WFT- eponymous

18 September 2008

Merriam- Webster's word of the day for Sunday, September 14th, 2008 was "eponymous":

of, relating to, or being one for whom or which something is or is believed to  be named

They provided the following etymological information:

It's no coincidence that "eponymous" has to do with naming — it comes to us from  the Greek adjective “ep?nymos,” which is itself from “onyma,” meaning "name."  “Onyma” has lent its name to a number of English words, including "synonymous,"  "pseudonym," and "anonymous." Traditionally, an eponymous person or thing (i.e.,  an "eponym") might be a mythical ancestor or totem believed to be the source of  a clan's name. Today, however, "eponymous" more typically refers to such  individuals as the front man of "Theo's Trio" or the owner of "Sally's  Restaurant"(Theo and Sally, respectively, of course). The things that are named  for such name-providers are also "eponymous." For example, we can speak of "the  eponymous 'Ed Sullivan Show'" as well as "the eponymous Ed Sullivan."

This brings to mind the question about how we name ourselves or identify ourselves with Messiah.  Christians identify themselves with "Christ" and often teach that Christ "abolished the Law".  Christ Himself told us not to think that in Matthew 5:17.  Those who follow the Jewish Messiah and keep His Torah often label themselves as "Messianics".  I do not know how we should label ourselves but it brings to mind this passage of Scripture:

If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

- 2 Chronicles 7:13-14

Perhaps we should be concerned about being called by His Name and stop seeking labels to separate ourselves from other groups of believers.  Let us all be about our Master's business.

 

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Yom Shishi, 19 Adar II, 5784

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