What is the name above every name that was given to Jesus by God (Phil 2:5-11)? Was it “Jesus” or “Lord”?
In favor of “Jesus” is the fact that Paul says every knee will bow “at the name of Jesus” immediately after saying Jesus was given the name above every name (vs. 9-10). If the first name mentioned is “Jesus,” then “Jesus” would appear to be the name in question. Against this interpretation, however, is the fact that the giving of the name was an act of exultation in response to Christ’s humiliation, which includes His crucifixion. Jesus already had the name “Jesus” prior to the crucifixion, and thus it would seem to follow that “Jesus” cannot be the name above every name. Also, many Hebrew men shared the name Jesus. It was not unique.
In favor of “Lord” is the fact that Paul went on to say that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (v. 11). “Lord” appears to be a higher name than Jesus, which is why it is important to identify Jesus as the Lord. Add to this the fact that Paul is paraphrasing Isaiah 45:23 where it is said that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess to YHWH. The NT translates YHWH as kurios (Lord). It would seem, then, that Paul is identifying Jesus as the YHWH of the OT, and thus with the title “Lord.” Since “Lord” is unique to YHWH, it truly is the name above every other name.
I think the evidence points in favor of the name being “Lord,” but I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the matter.
Thinking to Believe 
July 14, 2022 at 3:44 pm
Hi Jason. Your point is an interesting one and it does make sense. My only objection would be is that “Lord” is usually a title, not a name.
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July 16, 2022 at 11:11 am
I prefer to continue to recognize the name (names) God gave to Moses when Moses asked God what name he should use to identify God to Pharaoh. ” I Am Who I Am.” “The LORD, the God of your ancestors, the God of “Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.” : This is my name forever, and this is my title for all generations. It was when the Hebrew scripture was translated into Greek in the Septuagint when it was decided to print The LORD God’s name with lower case letters for whatever reason they decided to do so. As for those who say that Jesus is proclaiming deity when He identifies with The LORD by saying ” I Am” compare this with the many times Abraham says I AM when called to sacrifice Isaac, or Moses when he speaks with The LORD near the burning bush, or Samuel when The LORD calls to him the first time. I am sure there are other times in the Jewish scriptures where people who are called or sent by God are sent in His name or in The Name of The I AM. . ,
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July 17, 2022 at 7:44 am
as I understand it ……….. “(A Psalm of David.) The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” where “LORD”=YHWH and “Lord”=Master.
the NT is some what confusing because it does use “Lord” for YHWH but you can not replace YHWH for “Lord” every time. so — “mother of my Lord” does not can not mean — “mother of my Lord/YHWH.” it means ”mother of my Master.”
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July 18, 2022 at 11:24 am
Please read Matthew 22.41-45. I am led to believe that from this scripture Christ is saying that the second Lord is referring to Him.
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July 19, 2022 at 10:50 pm
Derek,
I’m not convinced the ancients made as big of a distinction between name and title as we do. After all, despite the fact that the Bible uses titles all the time, you don’t see the word “title” in Scripture. Titles were used as names. They functioned like names.
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July 19, 2022 at 10:50 pm
johngwenld3god,
It sounds like you would agree with me, then, that “Lord” is the name given to Jesus that is above all names. Yes, God’s name is YHWH. Since “Lord” was what the Jews said in place of saying YHWH, for Jesus to be given the name “Lord” is for Jesus to be called YHWH. Of course, I think “Lord” goes beyond a reference to the name YHWH. It also means master. Jesus is given the name of master because He, as YHWH, is Lord of all lords.
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July 19, 2022 at 10:51 pm
Paul Vander Voort,
You are absolutely right. Context is what matters.
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July 20, 2022 at 10:30 am
I believe that you will find that there were those who were Sent in the Name of The I AM and who were not afraid to use His Name. Abraham, Moses, Samuel, the True Prophets, and The Christ were all Sent to prophesy in the Name of The I AM. It is written that The LORD caused Moses to become like God to his brother Aaron. They said of Jesus “HE is making Himself like God by claiming to be The I AM (which I believe He was not saying).” How did Jesus answer when He heard this? Was it something like “Does it not say that yee are Gods
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