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    Name (Onoma)

    ὄνομα (onoma)

    Identity, character, and authority — a person's nature expressed and invoked.

    Greek
    Strong's G3686
    Pronunciation: ON-oh-mah
    Quick Answer

    Onoma is the Greek word for name, meaning far more than a label. In biblical thought, a name reveals character, carries authority, and invokes presence. The name of Jesus is above every 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." — Philippians 2:9-10 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Philippians 2:9-10

    “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.”
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    Acts 4:12

    “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
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    Matthew 18:20

    “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G3686 — Name (Onoma) (ὄνομα (onoma))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ὄνομα (onoma) appears.

    Open Strong's G3686

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Onoma means 'name' — but in the biblical world, names were far more than identification labels. A name expressed the bearer's nature, character, destiny, and authority. To know someone's name was to know their essence. To invoke someone's name was to call upon their presence and power. Names were changed when identity changed (Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel, Simon to Peter).

    The Name of God

    God revealed His name — YHWH ('I AM') — to Moses (Exodus 3:14). This was not mere information but intimate self-disclosure. The third commandment forbids taking God's name 'in vain' (Exodus 20:7) — treating His identity carelessly. God's name represents His character: 'The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth' (Exodus 34:6).

    The Name Above Every Name

    God gave Jesus 'a name which is above every name' (Philippians 2:9). At Jesus' name, every knee will bow and every tongue confess His lordship. The early church healed, baptized, preached, and prayed 'in the name of Jesus' — invoking His authority and presence. Peter declared, 'There is none other name under heaven... whereby we must be saved' (Acts 4:12).

    Gathering in His Name

    Jesus promised, 'Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them' (Matthew 18:20). Gathering 'in His name' means assembling under His authority, for His purposes, and in His character. His name is not a magic formula but an invocation of His living presence — the assurance that He is personally present wherever His people meet in His authority.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does name mean in the Bible?

    Name (onoma) expresses identity, character, and authority. In biblical thought, a name reveals the bearer's nature. To invoke a name is to call upon the person's presence and power.

    What does 'in the name of Jesus' mean?

    To act 'in the name of Jesus' means to act under His authority, representing His character, and invoking His presence and power. It is not a magic formula but an appeal to the living Christ.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Name (Onoma)"?

    Philippians 2:9-10 — "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" (KJV). It also appears in Acts 4:12, Matthew 18:20.

    Why does the Greek word behind "Name (Onoma)" matter?

    Onoma means 'name' — but in the biblical world, names were far more than identification labels. English uses one word, "Name (Onoma)", where the Greek ὄνομα (onoma) carries the fuller sense: identity, character, and authority — a person's nature expressed and invoked.

    Related Words

    Name
    Worship (Proskuneō)

    Related Reading

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    Word Meaning

    Name (Onoma) (ὄνομα (onoma))

    Identity, character, and authority — a person's nature expressed and invoked.

    Strong's

    Strong's G3686 — Name (Onoma)

    ὄνομα (onoma) • Identity, character, and authority — a person's nature expressed and invoked.

    Spiritual Warfare

    The Name of Jesus — Authority in Spiritual Warfare

    The name of Jesus is not a magic word but the authority of the risen Christ, in

    Word Meaning

    Name (שֵׁם (shem))

    Identity, character, and reputation — who someone truly is.

    Strong's

    Strong's H8034 — Name

    שֵׁם (shem) • Identity, character, and reputation — who someone truly is.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Cats in a Dream (KJV)

    Independence, hidden motives, and the need for discernment.

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