Live It!
There are books that have lists of first names and the meanings behind them. Check one out of the library and look up what different names mean and where they’re from. What does your name mean?
Words to Treasure
Saul was also known as Paul.
Acts 13:9
Forrest inspected his new baby cousin. “What’s her name?” He hoped it was a pretty name, because this was one funny looking baby. Her head was pointy on top. She’d have to wear a hat for the rest of her life.
His mother held the new baby. “Elizabeth or Lizzy for short. And don’t worry, her head won’t be pointy for long.”
Forrest studied the pointy head again. “Lizzy the lizard. Lizard, that’s a cool name.” None of the adults looked very happy.
Names are funny things, and they’re even funnier in the Bible. Some people in the Bible changed their names. What’s with that? Just when you think you know who’s who in the Bible, they suddenly change their name. Saul was suddenly called Paul. Or Abram became Abraham. Or Simon was renamed Peter. Why?
Sometimes God gave someone a new name with a special meaning because it marked a change in that person’s life. God promised Abram that he would be the start of a whole country of people. So God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, which means “Father of Many,” just a little daily reminder of God’s promise that someday Abraham would be a father. Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter, which means “rock.” Jesus knew that this guy’s faith would be rock solid. What’s in a name? Apparently lots. What does your name mean?
Live It!
There are books that have lists of first names and the meanings behind them. Check one out of the library and look up what different names mean and where they’re from. What does your name mean?