### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word τοὔνομα (toúnoma, `{{G5122}}`) is a grammatical contraction, specifically combining the neuter definite article *τό* (to, "the") with the noun *ὄνομα* (onoma, `{{G3686}}`, "name"). Its most direct and literal meaning is "the name" or "that which is named." While grammatically a contraction, its semantic weight is entirely derived from the underlying word *ὄνομα*. In biblical usage, a "name" is far more than a mere label or identifier; it often encapsulates the very essence, character, reputation, authority, and even destiny of the person or entity it designates. Thus, τοὔνομα, when employed, points to a specific, identified individual or a collective group identified by their names, often in contexts where their identity or designation is being established or referenced.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The contraction τοὔνομα (toúnoma, `{{G5122}}`) appears a number of times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts, serving to introduce or refer to specific names or named individuals. Its usage often highlights the act of naming or the significance of a particular designation.
In [[Mark 3:16]], we read: "He appointed the twelve: Simon, to whom he gave the name Peter." Here, τοὔνομα (as part of *ὄνομα Πέτρον*) functions to formally introduce the new, significant name bestowed upon Simon by Jesus, signifying a change in identity and role. Similarly, [[Luke 6:14]] states: "Simon, whom he also named Peter, and Andrew his brother..." The contraction here again underscores the designation of Peter's new name.
In the book of Acts, τοὔνομα frequently refers to lists or groups of named persons. For instance, [[Acts 1:15]] records Peter's address to the disciples: "...the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty." Here, τοὔνομα (as *ὀνομάτων*) refers to the individual persons present, identified by their names, emphasizing the collective body of believers. In [[Acts 1:23]], when selecting a replacement for Judas, the text states: "And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias." The use of τοὔνομα (as *Ματθίαν*) here functions to present the specific names of the candidates.
Other instances include [[Acts 4:36]], where Barnabas is introduced: "Joseph, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles," highlighting the apostolic bestowal of a significant identifying name. In [[Acts 9:11]], Ananias is instructed by the Lord: "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul of Tarsus," where τοὔνομα (as part of *Σαῦλον ὀνόματι Ταρσέα*) precisely identifies the individual. The consistent pattern is that τοὔνομα serves to explicitly state or refer to a name, often in the context of identification, designation, or the enumeration of individuals.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary word related to τοὔνομα (toúnoma, `{{G5122}}`) is its base form, *ὄνομα* (onoma, `{{G3686}}`), "name." Understanding *ὄνομα* is crucial, as it carries a profound semantic range in biblical thought, encompassing not just a label but also reputation, character, authority, and presence.
Closely associated is the verb *ὀνομάζω* (onomazo, `{{G3687}}`), meaning "to name" or "to call by name." This verb often describes the act of bestowing a name, which in the ancient world was an act of authority and significance. For example, God "naming" creation or individuals signifies His sovereignty and ownership.
Another related concept is that of "calling" or "being called," often expressed through verbs like *καλέω* (kaleo, `{{G2564}}`). While *καλέω* can mean "to call out" or "to invite," it frequently appears in contexts where a person is designated by a particular name or title, or called into a specific relationship with God.
The broader biblical concept of "the Name of God" or "the Name of Jesus" is also deeply intertwined. While often using *ὄνομα* directly, the theological weight behind "the Name" (e.g., [[Philippians 2:9]], [[Acts 4:12]]) is the ultimate expansion of the meaning of "name" as embodying divine presence, power, and authority.
### Theological Significance
While τοὔνομα (toúnoma, `{{G5122}}`) itself is a grammatical construct, its theological significance is entirely derivative of the profound biblical understanding of "name." In Scripture, a name is never arbitrary; it reveals character, establishes identity, and often denotes destiny or relationship.
The act of naming, frequently introduced by τοὔνομα, reflects divine sovereignty. God names the stars ([[Psalm 147:4]]), names His people ([[Isaiah 62:2]]), and bestows new names on individuals to signify a new identity or purpose (e.g., Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel, Simon to Peter). This divine naming underscores God's intimate knowledge and sovereign claim over His creation and His people.
Furthermore, the "name" of God or the "name" of Jesus, though usually expressed by *ὄνομα* (onoma, `{{G3686}}`), carries immense theological weight. To act "in the name of" someone is to act with their authority and power. To "call upon the name of the Lord" ([[Romans 10:13]]) is to invoke His very being, character, and saving power. When τοὔνομα refers to the naming of apostles or early believers, it subtly points to their new identity in Christ and their inclusion in the community of faith, a community defined by their allegiance to "the Name" above all names ([[Philippians 2:9-10]]). The precise identification provided by τοὔνομα thus contributes to the biblical emphasis on distinct identity within God's redemptive plan.
### Summary
Τοὔνομα (toúnoma, `{{G5122}}`) is a contraction of the Greek definite article *τό* ("the") and the noun *ὄνομα* ("name"), literally meaning "the name" or "that which is named." Grammatically, it functions to introduce or refer to specific names or named individuals. Its occurrences in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and Acts, consistently serve to identify persons, often in contexts of designation, lists, or the bestowal of significant new identities. The theological weight of τοὔνομα is intrinsically tied to the broader biblical understanding of "name," which transcends mere identification to encompass character, authority, reputation, and divine purpose. Thus, while a simple linguistic contraction, τοὔνομα subtly contributes to the biblical emphasis on identity, divine sovereignty in naming, and the profound significance of "the Name" in God's redemptive work.
TRV