What Does Anthony Mean In The Bible?

The meaning of Anthony in the Bible. Also, what is the spiritual meaning of the name Anthony?

Introduction

The name Anthony is of Latin origin and became popular through the veneration of Saint Anthony of Padua, a prominent Christian saint.

Saint Anthony of Padua, also known as Saint Anthony of Lisbon, was a Portuguese Catholic friar and preacher who lived in the 12th and 13th centuries.

The name is not mentioned in the Bible, but a variation of the name, Antonius, was mentioned.

Antonius Felix was a Roman procurator who governed the province of Judea from around 52 CE to 60 CE.

He is mentioned in Acts 23-24, where the Apostle Paul stands before him during his imprisonment.

Other variations of Anthony are Antonios and Antony.

The spiritual meaning of the name Anthony translates to “worthy of praise” or “priceless.”

Other biblical meanings can be derived from the name Anthony.

This article will explore some of them so you can understand the significance of the name.

Anthony in the Bible – Meanings:

Priceless Treasure

“In the house of the righteous there is much treasure.” (Proverbs 15:6)

Anthony means priceless.

Priceless are not only expensive, but they are also rare.

They are either hidden in a bank or a treasure box.

Only influential and wealthy people own them and can give them as they please.

Every child is priceless and can only be given by God.

Naming your child Anthony makes him more priceless because it shows you understand the worth of a child and acknowledge God for His generous gift toward you and your family.

According to the Bible, God delights in our thanksgiving.

When we thank Him for His gifts like a child, He is always willing to give us more.

Therefore, naming your child Anthony can open up the channel for more children if you desire them.

Faith and Devotion

In Christian tradition, the name Anthony is often associated with Saint Anthony of Padua, a highly venerated Catholic saint known for his piety, humility, and devotion to God.

As such, the name can be seen as carrying qualities of faith, devotion, and spiritual guidance.

Naming your son Anthony aligns yourself with God to pour goldy virtue on your children. However, it’s essential to note that naming a child after a godly person does not guarantee that that child will automatically display the person’s virtues.

But if the parents of the child show commitment toward raising that child in the right way by teaching them God’s Word and being good examples, they will imbibe those ideas and become good people.

Therefore, though it’s good to name your child Anthony because of notable godly saints that had it, you must be intentional about raising the child in a way they would become like God’s chosen people.

Protection

In some spiritual beliefs, the name “Anthony” is associated with protection.

It is believed to bring strength and safeguard against negative influences or harm.

This interpretation may stem from the Latin word “antehac,” meaning “before,” implying a sense of guarding or shielding.

Isaiah 45:2 says, “I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.”

You are assured protection and victory over your enemies when God goes before you.

The Bible records that when the children of Israel were sojourning through the wilderness, God went before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

His presence in that form was for protection.

Therefore, by naming your child Anthony, you accept that God will go before you and your child.

When a child, especially a boy, is growing up, they become adventurous.

They need God’s protection at this stage so they do not fall into trouble.

Worthy of Praise

The name Anthony can be associated with qualities and values that align with the idea of being praiseworthy.

Those in the Catholic faith, for example, often admire individuals named Anthony for their devotion, piety, and spiritual leadership.

This admiration can result in praise and recognition for their virtuous qualities and actions.

Additionally, the name Anthony is commonly associated with Saint Anthony of Padua, who is venerated and considered worthy of praise for his devotion to God and exemplary life.

Worthy of Praise can be linked to the name Anthony through the belief that those who bear this name have the potential to embody qualities that are worthy of admiration and praise in their spiritual journey.

These qualities may include faith, humility, compassion, and a deep connection with the divine.

Therefore, naming your child Anthony means you desire that they exhibit praise-worthy characters that you, your family, the church, and society will be proud of and worthy of emulation.

It may also mean that you are ascribing all the glory and honor to God for the gift of a child He has given to you.

Naming the child Anthony may be an act of appreciation.

Healing

Saint Anthony was known to be a miraculous healer who restored people’s health, including those in critical condition, and even raised the dead. He is currently recognized as a patron saint of healing.

People interceded and prayed to him for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.

So, naming your son after this saint might be a sign that you need some sort of healing in your life or family, or the child has come to restore certain problems you are currently facing.

Naming your son Anthony may also be an act of acknowledging that he is a channel of healing or possessing healing powers or energy to offer comfort, compassion, and support to those who come in contact with him.

The significance of Anthony often transcends physical healing.

The name can also be associated with the idea of inner healing and spiritual growth, symbolizing one’s journey toward wholeness, transformation, and reconciliation with oneself and God.

Spiritual Meaning of the name Anthony

The cherished one

The spiritual meaning of Anthony is the cherished one. It means to be valued and adored.

This may spark some jealousy, especially when the child named Anthony has younger or older siblings, because the love and extra care showered on them will be evident. However, this special treatment might not be deliberate but a function of the nature of those who bear Anthony.

“Anthonies” are likeable personalities.

They are naturally attractive, so people people subconsciously treat them with love.

They are mainly seen as ladies’ men. However, they have to be careful of frenemies.

They pretend to care and love you, but they are envious and would seize any opportunity to hurt or tarnish your image. 

Therefore, you must protect your child bearing Anthony.

Teach him how to sieve through people’s minds to detect who genuinely loves him. It feels good to be loved and cherished by the majority of people. But it comes with its disadvantages. 

God is worthy to be praised.

The name Anthony reminds us that God is worthy of our praise. It shows that everything we are and will become is in God’s hands, and He will make everything beautiful in its time. 

Based on Anthony’s religious roots and connection to Saint Anthony, the name reminds us that our possessions, spiritual gifts, and blessings belong to God.

Saint Anthony exemplified this quality shortly after he lost his father, a wealthy Egyptian man; he took care of his sister.

He sold his father’s estate and distributed it to the poor like Jesus told the Rich Young Ruler in Matthew 19:21: “Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

That story not only explains total dedication and devotion to God and His work but also embodies the spiritual truth that everything belongs to God.

All we have comes from Him, so we must not boast about our abilities and resources.

Instead, we must praise Him because He is worthy.

John 3:27 says, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” 

Therefore, Anthony should remind you to always come down from your high horse and acknowledge God’s grace, goodness and mercy.

Restorer

The name Anthony signifies restoration.

As a patron of healing, Anthony restores hope in those who have given up for various reasons, including physical, mental, and emotional.

This is a huge responsibility because they usually go towards people who need their healing gift because of their kindheartedness. And because those who are hurting physically and emotionally are many, they often tend to be overwhelmed.

However, this goes on to show that those who bear Anthony have a great shoe to fit into.

When Jesus was about to leave Earth, He gave every believer the responsibility to do many things, including healing the sick.

It looked impossible because only Jesus exhibited such power when He was on earth. However, those who believed and obeyed did what he did. 

Those bearing Anthony are inclined to provide healing, hope, and restoration because it is an innate ability.

Perhaps your name is Anthony, but you are not operating in the realm of a restorer, or maybe you need restoration yourself; then it’s time to tap into your inner self.

You have the innate ability to help, heal and restore. All you have to do is believe it and work toward it.

Flourish

Anthony can be associated with the Greek word “anthos,” meaning flower, and “neo,” pointing to bloom or flourish.

This is another beautiful spiritual meaning of Anthony, making it a suitable name for boys. 

To flourish or bloom means prosperity and fruitfulness.

Just as a plant that receives lots of nourishment and care to bloom, Anthony will not struggle to reach his full potential. Things will be easy for him. 

A flower that blooms continuously attracts bees that want to tap nutrients from it.

This means that Anthony will be a source of nourishment and provision to people with different needs because God has already blessed him with all he needs to prosper and lend to nations. 

However, be careful not to suffer exhaustion because people who always take it never know when to stop. And when nothing is left to take, they move to the next available giver.

Therefore, those bearing Anthony must not allow their generosity to make them suffer. There must be a healthy balance between giving and self-care. 

Finally, the name Anthony also suggests that nothing good lasts forever.

A flower that blooms today will wither tomorrow. That is the circle of life. Therefore, they must utilize their prime age to prepare against dry seasons.

Strength and grace

Another spiritual meaning of Anthony is strength and grace.

It requires great strength and abounding grace to live up to the name Anthony. The responsibilities involved are numerous and significant. However, God has blessed them with strength and amazing grace.

According to 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” That scripture captures how God operates in the lives of those bearing Anthony.

God works behind the scenes on their behalf, giving them a healthy dose of strength and showering His grace on them in such a way that the challenging things they do seem effortless. But anyone who attempts it will fail because those bearing Anthony depend on God.

Therefore, naming your child Anthony must be accompanied by teaching God’s Word, especially about relying on Him.

They must understand that God will strengthen them in the areas of their weaknesses and give them the grace to do what they never thought they could. 

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