BIBLE GREEK WORD STUDY
Onoma (G3686) — Meaning & Usage in the Bible
G3686 ὄνο마 means 'name' in Greek, used literally for personal names and figuratively for authority, reputation, and character throughout the New Testament.
Meaning of the word
G3686 ὄνο마 is the standard Greek noun for 'name.' The lexicon defines it both literally (the name by which a person or thing is called) and figuratively, where the term extends to mean 'authority' or 'character,' because in biblical thought a name represents the person, reputation, and standing of its bearer.
In the New Testament the word frequently carries more weight than a mere label. To act or speak 'in someone's name' is to act or speak on the basis of that person's authority. The noun therefore moves easily from identifying an individual to representing the authority and reputation attached to that identity.
Usage in Scripture
The example verses show both literal and idiomatic uses. John 1:6 ('whose name was John') and John 3:1 ('named Nicodemus') illustrate the straightforward identifying sense of ὄνο마.
The remaining examples cluster around the phrase 'in my name,' where the noun functions as shorthand for the authority and person of Jesus. Praying 'in my name' (John 14:13–14, 15:16, 16:24), the Father sending the Spirit 'in my name' (John 14:26), and suffering 'for my name's sake' (John 15:21) all treat the name as inseparable from the one it represents, matching the figurative half of the lexicon definition (authority, character).
The word in detail
- G3686 Lemma: ὄνο마. Gloss: 'a name' (literally or figuratively — authority, character). In the NT the noun ranges from personal labels (John 1:6; John 3:1) to the formula 'in my name,' where it stands for the authority and reputation of Jesus.
Example verses
- John 1:12 Believing 'on his name' (ὄνομα) treats the name as a metonym for the person of Christ: trust is placed in Jesus himself, and the noun functions in its figurative 'authority/character' sense rather than as a mere label.
- John 14:13 Praying 'in my name' (ὀνόματί) shows the noun as shorthand for Jesus' authority. Asking in his name is not a magical formula but an appeal grounded in his person and standing before the Father.
- John 15:21 Suffering 'for my name's sake' uses the genitive ὄνομά to mean 'on account of my name (= my person, reputation, and authority).' The cause of persecution is the bearer of the name, not the word itself.
- Matthew 7:22 Prophesying or performing mighty works 'by thy name' (ὀνόματι) shows the name as the warrant for ministry. The dative construction ties acts to the authority of the one named, again illustrating the figurative sense.
Common questions
Is ὄνο마 only a label for people?
No. While it does mean a person's name (e.g., John 1:6; John 3:1), the lexicon notes a figurative sense covering authority and character, which is why phrases like 'in my name' carry the weight of the person represented.
What does 'in his name' (or 'my name') mean in the New Testament?
It is a way of acting, praying, or suffering on the basis of a person's authority and standing. John 14:13–14 and 16:24 frame prayer 'in Jesus' name' as asking through his authority; Matthew 7:22 shows ministry done under his authority; John 15:21 shows persecution incurred on account of who he is.
How many times does G3686 appear in the New Testament?
According to the data provided, G3686 occurs 25 times across 21 distinct verses in the corpus supplied — a high-frequency noun, reflecting how central 'name' is to NT theology of identity and authority.