The Forgotten Names in the Bible
When we think about the great figures of the Bible, names like Moses, David, Paul, and Peter come to mind. But the Bible is full of lesser known characters who played vital roles in God’s plan, even if their names aren’t as famous.
Some of these individuals saved lives, delivered messages from God, or helped preserve Scripture, yet their names are often overlooked or mentioned only briefly. Does that mean their contributions were less important? Absolutely not! In fact, God sees every faithful servant, no matter how small their role may seem to the world.
This reminds me of Joanna, one of Jesus’ followers, mentioned briefly in Luke 8:3 and Luke 24:10. Though we don’t hear about her as often as Mary Magdalene, she was one of the women who financially supported Jesus’ ministry and was among the first to witness His resurrection. Just because someone isn’t talked about as much doesn’t mean their faithfulness didn’t matter.
Just like these forgotten names, many Christians today wonder if their efforts for God go unnoticed. But Jesus Himself said, “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:6, NKJV). We may not all be called to lead nations like Moses, but we are all called to be faithful where God has placed us.
We see this same idea reflected in many powerful stories throughout the Bible, where people who seemed insignificant at the time were actually playing a major role in God’s divine plan. Some of them were heroes who risked their lives, while others were faithful servants whose names appear only once in Scripture—but their impact lasts forever.
👉 If you’re curious about more of these incredible hidden figures, check out this deep dive into Lesser Known Bible Characters to see how God used even the most unexpected people.
Next, let’s take a look at some of the unsung heroes of the Bible—people who changed history but rarely get the credit.
Who Are Some Unsung Heroes of the Bible?
Many of the most impactful people in the Bible weren’t kings, prophets, or famous warriors. Some were ordinary men and women who showed faith, courage, and obedience in critical moments—even when the world overlooked them. Their stories remind us that God works through the faithful, no matter how small their role may seem.
Shiphrah and Puah – The Midwives Who Defied Pharaoh (Exodus 1:15-21)
When Pharaoh ordered the killing of all Hebrew baby boys, two midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, chose to obey God instead of the most powerful ruler in the world. They risked their lives to protect newborns, and because of their faithfulness, God blessed them and multiplied Israel’s people.
“But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive.” (Exodus 1:17, NKJV)
Without their bravery, Moses—the future deliverer of Israel—might never have survived. Yet, many Christians have never even heard their names!
Ebed-Melech – The Man Who Saved Jeremiah (Jeremiah 38:7-13)
Ebed-Melech was an Ethiopian servant in King Zedekiah’s palace, yet his heart was bolder than any warrior’s. When Jeremiah was falsely accused and thrown into a cistern to die, Ebed-Melech took a stand and pleaded for his rescue.
Not only did he convince the king to spare Jeremiah, but he also lowered ropes and old rags into the pit so Jeremiah wouldn’t be hurt while being pulled out. It was an act of compassion and courage in a time of fear.
Later, God personally told Ebed-Melech that because of his faith, his life would be spared when Jerusalem fell. His name might be forgotten by history, but it was never forgotten by God.
Onesimus – The Runaway Slave Who Found Redemption (Philemon 1:10-16)
Onesimus was a runaway slave who met the apostle Paul and became a believer. In ancient times, a runaway servant could be severely punished—or worse. But instead of keeping him hidden, Paul sent him back to his master, Philemon, not as a slave but as a brother in Christ.
“For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother…” (Philemon 1:15-16, NKJV)
This is one of the most powerful examples of God’s transforming grace—that even a runaway servant could be redeemed and used for His glory.
These lesser-known figures weren’t warriors or kings, but their faithfulness played a major role in God’s plan. This reminds me of how God uses even the unseen parts of our lives to shape history.
👉 Speaking of history, have you ever wondered about one of the most pivotal moments in the Bible? Find out Why Satan Was Thrown Out of Heaven and how it shaped the spiritual battle we still see today.
Next, let’s look at some people who were only mentioned once in the Bible—but whose names and actions still matter.
Who Was Mentioned Only Once in the Bible?
Some people in the Bible only appear in a single verse or passage, but their actions were significant enough to be recorded in Scripture. Even though their stories are brief, they reveal powerful truths about God’s character, redemption, and faithfulness.
Jabez – A Man Defined by His Prayer (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)
Jabez is only mentioned in two verses, but his prayer became one of the most well-known in the Old Testament. Instead of accepting the sorrow associated with his name, he cried out to God for blessing and protection, and God answered.
“And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!’ So God granted him what he requested.” (1 Chronicles 4:10, NKJV)
Jabez’s story shows that no matter where we come from, God hears and answers prayers that seek His will.
Demas – A Cautionary Tale of Falling Away (2 Timothy 4:10)
Unlike Jabez, Demas is remembered for turning away from Paul and the faith because he loved the things of this world. Paul specifically mentioned him in his final letter as someone who deserted him.
“For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica.” (2 Timothy 4:10, NKJV)
Demas reminds us that even those who start well in the faith can be tempted by the world. His name serves as a warning to keep our focus on Christ, not on temporary pleasures.
Ehud – The Left-Handed Deliverer (Judges 3:12-30)
Ehud’s story is one of the most action-packed in the Bible, yet he is rarely talked about. He was a judge of Israel who delivered the people from Moab’s oppression. The Bible specifically notes that he was left-handed, which played a key role in his mission.
Because soldiers typically carried weapons on their left hip for a right-handed draw, Ehud was able to hide a dagger on his right thigh and assassinate the oppressive king, Eglon, in an unexpected way. His courage led to freedom for Israel.
This shows how God can use the unique traits we often overlook for His purpose.
👉 Want to know more about the hidden names of biblical history? Check out this article on Lesser Known Bible Characters for even more surprising figures who played a role in God’s plan.
Next, let’s explore some of the most mysterious figures in the Bible—people whose identities and roles continue to puzzle scholars and believers alike.
Who Is the Most Mysterious Character in the Bible?
The Bible is full of figures whose identities and roles are clearly defined, but there are some characters who remain a mystery. These individuals appear briefly, yet their significance has sparked debate and curiosity for centuries.
Melchizedek – The King and Priest With No Beginning or End (Genesis 14:18-20, Hebrews 7:1-3)
Melchizedek appears out of nowhere in Genesis, blessing Abraham and receiving a tithe from him. He is described as the king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God, yet he has no recorded genealogy.
“For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated ‘king of righteousness,’ and then also king of Salem, meaning ‘king of peace,’ without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.” (Hebrews 7:1-3, NKJV)
Many scholars believe Melchizedek was a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, while others wonder if he may have been a direct appearance of Christ before His earthly birth. His story is brief, but his priesthood is used as a comparison to Jesus’ eternal priesthood.
The Angel of the Lord – A Divine Messenger or Something More?
Throughout the Old Testament, the Angel of the Lord appears in various places, often speaking as if He is God Himself. Unlike other angels who deliver messages, this figure accepts worship and makes divine promises.
- He appeared to Hagar in the wilderness (Genesis 16:7-10).
- He called Moses from the burning bush (Exodus 3:2-4).
- He told Gideon that he would save Israel (Judges 6:11-23).
Many believe these were not just angelic visitations, but pre-incarnate appearances of Christ before His birth in Bethlehem.
Eutychus – The Man Who Fell Asleep During a Sermon and Died (Acts 20:9-12)
Eutychus’ story is both tragic and miraculous. As Paul preached late into the night, a young man named Eutychus fell asleep, fell from a third-story window, and died. Paul immediately went down, embraced him, and declared him alive again.
“Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, ‘Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.’” (Acts 20:10, NKJV)
While we don’t know much about him beyond this event, his story serves as a reminder that even in unexpected moments, God’s power is at work.
👉 Want to dig deeper into the mysteries of the Bible? Learn more about one of the greatest spiritual battles in history in Why Was Satan Thrown Out of Heaven? and how it still affects us today.
Next, let’s look at some figures in the Bible who were often overlooked, yet played key roles in God’s plan.
Who Was Overlooked in the Bible?
Throughout Scripture, there are people who faithfully served God but didn’t receive the same recognition as kings, prophets, or apostles. Some worked behind the scenes, while others made one courageous decision that changed history. Though overlooked by many, their actions were known by God—and they remind us that even the smallest acts of faithfulness matter.
Baruch – The Man Who Wrote Jeremiah’s Prophecies (Jeremiah 36:4-32)
Baruch was Jeremiah’s scribe, responsible for writing down the prophet’s words as God commanded. During a time of national rebellion and judgment, Baruch’s role was crucial—he preserved God’s warnings and promises for future generations.
At one point, after Jeremiah dictated God’s message, Baruch read it publicly to the people. When King Jehoiakim heard it, he cut the scroll into pieces and burned it. Despite the king’s defiance, God told Jeremiah to rewrite everything, and Baruch faithfully recorded it again.
He wasn’t a prophet himself, but without his work, key parts of the Bible may have been lost.
Jehoiada – The Priest Who Saved a Future King (2 Kings 11:4-16)
When Queen Athaliah attempted to destroy the royal family, Jehoiada the priest hid the last surviving heir, Joash, for six years in the temple. He later orchestrated Joash’s coronation, restoring the rightful king and leading a revival in Judah.
Jehoiada’s boldness saved an entire kingdom from a corrupt and wicked ruler. His story shows how spiritual leadership can change a nation’s course.
Joanna – A Woman Who Helped Fund Jesus’ Ministry (Luke 8:3, 24:10)
Joanna was a follower of Jesus and one of the women who financially supported His ministry. She was also one of the first witnesses of the empty tomb.
Her presence at the resurrection is profound—though she wasn’t an apostle, she was among the faithful few who remained with Jesus until the very end.
Joanna reminds us that faithfulness isn’t about being in the spotlight—it’s about serving Christ wherever He calls us.
👉 Looking for more ways to grow in faith? Start your mornings with Jesus using these 10 Morning Routines to Start Your Day with Jesus to strengthen your walk with Him.
Each of these people played a role in God’s plan, even though they weren’t famous. They teach us that faithfulness, courage, and obedience—no matter how small—are always seen by God.
Now, let’s wrap up with some final thoughts on why every person in the Bible, no matter how little they’re mentioned, has a purpose in God’s story.
Why Every Person/Character in the Bible Matters
The Bible isn’t just a collection of famous stories about kings, prophets, and apostles—it’s a record of God’s work through ordinary people, many of whom are barely mentioned. From midwives who saved a nation to scribes who preserved God’s Word, each of these lesser known Bible characters played a role in God’s greater plan.
Their stories remind us that God sees and values every act of faithfulness, no matter how small. Even if the world forgets a name, God never does.
This is true for us today as well. We might not have our names written in history books, but if we are faithful to God, our lives are written in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15).
If you’ve ever felt overlooked or insignificant, remember: God doesn’t measure importance by fame, but by faithfulness. Whether you’re serving in a quiet way or making a bold stand for truth, He sees you.
👉 Want to explore more deep topics about faith and the Bible? Check out this fascinating look at The Scientific and Spiritual Journey Through Jesus’s Crucifixion to better understand the price Jesus paid for our salvation.
The lives of these lesser known Bible characters prove that every role in God’s kingdom is significant. The question is—how will you allow God to use you?
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