3 Biblical meanings of Cynthia
If you start a search, you will not find the first name Cynthia anywhere in the Bible. The good news is Cynthia means moon, light, or shining, and these words are all found in the word of God.
To be in control
According to the psalmist the moon is not just a source of light. Along with the stars the moon was put in place by God to govern/rule the night. “The moon and stars to govern the night…” (Psalms 136:9 NIV) From this standpoint the meaning of the name Cynthia denotes being in control.
To bring glory
According to Matthew 5:16 shining light and doing good deeds bring glory to God. The text states,
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Light does not only make a space feel glorious and spectacular. It is also a reflection of who God is and that is why it is important for others to see God’s children doing good.
Shining
Shining and light are Cynthia name meanings with strong biblical references.
The King James Version of Proverbs 4:18 compares social justice to a shining light. “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day”.
Another scripture passage that gives instruction on shining is Isaiah 58:10. It states,
“and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”
2 spiritual meanings of Cynthia
Using Cynthia or the nickname Cindy for your child is nothing to be worried about. This is because Cynthia is a beautiful name with positive biblical and spiritual meanings.
Cynthia is an excellent alternative name for words such as fair, majestic, and bright. These words denote positive attributes and were used in Song of Songs 6 to describe a beautiful woman.
Who is this that appears like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, majestic as the stars in procession? Song of Songs 6:10
Give light to everyone
Naming your baby Cynthia is a great way to motivate her and others to be radiant. This unique name is a remarkable invitation for others to live by the precepts found in Matthew 5:14-15.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house”.
Cynthia will be radiant in personality because her duty is to give light to everyone.
Strengthened by God
The specific analysis of Cynthia according to Psalm 27 shows her drawing strength and light from the Lord. She will not live in fear or be frightened by her enemies because of her confidence in God.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
Cynthia is the Latin form of the Greek Kynthia which means moon goddess or from Mount Cynthus. Due to its link with the Greek goddess Artemis (the twin sister of Apollo) this name is usually associated with the moon, light, and shining.
The name Cynthia became common in the 19th century in the English-speaking world. Cynthia became one of the most popular names for girls in the United States in the mid-20th century.
If you are in search of a unique name to give your baby girl or want to find out the true meaning for the name of Cynthia then keep reading. This article will look at the Hebrew and biblical meanings and provide the spiritual significance for this very attractive name.
What does Cynthia mean in Hebrew?
Though Cynthia is not a Hebrew word, this majestic name has both male and female given name forms in Hebrew. The feminine forms are Levana, Meira, and Ora while the masculine versions are Meir, Nerya, and Shraga.
Levana means white or moon. Giving light or shining are the definitions of Meira. Ora simply means light.
The Hebrew meanings for Meir are bright one or one who shines. The name definition for Nerya is light of God and Shraga means candle or light.
The Origins of Cynthia in the Bible
The historical origin of the name Cynthia is linked to Greek mythology about the moon goddess Artemis who was born on Mount Kynthos on Delos Island along with her twin brother Apollo.
The biblical origin of the name Cynthia has Old Testament foundations. It not only looks at the moon but points to the creator of the moon and the true source of all light.
Creation of light and the moon
The origin of Cynthia’s name is linked to the creation story. God created light on the first day of creation. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. (Genesis 1:3)
On the fourth day of creation, God created the sun and moon to rule the night and the day.
“And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years.” (Genesis 1:14)
God as a source of light
God acted as a visible guide and source of light to the Israelites when they were traveling through the wilderness. One biblical reference to this text is Nehemiah 9:19. It states, “Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take”.
What Bible verses contain Cynthia?
Words having the same meaning as the Greek baby name Cynthia are found throughout the Bible. Here are some verses that contain moon, light, shine, shining, lamp, and other similar words.
Exodus 25:37 speaks about the seven candlesticks that were used to provide light in the sanctuary.
“Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it so that they light the space in front of it.”
Psalms 8:3 and Psalms 104:19 speak about the moon, its creation, and its function.
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,” (Psalms 8:3)
The word of God is compared to a lamp and a light in Psalms 119:105.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
4 Stories about Cynthia in the Bible
Even though the word Cynthia does not appear in the Bible there are many stories in both the Old Testament and New Testament that mention a Hebrew and or Greek word for this name.
The Parable of The Ten Virgins
The parable of The Ten Virgins (Matthew 25) illustrates the importance of having light. The virgins who took extra oil for their lamps were considered to be wise women. The virgins who missed the bridegroom because they had no oil were considered to be foolish.
The Story of Gideon
In Judges chapter seven, the story of Gideon shows how a few men armed only with torches inside jars and their swords won victory over the Midianites with the help of the Lord.
The Story of Joseph
Before he was sold as a slave, Joseph was hated by his brothers because of his dreams and the fact that his father favored him. Genesis 37:9 tells the second dream that Joseph had. In the dream, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him.
The Story of The Israelites
The story of the Israelites wandering through the desert describes how the light of God gave direction. By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light so that they could travel by day or night. (Exodus 13:21 NIV)
Conclusion
Cynthia, a variant of the name Kynthia, is a feminine name of Greek origin that became popular in the 19th century. This name has very positive spiritual meanings and is a great choice to give to your baby girl if you are searching for American baby names.