Shem

Strong's #8034: shem a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character:--+ base, (in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.

The word shem means much more than just a name. Hebraically, it has to do with one’s character, the essence of who one is. It’s about one’s mission, authority, and purpose; a description of who one is. We can think of shem similar to the meaning behind the American idiom to "have a good name." This has to do with the character of the one with the name. It is also similar to the word "fame." 

For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame (shem) was in all the nations round about. (1 Kings 4:31 RSV)

Hebraically, to trust in someone’s shem means to trust them because of who they are. To come “in the shem of….” refers to the source, authority, or the originator of something. To teach in someone’s shem means either teaching by their authority or that what you’re teaching comes from that person. To “call on the shem of …” means to fully rely on the character of the person. That’s what Abram does in Genesis 12:8. 

8 From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord. Genesis 12:8

To know someone by name, Hebraically implies intimacy which is only built by close communication. We see this between God and Moses:

Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ 13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” Exodus 33:12-23

To know the shem of our Father has little to do with the right sequence of letters to pronounce, it has to do with having a loving relationship with Him, having personally experienced some of the vastness of His character and essence. We spend eternity getting to know His shem more, but that starts now. How beautiful is that!

If we have a corrupt or even incomplete concept of the Holy One’s essence (His shem), we can correct that by studying His Word, looking for how He describes Himself. Then we are more likely to recognize Him when He reveals His shem in our life and give Him the honor due Him. 

In Judaism, "God" is often referred to as "Ha-Shem", which means "The Name," to remind us that His character is beyond our 'capture'. The Name above all Names.

You can ask Him to reveal His shem to you in personal ways.