The name of Jesus is not just important. It is supreme. Scripture tells us that His name is above every other name, but many believers do not fully grasp what this truly means. To understand the depth of the authority in the name of Jesus, we must first understand how names functioned in the Hebrew worldview.
The Power of Names in Scripture
Before His ascension, Jesus made a profound statement:
“And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues…”
— Mark 16:17
This statement implies something critical: Jesus’ audience already understood that miracles could be performed through names. In the Hebrew tradition, names were not mere labels; they carried authority, function, and power.
This is why Proverbs says:
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
— Proverbs 18:10
This verse was written long before the incarnation of Christ, so it was not referring to the name “Jesus” as we know it today. Rather, it referred to the names of God known among the Hebrews; names that revealed His nature and power.
The Many Names of God in Hebrew Understanding
In Hebrew tradition, God is known by many names – each revealing a specific attribute or function. Scholars note that there are hundreds of names and titles associated with God in Hebrew scripture and tradition. Each name was understood to be potent and effective for specific purposes.
In practical Kabbalah, there is a concept known as the Shem HaMephorash (Shemhamphorash) – a set of 72 names of God, each associated with specific functions. According to this tradition, each name even has an angelic assignment, sometimes referred to as “angels of the name.”
Those trained in these traditions understood how to invoke these names to achieve results – whether for protection, healing, deliverance, or divine intervention. However, this knowledge was restricted to those who had access to and training in these sacred systems.
The Name That Summed Up All Names
Here is the revelation of the New Testament:
All these names – every authority, function, and power – were summed up into one name: the name of Jesus.
This is why Peter boldly declared before the religious leaders:
“Be it known unto you all… that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth… even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.”
— Acts 4:10
He went further:
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
— Acts 4:12
Peter’s audience understood the weight of this declaration. He was not merely saying Jesus is powerful; he was saying every recognized authority in the spiritual realm had been consolidated into His name.
A Name Above Every Name
The apostle Paul reinforced this truth when he wrote:
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”
— Philippians 2:9
And the result?
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
— Philippians 2:10–11
This means that every realm—heavenly, earthly, and under the earth—recognizes the authority of the name of Jesus.
What This Means for Believers Today
Today, believers do not need to memorize hundreds of Hebrew names or understand their individual functions in order to access God’s power. Everything has been made accessible through the name of Jesus.
This does not mean the Hebrew names of God have lost their power or relevance within Jewish tradition. Rather, it means that God, in His wisdom and mercy, made His supernatural authority universally accessible—especially to Gentiles who did not have access to Hebrew sacred knowledge.
Through the name of Jesus:
- We cast out devils
- We receive healing
- We find salvation
- We access divine authority
Conclusion
The name of Jesus is not merely a religious phrase—it is the ultimate divine authorization. It is the name in which all of heaven’s power is released and all of God’s revealed authority is expressed.
That is why Scripture declares without hesitation:
He was given a name that is above every other name.
And today, that name has been given to us.
