they always seemed to be taking their cue from Peter or someone else. Their mother took the lead when asking if they could be seated on the right and left of him when he came to power – not them (Matthew 20:20-21).
Do you get the theme? God seems to give nicknames that are intended to bolster the person’s particular weakness. Abraham “the childless” is named “father of many”. Jacob “the go it aloner” is named “one that consults God”. Peter “the unsteady one” is named “the rock”. John and James “the quiet, reserved ones” are named “sons of thunder”. Interestingly, James according to church tradition is the first of the twelve to be martyred – sawed in half.
What Nickname Does God Have For You?
So what nickname does God have for you? In what areas do you need bolstering? For me, I have many weaknesses, but one that seems to ensnare me the most is that I am thinking too far ahead. I am not in the moment enough or I am just impatient. So maybe I should be nicknamed Vincent “the Content One”. How about you?