Name
שֵׁם (shem)
Identity, character, and reputation — who someone truly is.
Shem is the Hebrew word for name, carrying far more weight than a label. In Scripture, a name reveals character, destiny, and authority. God's name represents His very nature and is to be honored above all.
"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." — Exodus 3:14 (KJV)
Key Verses
Exodus 3:14
“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”Read in context
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.”Read in context
Proverbs 22:1
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H8034 — Name (שֵׁם (shem))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where שֵׁם (shem) appears.
Open Strong's H8034Etymology and Original Meaning
Shem means 'name' but in Hebrew thought, a name is far more than a label — it captures the essence of a person. Adam named the animals (Genesis 2:19-20), exercising authority and discernment. When God changes someone's name — Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel, Simon to Peter — it signals a transformation of identity and destiny.
The Names of God
God reveals Himself through His names: Elohim (mighty Creator), Yahweh (the self-existent I AM), Adonai (sovereign Lord), El Shaddai (God Almighty), Jehovah Jireh (the Lord provides), Jehovah Rapha (the Lord heals). Each name discloses a facet of His character. To 'call upon the name of the Lord' is to invoke His very nature and power.
The Name of Jesus
God gave Jesus 'a name which is above every name' (Philippians 2:9). The name Jesus (Yeshua) means 'the LORD saves.' At His name, every knee will bow (Philippians 2:10). Believers pray, heal, baptize, and minister 'in the name of Jesus' — acting under His authority and invoking His character, power, and presence.
Honoring the Name
The third commandment — 'Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain' (Exodus 20:7) — is about more than profanity. It prohibits treating God's name — His character and reputation — as worthless or empty. To bear God's name (as His people do) carries the responsibility of living in a way that accurately represents who He is.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does name mean in the Bible?
A name (shem) in the Bible represents identity, character, authority, and destiny. Names reveal who someone truly is, especially God's names which disclose His attributes and nature.
Why are names so important in the Bible?
Names carry identity and destiny. God changes names to mark transformation (Abram→Abraham, Jacob→Israel). God's own names reveal His character. To act 'in the name of' someone means to represent their authority.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Name"?
Exodus 3:14 — "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you" (KJV). It also appears in Philippians 2:9-10, Proverbs 22:1.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Name" matter?
Shem means 'name' but in Hebrew thought, a name is far more than a label — it captures the essence of a person. English uses one word, "Name", where the Hebrew שֵׁם (shem) carries the fuller sense: identity, character, and reputation — who someone truly is.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Name (שֵׁם (shem))
Identity, character, and reputation — who someone truly is.
Strong's H8034 — Name
שֵׁם (shem) • Identity, character, and reputation — who someone truly is.
Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)
Life, atonement, and covenant with God.
Biblical Meaning of Fire in a Dream (KJV)
God's presence, purification, and judgment.
Oil (שֶׁמֶן (shemen))
Pressed olive oil — symbolizing the Holy Spirit, consecration, healing, and joy.
Strong's H8081 — Oil
שֶׁמֶן (shemen) • Pressed olive oil — symbolizing the Holy Spirit, consecration, healing, and joy.
Where to go next
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