As with many common verbs, the meaning of “to say” in the Bible is highly dependent on context. Who is speaking? Who is hearing? What is it about? Is it a command, a message, an apology, instruction? All these things enter into the meaning of “say.” In general, though, “saying” has to do with sharing truth at various levels -- from the most exalted power people can have to perceive the Lord's desires directly to the most basic of orders issued to people at their lowest.

3421. “叫它们的名字” 表它们的本质. 这从 “叫名字” 的含义清楚可知, “叫名字” 是指根本性质 (参看144, 145, 1754, 1896, 2009, 2724, 3006, 3237节). 由于 “叫名字” (或称名) 或名字表示根本性质, 故就圣言的内义而言, 只是 “叫” 或 “称”, 不提名字, 就表示具有某种具体性质. 如以赛亚书:

当听这话, 雅各家哪, 那称为以色列名下的, 那从犹大的水中出来的. 他们自称为圣城的人, 所倚靠的是以色列的神. (以赛亚书 48:1-2)

此处 “自称为圣城的人” 表具有某种具体性质. 路加福音:

看吧, 你要怀孕生子, 可以给他起名叫耶稣. 他要为大, 称为至高者的儿子. (路加福音 1:31, 32)

“称为至高者的儿子” 表祂的本质存在.