why did jesus change simon's name to peter

Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter, which means "rock" in Greek, to signify the foundational role Peter would play in the establishment of the church. In Matthew 16:13-18, after Simon acknowledges Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus responds by saying, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it." The name change highlights not just Simon himself, but more importantly, his confession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah, which is the true "rock" upon which the church is built. This renaming also marks a new relationship and mission for Simon as a key pillar and leader of the early Christian community. Jesus' use of "Peter" (Petros in Greek, Cephas in Aramaic) symbolizes strength, stability, and a new covenantal identity given to Simon, portraying his role as a living stone in God's spiritual house.