The official name on your birth certificate may not be the name your peers call you. Meanwhile, the name provided by your parents to the school you are/were enrolled in, will influence what others call you. When Pharaoh appointed Joseph as governor of Egypt, he is introduced to the nation as Zaphenath-paneah. Moses felt like this was an important detail to mention.
And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-paneah and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph made an [inspection] tour of all the land of Egypt. 46 Joseph [who had been in Egypt thirteen years] was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went [about his duties] through all the land of Egypt, Genesis 41:45-46.
From a political perspective, this was a savvy move made by Pharaoh. Rather than introduce his new governor as a Hebrew slave who served a 3-year sentence in prison, Pharaoh gives Joseph a new name: Zaphenath-paneah. Just as God give Jacob the name Israel following his wrestling match with an angel, Zaphenath-paneah provides Joseph with a fresh start in Egypt as governor.
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. 2 The rich and poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all. 3 A prudent man sees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished [with suffering], Proverbs 22:1-3.
While some names are earned in life, others may be assigned based upon your appearance, distinct personality trait or word association based upon your birth name. If your name rhymes with multiple words, your nicknames may be limitless. However, from a Christian perspective, when you begin to take faith serious, “to live is Christ and to die is gain,” Galatians 2:20.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 