ὄνομα (onoma)
onoma
name
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 213 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word onoma simply means "name," but in biblical usage it carries far more weight than a mere label. It represents the full reality of the person or thing identified by that name, including their character, authority, and reputation. This concept mirrors the Hebrew shem, where a name is not just a tag but the essence of identity itself.
Scripture frequently uses onoma to denote acting with someone’s authority. When Jesus’ followers heal or teach, they do so in His name, meaning they act as His representatives (Matthew 10:41). The word also appears in contexts of honor and praise, such as when believers are called to hallow God’s name in prayer (Matthew 6:9) or sing praises to it (Romans 15:9).
A striking example of this depth is found in Revelation, where the devil bears a name that signifies blasphemy (Revelation 13:1), while believers have their names written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 13:8). Here, the name stands for one’s eternal standing and relationship with God, rather than just a personal identifier.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In biblical language, a name is never just a label. It carries the full weight of a person’s character, authority, and reputation. When Scripture speaks of acting in someone’s name, it means stepping into their place as their representative. This transforms everyday actions into sacred moments. A simple act of kindness done in Jesus’ name is not merely polite; it is an extension of His own presence and care.
This depth invites us to live with intentionality. When we gather together or serve others, we are not just performing rituals. We are embodying the reality of Christ among us. The promise that He is present where two or three gather in His name offers profound comfort. It reminds us that our faith is lived out in community, grounded in the identity and authority of Jesus.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 213 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- name154×
- named27×
- [the] name13×
- names11×
- name [was]4×
- a name4×
- named,2×
- name,2×
- name [is]2×
- Name2×
- the name1×
- people1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὄνομα78×
- ὀνόματι72×
- ὄνομά23×
- ὀνόματί21×
- ὀνόματος14×
- ὀνόματα11×
- ὀνόματός3×
- ὄνομα,2×
- ὀνόματι,2×
- ὀνομάτων2×
- ὄνομα.¶1×
- ὄνομα.1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”
This verse anchors the concept by showing that gathering in His name makes His presence tangible among believers.
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Matthew 6:9
Pray like this: “‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
Here the name represents God’s holy character, which is the primary focus of prayer rather than just a title.
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Matthew 10:41
He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. He who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.
It demonstrates that receiving someone in a prophet's name acknowledges the authority and identity they carry.
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Mark 5:9
He asked him, “What is your name?” He said to him, “My name is Legion, for we are many.”
The demon’s use of 'Legion' reveals how a name can signify a specific nature or collective power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word onoma mean?
Why do we act 'in Jesus' name'?
How is a biblical name different from a modern one?
Every Occurrence (213 verses across 19 books)
Matthew 19 verses
She shall give birth to a son. You shall name him Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:23“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel,” which is,…
Matthew 1:25and didn’t know her sexually until she had given birth to her firstborn son. He named him Jesus.
Matthew 6:9Pray like this: “‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
Matthew 7:22Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your…
Matthew 10:2Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the…
Matthew 10:22You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 10:41He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. He who receives a righteous man in…
Matthew 10:42Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I…
Matthew 12:21In his name, the nations will hope.”
Matthew 18:5Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me,
Matthew 18:20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”
Matthew 19:29Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my…
Matthew 21:9The multitudes who went in front of him, and those who followed, kept shouting, “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed…
Matthew 23:39For I tell you, you will not see me from now on, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
Matthew 24:5For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will lead many astray.
Matthew 24:9“Then they will deliver you up to oppression and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name’s…
Matthew 27:32As they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, and they compelled him to go with them, that he might…
Matthew 28:19Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,