Name changes play an important role throughout the Tanakh narrative. A person's name is the essence of his or her identity - it is what defines them within society, and is at the foundation of their character. Therefore, a change of a person's name signifies a major change in his or her identity. Changing a person's name (either by a parent, a conqueror or other ruler, or God) can be seen as an act of subordination, essentially claiming ownership over that individual by making a distinct identity change within them.