I love the definition of people’s names in the Bible, it seems to give insight to the person’s character. Good example is Pontius Pilate Luke 3:1
Pontius – means “belonging to the sea”. He made his decision to crucify Christ because the sea (society) forced him to. Matthew 27:24
Pilate – means “one armed with a dart”. He is the one who had the final decision over Jesus’ death. John 19:10
Herod – means “the glory of the skin/flesh”, fits well since all Herod’s were materially focused. Luke 3:19-20
Saul – means “demanding one”. Acts 8:3; Full of pride in his understanding of Old Testament
Paul – means “little. The demanding one humbles himself
Simon – means “hearing”. Peter – “little rock, stone”; Simon wasn’t one for listening so Jesus changed his name to Peter because he had rocks in his ears. See article on Do You Love Jesus John 21:15-17
See also Gospel of Ruth, Genealogies of Genesis, about name definitions
BADLY TRANSLATED GREEK WORDS:
EKKLESIA – means “assembly” but we translate it as church, an English word created to refer to a place of Christian worship. Not a true translation. An assembly could happen anywhere, it is about people not location.
XRITOS – means “anoint” but we transliterate it as Christ. In the Old Testament they anointed three offices which Jesus holds, Prophet, Priest, King. MESSIAH – means “anoint” but we transliterate from the Hebrew.
BAPTIDZW – means “immerse but we transliterate it as baptism.