Genesis 5: What's In A Name

Knowing the name of something, especially the true name, gives you the ability to influence, command or control it. For example knowing the name can enable one to banish spirits and demons. Also, the name of something represents the fundamental nature of a thing and can give us deep insight into its character, history and vulnerabilities. The power to name someone allows us to prophecy their destiny, especially if the name aligns with God's intentions. In Genesis, speaking the name of a thing is equivalent to bringing it into existence or controlling its form.