Did the people in the Bible have last names?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

People in the Bible did not have last names unless they were associates of others with the same first name. Even when surnames were given, they were not specific family names. They were used to identify ethnicity (Doeg the Edomite of 1 Samuel 21:7), parentage (John and James, the sons of Zebedee in Matthew 10:2), or place of residence (Mary Magdalene in Matthew 27:56). Sometimes women were even identified by the names of their sons (also Matthew 27:56). Surnames were not common in the Bible, but when they were used, they help us identify ethnicity, parentage or where a person is from.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Surnames were not common in the Old Testament. Doeg the Edomite has this surname to identify his ethnicity (1 Samuel 21:7).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• One name in the Bible that commonly causes confusion is that of Jesus Christ. "Christ" is not Jesus's last name; it is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Messiah, or anointed/chosen one. It is the same as "Christ Jesus" and has the same form as "Lord Jesus" or "King Richard." It is an identifier of a position, not a personal name.
• Other Bible characters that seemed to have last names:
• Judas Iscariot: The origin of "Iscariot" is unknown, but it is not a family name; it distinguishes him from Thaddaeus, who was also called "Judas the son of James" (Luke 6:16).
• Simon bar Jonah (John 1:42): This is the traditional Hebrew name of Simon Peter; "bar" means "son of" and identifies him as the son of Jonah.
• Mary Magdalene: "Magdalene" identifies this Mary as from the town of Magdala and distinguishes her from the many other Marys in Jesus's life.
• Simon the tanner (Acts 10:32): "Tanner" is not a last name, but an occupation; it distinguishes him from other Simons in the church.
• Simon the Zealot (Matthew 10:4): This was another disciple of Jesus; "zealot" identifies his political affiliation and distinguishes him from Simon Peter.
• James and John, the Sons of Thunder (Mark 3:17): Although James and John are also called "sons of Zebedee," Jesus thought "sons of thunder" more accurately described their personalities.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

One key lesson we can learn is to avoid making assumptions based solely on names. In biblical times, last names were uncommon, and when used, they served specific purposes like identifying ethnicity, parentage, occupation, or residence, rather than family ties. This teaches us to avoid stereotypes and to focus on individual identity beyond labels. Just as "Christ" was a title and not Jesus's last name, and biblical characters were often identified by their roles or affiliations, we should appreciate people for who they are beyond superficial labels. Embracing diversity, looking beyond surface-level identifiers, and valuing individuals for their unique qualities can help us build more genuine connections and understanding in our interactions.

UNDERSTAND

• Most people in the Bible did not have last names.
• People with surnames were given them to mark ethnicity, parentage, or where they lived.
• We cannot make assumptions based solely on names or surnames.

REFLECT

• How often do you find yourself judging or making assumptions about others based on their names or labels?
• What can you learn about the importance of individual identity from the way biblical characters were identified?
• How can you apply the lesson of looking beyond superficial labels to better understand and appreciate the people around you?

ENGAGE

• How does understanding the purpose of names and identifiers in the Bible challenge or change the way we perceive people's identities today?
• What are some examples in our own lives or in culture where names or labels are used in ways similar to biblical times? How does this influence our interactions?
• Why is it important to avoid making assumptions based solely on names or labels, and how can this understanding improve our relationships and interactions?