Friday, January 3, 2020

Old Testament Instances of "Name" Being Used for Multiple Persons


Some Trinitarian apologists point to the singular “name” in Matt 28:19 as evidence for three persons in one being, per later creedal formulations. For a discussion, see, for e.g., Answering "God Loves Mormons" on The Trinity. Interestingly, in the Old Testament, both the Hebrew and LXX uses the singular “name” for multiple persons and gods who, undoubtedly, did not share a singular name. Consider:

Male and female he created them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. (Gen 5:2)

And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of the other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth. (Exo 23:13)

But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. (Deut 18:20)

That ye come among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them. (Josh 23:7)

And the name of them man was Elimelch, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there. (Ruth 1:2)