Helping children discover what the Bible teaches about God’s names, His character, and how He reveals Himself through Scripture.
What’s in a name?
We use names every day. We have names for people, places, pets, and just about everything else.
But have you ever noticed how many different names and descriptions of God appear throughout the Bible?
God is called our Shepherd, our Rock, our Provider, and our Creator. And those are only a few!
Each name gives us an opportunity to explore something about who God is and what He has revealed about Himself.
So instead of simply memorizing a list of names, let’s open our Bibles and discover what those names can teach us.
One of the most interesting conversations about God’s name happens in Exodus 3.
Moses encounters God at the burning bush, and God tells him that He is sending him to bring the Israelites out of Egypt.
But Moses has a question.
What if the Israelites ask who sent him?
What should he say?
In Exodus 3:14, God answers:
“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” (KJV)
I AM.
That’s an unusual name, isn’t it?
God doesn’t introduce Himself by describing what He looks like or where He lives.
He reveals Himself as I AM THAT I AM.
And in the next verse, God identifies Himself as the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
He’s not introducing Moses to a new or unknown god. He’s revealing Himself as the God who has been faithful to His people through generations.
Now let’s look at another passage.
In Genesis 16, Hagar is alone in the wilderness when the angel of the LORD speaks to her. After this encounter, Hagar calls the LORD El Roi, often translated as the God who sees me.
What a wonderful discovery!
And throughout Scripture, we find more names and descriptions that reveal God’s character.
The names aren’t simply labels to remember. They invite us to discover more about the God who reveals Himself in His Word.
Here’s a simple way to explore this together.
Read Exodus 3:13–15.
Ask your children:
What question did Moses ask God?
How did God answer?
What did God tell Moses to say to the Israelites?
What do we learn about God from this conversation?
Then turn to Genesis 16:7–13.
Read about Hagar’s encounter with the angel of the LORD.
Ask:
Where was Hagar?
What did the angel of the LORD say to her?
What name did Hagar use for God?
What does this encounter help us understand about Him?
Encourage your children to look closely at the passage rather than simply guessing what a name means.
The goal is to help them discover God’s character through what Scripture actually tells us.
Gather some paper, crayons, or markers.
Write one name or description of God in the center of the page.
You might begin with:
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD — PSALM 23:1
Around the words, invite your children to draw or write what they notice about a shepherd in Psalm 23.
What does the shepherd provide?
How does he lead?
What does he do when the sheep walk through a dark valley?
Now talk about what David is teaching us about the LORD.
You can repeat the activity with another passage, such as Psalm 18:2, where David describes the LORD as his rock, fortress, and deliverer.
Over time, children can create their own collection of Scripture discoveries about who God is.
The next time you see a heart, let it remind you of something wonderful:
“We love him, because he first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19
Have you ever noticed how many names and descriptions of God appear throughout the Bible?
In our Bible video, we’ll explore what Scripture reveals about God’s names and why those names matter.
After watching, invite your children to share a name or description of God they’d like to investigate further.
Each month we create a themed Bible verse calendar and include printables, coloring pages, activities and Art lessons! Use these for daily Bible reading, study or Scripture memorization. By signing up, you will also receive access to our Freebie Library with a few more free Bible resource goodies!
What if children could investigate God’s names and descriptions through Scripture rather than simply memorizing them?
Our Who God Is Bible Adventure Collection invites children to explore the Bible, discover meaningful connections, and respond through creative activities.
Through four connected Bible Adventures, children investigate names and descriptions of God, discover the stories and passages where they appear, and explore what those passages reveal about His character.
From the God who sees to the LORD our Shepherd, each discovery encourages children to know more about the God who reveals Himself in Scripture.
Each collection includes four guided Adventures, a Parent Guide, and Scripture reading resources.
Together, families can:
Notice • Explore • Create • Remember
Art can help children slow down and reflect on the pictures and descriptions we find in Scripture.
When I Consider Bible Art Lesson
[Add art lesson image, Scripture connection, and product link.]
As children create, encourage them to think about what the passage reveals about God rather than simply decorating His name.
Continue exploring Scripture with creative activities featuring God’s names and descriptions.
These resources give children opportunities to read the passages, investigate their meaning, and remember what they’ve discovered.
The Bible reveals God’s names and character throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
From the LORD our Provider to the Good Shepherd, each passage offers another opportunity to discover more about Him.
Explore additional Scriptures and explanations about God’s names and what they reveal.
Sometimes one activity is just the beginning!
If your family enjoys exploring God’s Word through art, hands-on activities, and creative Bible studies, you might enjoy becoming a ReMEMBERer.
Our ReMEMBERers Creativity Library brings together Bible art lessons, monthly printables, Bible Adventures, and other creative ways to keep God’s Word close to your heart.
Explore the ReMEMBERers Creativity Library
We would love to tell you more about becoming a ReMEMBERer.
Access our online Bible studies and resources anytime and anywhere.
Our desire is sharing God’s Word and love through creative resources for all learning styles.
