What’s in a name?

The Biblical Names of Jesus by Paul Thigpen

Beautiful, Powerful Portraits of Christ
TAN Books, 2018

 

"What's in a name," asked Shakespeare's Juliet Capulet. The implication was that names are arbitrary and inconsequential. Considering some of the seemingly random and strangely unique monikers with which parents have tagged their offspring in recent years, Juliet's assertion may seem to have some merit. However, when it comes to The Biblical Names of Jesus, Paul Thigpen makes it clear that there is nothing meaningless or unimportant in the names scripture uses to refer to the Son of God (which, of course, is one of the names Thigpen covers).

 
It's surprising how many names there are for Jesus in the bible -- over 100 according to the book. Thigpen tackles just 18, broken down into four groups based on how Jesus is/was revealed to us: in his early life, in heaven, in the Church, and in us. The format is easily accessible -- each name gets a roughly 12-15 page treatment featuring six to eight subheads that gradually walk the reader through the background, depth, and significance of each title.

Some names were given to Jesus by family, friends, and followers; others by Old Testament prophets and psalmists; some by angels; and some he claimed for himself. Thigpen states that each of Jesus’ names reveal an essential aspect of his identity; therefore, one way “to know, love, and follow him more fully is to study his names in scripture.” That makes sense, but certainly could prove a monumental task should one endeavor to undertake it on their own.

Fortunately, Thigpen has done all the heavy lifting. He is expert at starting broadly with general observations and gradually zeroing in on the very precise meaning of each name using detailed, step-by-step explanations firmly buttressed by scriptural references. After deciphering what the name means, he also takes time to make sure the reader understands what it means for us and its significance in our lives. All of which helps us answer the question Jesus asked the Apostles: “Who do you say that I am?” (Lk. 9:20). Unlike the Apostles, we can be sure in our answer by understanding the biblical names of Jesus. 

A popular saying about scripture is that the New Testament is concealed in the Old Testament and the Old is revealed in the New. With this title, Thigpen demonstrates that Jesus is concealed and revealed in both the Old and New Testaments through the names by which he is addressed.