When you read the above verse, there are two questions that jump out at you. One, why does it say the word shemot, (names) at all? It could simply have said “These are the children of Israel who came to Egypt…”

The second question requires a little bit of Hebrew. The English translation is incorrect. The Hebrew word habaim used here does not mean “who came to Egypt”, in past tense but rather “who are coming to Egypt”, in present tense. Why would the verse use the present tense when it would be more accurate to use the past tense?

No one wants to feel that they are rejected and not part of a community or group of friends. We want to fit in yet sometimes that comes at the expense of sacrificing our values and what we stand for.

We make compromises. We dress to conform. We speak like our friends. Slowly but surely, we start to lose our identities because of peer pressure, and sometimes we don’t even recognize ourselves. We behave to conform to what we imagine will bring us acceptance. In time we become lost and start to wonder who we really are.

“These are the NAMES of the children of Israel who are COMING to Egypt…” The verse emphasized the word “names” in order to subtly tell us that they came with their names, meaning their individual identities. After all, isn’t that what a name is? Your name is deeply connected to your essence. This is how the Bible uses names—it is a reflection of your true self.

When they came to Egypt they came with an identity–as the children of Israel. The verse continues and tells us in the present tense that they are coming to Egypt, meaning that the identity that they came with is still with them! It is very much present and not a thing of the past!

It is easy to lose yourself when you try to fit in and be part of the group. Unfortunately, this can include compromising your values, your morals and all that you stand for. Be true to your name and never lose your identity for the sake of acceptance by others.