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Was it an accepted custom amongst the Ancient Israelites to name their children Ishmael? (2 Kings 25:25-27 and the Book of Jeremiah )
I might be making much ado about nothing and/or being nit-picky. However, was it an accepted custom amongst the Ancient Israelites to name their children Ishmael? I'm asking because in 2 Kings 25:25-27 and the Book of Jeremiah, it mentions a person named Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elis...
I might be making much ado about nothing and/or being nit-picky.
However, was it an accepted custom amongst the Ancient Israelites to name their children Ishmael?
I'm asking because in 2 Kings 25:25-27 and the Book of Jeremiah, it mentions a person named Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the royal family.
> 25 But it came about
> in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of
> Elishama, of the royal [a]family, came [b]with ten men and struck
> Gedaliah down so that he died along with the Jews and the Chaldeans
> who were with him at Mizpah. - 2 Kings 25:25-27 (New American Standard Bible 1995)
> 8 So they came to
> Gedaliah at Mizpah, along with Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and
> Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of
> Tanhumeth, and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah the
> son of the Maacathite, both they and their men. - Jeremiah 40:8 (New American Standard Bible 1995)
However, is it strange for Ancient Israelite to name one of their children, Ishmael, which is a name usually associated with a quasi rival as Ishmael was an opponent of Isaac (one of the paternal ancestors of the Ancient Israelites)?
user1338998
(417 rep)
Jul 1, 2025, 07:09 AM
• Last activity: Jul 2, 2025, 10:55 PM
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2
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Why didn't God change Moses' name?
We see God determining the name of some before they are born, like in the case of Jesus (Matthew 1:21) and John the Baptist (Luke 1:13). As for persons chosen for a specific mission, God changes their name, for instance: from Abram to Abraham (Gen 17:5). However, in the case of Moses whose name (lit...
We see God determining the name of some before they are born, like in the case of Jesus (Matthew 1:21) and John the Baptist (Luke 1:13). As for persons chosen for a specific mission, God changes their name, for instance: from Abram to Abraham (Gen 17:5).
However, in the case of Moses whose name (literally meaning 'drawn out of water', Exodus 2:10) was chosen by his adoptive mother namely, daughter of the Pharaoh, God continues to call him by his original name (Exodus 3:4).
Moses, inspite of having fled as a young man after killing an Egyptian, is sent back at the age of 80 years to the Pharaoh to negotiate for the release of Israel. Carrying on with his Egyptian name would put him in trouble. In spite of such a prospect, we do not see God giving Moses a new name. **What according to scholars, could be the reason for that?**
Kadalikatt Joseph Sibichan
(13704 rep)
Jan 1, 2025, 11:44 AM
• Last activity: Jan 1, 2025, 02:37 PM
3
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What is the Name of This Cross?
In the approbation given the 1854 edition of St. Alphonsus Liguori's [*Preparation for Death (or Considerations on the Eternal Maxims)*](https://ia803105.us.archive.org/20/items/preparationforde00ligu/preparationforde00ligu.pdf) one finds: [![enter image description here][1]][1] [1]: https://i.sstat...
In the approbation given the 1854 edition of St. Alphonsus Liguori's [*Preparation for Death (or Considerations on the Eternal Maxims)*](https://ia803105.us.archive.org/20/items/preparationforde00ligu/preparationforde00ligu.pdf) one finds:
QUESTION: Does anyone know the name of this cross?
It seems neither to be an iron cross nor a maltese cross. I would like to know what it is called because I am hoping to reproduce it with LaTeX and make use of it in a current work of mine.
Thank you.
QUESTION: Does anyone know the name of this cross?
It seems neither to be an iron cross nor a maltese cross. I would like to know what it is called because I am hoping to reproduce it with LaTeX and make use of it in a current work of mine.
Thank you.
DDS
(3256 rep)
Jun 1, 2024, 01:50 AM
• Last activity: Jun 8, 2024, 01:20 AM
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Why did Pilate use the attribute of Messiah for Jesus?
In an example of exceptional cases, NIV of Mtt 27:17 reads: > When the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”. < The Gospels sometimes use the nick- names of persons, for instance, Thomas which literall...
In an example of exceptional cases, NIV of Mtt 27:17 reads:
> When the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”.
< The Gospels sometimes use the nick- names of persons, for instance, Thomas which literally means 'the twin '. Now, Barabbas is a prominent figure in the Passion . The literal meaning of the name is ' Son of the Father, implying that his father was equally or more notorious as a criminal. But, then he was not born a criminal, and the nick-name Barabbas was probably imposed on him after he started showing his true colours! So, what was his given name ? In case Jesus shared his given name with the person nicknamed Barabbas, Pilate in the capacity of the judge in the capital punishment proceedings had to be extremely careful in identifying each of the two convicts before him. Is that the reason why he used the attribute of Messiah for Jesus ? Are there any apocryphal writings or scholarly views on the topic ?
Kadalikatt Joseph Sibichan
(13704 rep)
Apr 21, 2024, 05:20 AM
-3
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Did Shakespeare get his name from Psalm 46?
There is a theory going around that Shakespeare adopted his name from the Bible. Alleged evidence for this claim is that Shakespeare was in King James' service during the preparation of the King James Bible, and was generally considered to be 46 years old in 1611 when the translation was completed....
There is a theory going around that Shakespeare adopted his name from the Bible. Alleged evidence for this claim is that Shakespeare was in King James' service during the preparation of the King James Bible, and was generally considered to be 46 years old in 1611 when the translation was completed. There are a few extant examples of Shakespeare's actual signature, and on at least one occasion he signed it 'Shakspeare', which divides into four vowels and six consonants, thus '46'. The 46th word from the beginning of Psalm 46 is "shake" and the 46th word from the end (omitting the liturgical mark "Selah") is "spear" ("speare" in the original spelling) ( Courtesy: Wikipedia/Psalm 46 ) So,is it true that Shakespeare got his name from Psalm 46 ?
Kadalikatt Joseph Sibichan
(13704 rep)
Apr 9, 2024, 08:06 AM
• Last activity: Apr 9, 2024, 08:41 AM
6
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Why is it common to refer to Jacob as Jacob, rather than calling him Israel?
There are several examples in the Bible where faithful people were given a new name: - Abram became Abraham ([Genesis 17:5][1]) - Sarai became Sarah ([Genesis 17:15][2]) - Jacob became Israel ([Genesis 32:28][3]; [35:10][4]) - Simon became Peter ([Matthew 16:18][5]; [John 1:42][6]) Usually, we refer...
There are several examples in the Bible where faithful people were given a new name:
- Abram became Abraham (Genesis 17:5 )
- Sarai became Sarah (Genesis 17:15 )
- Jacob became Israel (Genesis 32:28 ; 35:10 )
- Simon became Peter (Matthew 16:18 ; John 1:42 )
Usually, we refer to Abraham as Abraham, Sarah as Sarah, and Peter as Peter – using their new names. Given that pattern, why is it more common to refer to Jacob as Jacob, rather than his new name, Israel? Interestingly, it seems that Jacob was given his new name twice, as if he forgot it the first time (Genesis 32 and 35).
Among the mentions of Jacob/Israel in the Bible, there are 17 occurrences of the phrase “Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” but only four occurrences of “Abraham, Isaac, and Israel.” Sometimes God himself uses the name Jacob, after having said “you will no longer be called Jacob” (Genesis 35:10).
As evidence of modern usage, the Wikipedia article for Abram/Abraham is Abraham , but the Wikipedia article for Jacob/Israel is Jacob . Also, Abraham and Jacob are the names of the relevant tags here on Christianity Stack Exchange.
Samuel Bradshaw
(1887 rep)
Feb 4, 2022, 06:07 AM
• Last activity: Aug 31, 2022, 12:28 AM
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Are adult converts to Eastern Orthodoxy required to use their baptismal names outside of church?
There seems to be various opinions on this topic. Some say that it is absolutely necessary to completely adopt this new name while others say that it is recommended to use it outside of church but it is not required. Is there any kind of consensus on this in the various branches?
There seems to be various opinions on this topic. Some say that it is absolutely necessary to completely adopt this new name while others say that it is recommended to use it outside of church but it is not required. Is there any kind of consensus on this in the various branches?
AnonymousAsker
(21 rep)
Mar 23, 2021, 09:37 PM
• Last activity: Apr 21, 2022, 11:08 PM
1
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Baptism first name (or confirmation middle name) for special devotion to the Holy Trinity?
Catholics almost always have first and second names indicating devotion to some saints, expecting special help and intercession from them. I feel, that there is no good saint which can be my patron saint and intercessor and who can I refer in my middle name. Instead I would like to have middle name...
Catholics almost always have first and second names indicating devotion to some saints, expecting special help and intercession from them. I feel, that there is no good saint which can be my patron saint and intercessor and who can I refer in my middle name. Instead I would like to have middle name which indicates my special devotion to the Holy Trinity. Is there such middle name? There is name Trinity, but it is rarely used as a man name (it would be interesting to know the reason). And then there is first name Emmanuel (God is with us, there is also form with one 'm') but I feel that there can be name that is still more closed to the God and that can have some more trinitarian reference. Is there such name for baptism (as the first name) or confirmation (as the middle name)?
TomR
(617 rep)
Jul 18, 2021, 02:56 AM
• Last activity: Jul 19, 2021, 07:50 PM
2
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5
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If the name of God and His Son are so important to the faith, then would it not be imperative that we use the proper name?
In order to appropriately answer the question, in my opinion there are few things to consider. First, there are those that have argued that the pronunciation of the name is not important and is permissible to be used in any language. However, if the LORD gave His name and pronounced His Name and at...
In order to appropriately answer the question, in my opinion there are few things to consider.
First, there are those that have argued that the pronunciation of the name is not important and is permissible to be used in any language. However, if the LORD gave His name and pronounced His Name and at the sound of that name every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that _________ is Lord, then wouldn't it make sense that the name and pronunciation of the name be the same? I have been in countries where the language is not mine own but my name was pronounced in my native language, so it just make sense for us to do the same to be on one accord.
Secondly, if it is the **name** that saves, casts out demons, heals the sick, raises the dead and expels demons and makes them tremble, shouldn't we spend time getting it right?
Sheldon
(29 rep)
Jun 24, 2021, 04:43 PM
• Last activity: Jun 26, 2021, 04:47 PM
1
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2
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Is there a special name for the room where sacramental bread is made?
In churches or cathedrals that have a special room for making/preparing the sacramental bread, does this room have a special name? Edit: I'm wondering because I saw a room in an Eastern Orthodox cathedral where the windows were clouded over, apparently because they cook the sacramental bread in ther...
In churches or cathedrals that have a special room for making/preparing the sacramental bread, does this room have a special name?
Edit: I'm wondering because I saw a room in an Eastern Orthodox cathedral where the windows were clouded over, apparently because they cook the sacramental bread in there. I was wondering whether that kind of room has a special name, or is it okay to just call it a kitchen?
Ourt
(13 rep)
Mar 23, 2021, 12:33 AM
• Last activity: Mar 23, 2021, 03:04 AM
3
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1
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In 1943, the Russian Orthodox Church permitted the women's name Svetlana. Was it made specifically for Stalin's daughter?
Russian Wikipedia says the name "Svetlana" was invented in 19th century by a poet [Alexander Vostokov][1]. But some people also pointed out that Svetlana is Russian equivalent of Photini, the Samaritan woman Jesus met at the well. These claims seem controversial. If the name was invented in 19th cen...
Russian Wikipedia says the name "Svetlana" was invented in 19th century by a poet Alexander Vostokov . But some people also pointed out that Svetlana is Russian equivalent of Photini, the Samaritan woman Jesus met at the well. These claims seem controversial. If the name was invented in 19th century, how did the Russian Orthodox Church call the Samaritan woman prior to this?
Anixx
(1166 rep)
May 22, 2020, 04:11 AM
• Last activity: Jul 15, 2020, 05:44 PM
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Is there a Christian name of the Destroyer Angel?
In 2 Samuel 24:15 a destroyer angel come and strike Jerusalem with the Plague. If I understand correctly, the accepted name for this angel is Azrael in Islam and Samael in Judaism. What is his accepted Christian name ? I know he is never named in the bible itself, but perhaps later Christian literat...
In 2 Samuel 24:15 a destroyer angel come and strike Jerusalem with the Plague.
If I understand correctly, the accepted name for this angel is Azrael in Islam and Samael in Judaism. What is his accepted Christian name ?
I know he is never named in the bible itself, but perhaps later Christian literature have agreed on a name for him or perhaps you can help me have an educated guess as to who he might be.
Taiko
(161 rep)
Jan 25, 2020, 04:01 AM
• Last activity: Jan 25, 2020, 05:10 PM
3
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0
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Cultural evidence or origins that name order indicated importance or authority
In the situation with Priscilla and Aquila, name order is often an argument within the egalitarian/complementation debates. Listing order has been used to point out significance or importance in a number of areas and commentaries of biblical text. It seems to be an accepted norm and most sources ref...
In the situation with Priscilla and Aquila, name order is often an argument within the egalitarian/complementation debates.
Listing order has been used to point out significance or importance in a number of areas and commentaries of biblical text. It seems to be an accepted norm and most sources refer to well known cultural and traditional standards of the practice.
I have not been able to find any basis for this. I’m not disagreeing with it but I would like to find a source where this is clear rather than just referencing “that what everyone says”. What are the origins of this teaching?
Tonyg
(789 rep)
Jan 21, 2020, 05:28 PM
2
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1
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Giving a name while doing circumcision?
It was claimed that the recent tradition in Judaism to give a name to babies while doing circumcision, is documented already in the New Testament. Is it true? I'm looking for the source / reference.
It was claimed that the recent tradition in Judaism to give a name to babies while doing circumcision, is documented already in the New Testament. Is it true?
I'm looking for the source / reference.
Foreign affairs
(519 rep)
Jan 10, 2020, 07:10 AM
• Last activity: Jan 10, 2020, 05:01 PM
-1
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2
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Is Satan's name Lucifer, Satanail, or Samuel?
In a few different English versions of the Bible, Isaiah 14:12 begins with something like: > How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! (KJV) I thought, however, that Jesus was son of the morning. Does anyone think this Isaiah passage was translated incorrectly, and that maybe i...
In a few different English versions of the Bible, Isaiah 14:12 begins with something like:
> How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! (KJV)
I thought, however, that Jesus was son of the morning.
Does anyone think this Isaiah passage was translated incorrectly, and that maybe it should be "son of *mourning*" instead of "son of the morning"?
What about Satanail (or *Satanial*?), or Samuel? Is either one of *these* more properly Satan's name?
Jessica Simpson-Varga
(21 rep)
Apr 29, 2017, 07:08 PM
• Last activity: Jun 30, 2019, 05:39 AM
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3
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The Names of the Individual Sundays of Lent
I'm not an expert, I read the rules of the community but please go easy on me if I got this wrong. I've been reading etymologies for a few years now and I have a question about the Sundays in lent. In an archaic dictionary I found this: > PASE-DAY. Easter-day. The following pro verbial lines refer t...
I'm not an expert, I read the rules of the community but please go easy on me if I got this wrong.
I've been reading etymologies for a few years now and I have a question about the Sundays in lent. In an archaic dictionary I found this:
> PASE-DAY. Easter-day. The following pro verbial lines refer to the Sundays in Lent : Tid, mid, misera, Carl, Paum, good Pose-day.
But if I'm correct we can look at it like:
1st Sunday, Tid; 2nd Sunday, mid; 3rd Sunday, misera; 4th Sunday (Laetare), Carl; 5th Sunday, Paum *(Palm)*; 6th Sunday, good Pose-day *(Easter?)*
I think there's a Sunday missing.
And this question is wide open to different names of the same dates. I'm just using the Archaic etymology to develop an understanding of their meanings. So names outside of Archaic are encouraged
Rob
(329 rep)
Mar 11, 2019, 09:01 PM
• Last activity: Mar 12, 2019, 07:43 PM
6
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4
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When is mormon.org going to be updated?
According to the new [Style Guide of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints][1], mormon should not be used to refer to the Church or its members, which mormon.org (which is owned by the Church) does in multiple places. Not only that, but the President Nelson has stated that this change is [...
According to the new Style Guide of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , mormon should not be used to refer to the Church or its members, which mormon.org (which is owned by the Church) does in multiple places. Not only that, but the President Nelson has stated that this change is doctrinally important .
So, when is mormon.org going to be updated to reflect this?
Christopher King
(1223 rep)
Oct 11, 2018, 08:44 PM
• Last activity: Mar 6, 2019, 02:49 PM
2
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0
answers
415
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Did Barabbas have the first name Jesus?
At Matthew 27:17 of Contemporary English Version we read: "So when the crowd came together, Pilate asked them, “Which prisoner do you want me to set free? Do you want Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” But in RSVCE, we read the same verse as follows: "So when they had gathered, Pila...
At Matthew 27:17 of Contemporary English Version we read:
"So when the crowd came together, Pilate asked them, “Which prisoner do you want me to set free? Do you want Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”
But in RSVCE, we read the same verse as follows:
"So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Barab′bas or Jesus who is called Christ?”
While it appears that the name Barabbas was an attribute meaning ' son of the father' or ' like father like son' in a more cynical way, it is difficult to believe that he also bore the name Jesus . I wish to know what the view of Catholic Church on the presentation of Barabbas with the first name Jesus, is.
Kadalikatt Joseph Sibichan
(13704 rep)
Aug 6, 2018, 03:50 PM
• Last activity: Aug 9, 2018, 02:43 PM
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