Elevation Worship + Maverick City Music - Names Lyrics

Names

Names Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Released on May 17, 2021, the song "Names" by Elevation Worship + Maverick City Music offers a powerful exploration of the many facets of God's character as revealed through His biblical names, becoming an instant anthem for many seeking to grasp the depth and breadth of His nature. This collaboration effectively weaves together musical passion with theological richness, creating an engaging worship experience that draws listeners into a deeper understanding of who God is and what He means to those who trust in Him.

The central theme of the song revolves around the significance embedded within the various names attributed to God throughout the Scriptures. It moves beyond simply listing titles, instead focusing on the profound meaning and power each name represents. We encounter names that speak to God as the all-sufficient One, like El Shaddai, a name revealed to Abraham in Genesis 17:1, signifying His complete power and ability to fulfill His promises. The song contemplates the name Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord who provides, echoing the miraculous provision for Abraham in Genesis 22:14, assuring us of God's faithfulness in meeting needs. It also touches upon Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who heals, as described in Exodus 15:26, reminding us of His power to restore and make whole, not just physically but spiritually and emotionally. These names aren't mere labels; they are revelations of God's active involvement in human history and individual lives, demonstrating His attributes of power, provision, and healing.

Building upon these foundational Old Testament names, the song naturally elevates to the name of Jesus, recognizing its ultimate authority and salvific power. The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes that in Jesus, the fullness of God dwells (Colossians 2:9) and that He has been given "the name that is above every name" (Philippians 2:9). This is the name by which salvation comes, as stated in Acts 4:12: "there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." The song beautifully captures this progression, moving from the powerful historical names of God to the name of Jesus, which represents the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate expression of His love, power, and authority. Calling on the name of Jesus signifies not just reverence, but access to divine strength, hope, and deliverance from darkness and despair.

Musically, the song supports its message with a soundscape that is both grand and intimate. It builds from a place of contemplation to anthemic power, mirroring the journey from acknowledging God's various attributes to proclaiming the supreme authority of Jesus' name. The collaboration between Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music brings together different voices and styles that converge into a powerful, communal sound, inviting listeners to join in the declaration of God's greatness. The instrumentation and vocal arrangements work in harmony to create an atmosphere conducive to worship, emphasizing the weight and glory associated with each name being referenced. It’s a sound designed to lift spirits and focus hearts on the unwavering character of God.

Ultimately, "Names" serves as a profound reminder for believers of the rich heritage found in the Scriptures regarding God's identity and power. It encourages a deeper meditation on what it means to know and call upon these names in times of need, celebration, or simple adoration. By centering on the biblical names and culminating in the name of Jesus, the song provides a theological anchor, reassuring listeners that the God of the Bible, the one revealed through these powerful names, is the same God who is present and active today. It’s a call to place faith not in abstract concepts, but in the concrete, historical, and ever-present reality of the One whose names declare His nature and promise His faithfulness, ultimately finding our greatest hope and security in the name of Jesus Christ.