Chapter 10: TO ONOMA - The Name

2.10 To onoma Nom & Accus Neut Sing.

τὸDANSὁ ὄνομαN-AN-Sὄνομα

Case:

Since to onoma is the object of the preposition eis, and not the subject of the sentence, we have no alternative but to choose the accusative case. For a development of the accusative case, see Case: Accusative

Accusative and Accusative Case—Dana & Mantey. For a summary of the accusative with the preposition eis, see Accusative case.

Gender:

The noun “name” is neuter. There is nothing highly significant about this except to say, it is neither masculine (which would imply a concrete nature) nor feminine (which would imply a conceptual nature). Name is a gender-neutral element.

Number Singular:

Singular. This is of paramount importance. One cannot underestimate the importance of number in the proper exegesis of this text, especially with regard to the question of triune baptism. The focus of this baptism is singular, THE SINGLE NAME.

Meaning:

This concept of baptism that Jesus is developing is a baptism INTO a SINGULAR NAME. Even though, as we shall see, this name represents three persons, namely the three persons of the Trinity, the idea Jesus is communicating here is that it is ONE NAME the nations are being baptized into, not three persons.[1]

Literally means: the name; reputation; name = representative of a person, or in this case, the singular name of the triune Godhead. It would subtend all that the nature of the Godhead entails, describes, includes, expresses, and manifests. Everything God is and all that God does leaves an indelible trail and reputation in His wake, and its into that nature or reputation that the heathen are being baptized.

Note:

The article, To, lends force to the noun, specifying not just ‘any’ name, or ‘a’ name, but ‘THE’ name.

Note:

The name is singular.

Comment:

It is not “into” three names, but “into” one name, the singular name of the three persons of the Trinity, into which these were to be baptized. The declension is very critical here…and tells us very important information about the Trinity, and tells “into what” these were to be baptized, not three names, for three persons, but “one” name, which is jointly owned by three persons.

Comment:

The concept of being baptized into “the Name” is not new to the New Testament believers. In Exodus when Moses was confronted by God in the buring bush and told to go back to his people and lead them out of Egypt, Moses asked, “If they ask me Your name, what shall I tell them?”[2] And God answered, “Tell them YHWH (literally Jehovah – the existing one -- or I AM) has sent you.” This name, goes back even to Abraham[3] when Isaac asked him, “where is the sacrifice?” And Abraham answered, “God will provide” – literally Jehovah Jireh (Jehovah will provide). God’s Name is critical in that when it is used, it carries with it all the reputation behind the word—all that God is, and all the power God has all the provision and salvation He brings, and much more. Perhaps that is why God was so concerned about our taking His name in vain?

Translation:

Jesus speaking: Given that all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth, therefore (now, by all means - emphatically) as you are going < ● > (or ‘while on your way through life…’ or ‘as you are proceeding in your chosen manner through life …’), I (as superior to a subordinate laying aside my authority to command you) appeal to you (and particularly to your will), it’s imperative that you actively disciple < ● > (train, acquire habits, disciple oneself) (How far or how many?) all the nations, (yes, I mean ALL the nations … and you can include the Jews in there as well) (and here’s the first step ) you-pl males among you-pl actively baptizing continuously < ---- > focusing on the males among them (i.e., the gender neutral nations) towards the Name (and it’s not just any name they are being moved into…it’s THE Specific Particular Name) and ending up with them “inside” that particular specific single Name…

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[1] Even though the three persons of the Trinity, as we shall see in the following text, all share that same ‘singular’ name. It is ‘the Name’ that Jesus has in focus as the object into which these nations are being baptized.

[2] Exodus 6:3

[3] Gen 22:14