Circumcision of our Lord
The word aptonym is a compound word consisting of the adjective “apt” meaning aptitude and the Greek word for “name.” Thus, an aptronym is when someone’s name and occupation line up perfectly, when what they’re called describes what they do; like if a carpentors name was Carpentor or a plumbers name was Plumber.
Parents tend to spend considerable time trying to decide what to name their children because we know that a name is more than just what someone goes by. Some of us are very strategic and specific when it comes to the giving of names. For instance, there are those parents who name their child after a sports hero, famous actor, or character in their favorite book.
In Old Testament times, a name stood for a person’s “reputation, their fame and their glory.” Thus, parents often gave children names that described their hopes and future expectations and/or characteristics regarding that child. The word translated as “name” literally means “a mark or a brand.” A study of Bible names often reveals much about the personality of the people. For instance, David means “Beloved.” Abraham means “Father of a multitude.” Jacob means “Deceiver.” Isaac implies “laughter.” Moses means “drawn out.” My name, John, means “God is gracious,” And Jesus’ Name, which is an anglicized version of “Joshua,” means Savior. All these people proved true to their names!
Because naming was so important, the child wasn’t named until the eighth day after their birth – when a male child was circumcized; in fact, there is even a specific service “For the Naming of a Child” which is still part of our Church’s tradition – although it is little practiced anymore.
However, whatever one’s name, that name is known by God even from our mother’s womb, and we shod be glad that we not only have an identity – but an identity by which God calls us His own!
Fr. John
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