Lexical Summary eponomazó: To name, to call by name, to give a name Original Word: ἐπονομάζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance call. From epi and onomazo; to name further, i.e. Denominate -- call. see GREEK epi see GREEK onomazo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and onomazó Definition to call by name NASB Translation bear the name (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2028: ἐπονομάζωἐπονομάζω: (present passive ἐπονομάζομαι); from Herodotus down; the Sept. for קָרָא; to put a name upon, name; passive to be named: Romans 2:17; cf. Fritzsche at the passage. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Romans 2:17 contains the sole New Testament use of the verb translated “call yourself”. In addressing the Jew who is confident in covenant privilege, Paul exposes the danger of assuming that a divinely given title guarantees divine approval. Old Testament Background The Septuagint employs the same verb in contexts where a new name is bestowed (Genesis 35:18), where cities are renamed to mark possession (Numbers 32:42), and where the Lord “surnames” His chosen servant (Isaiah 45:4). Across these passages, naming signals ownership, destiny, or covenant relationship. Most prominently, Isaiah 45:4 records the Lord saying to Cyrus, “I have even called you by your name; I have given you a title of honor, though you have not known Me.” In each case, the one who bestows the name possesses the authority; the one who bears it is expected to fulfill a calling. Theological Significance of Bearing a Name 1. Covenant Identity: To be “called by” a name is to belong to the one who grants it (2 Chronicles 7:14). Pauline Emphasis in Romans 2:17 Paul speaks to those who “call [themselves] Jews,” highlighting three issues: The apostle’s argument pivots on the irony that a revered name becomes an indictment when life contradicts it. Historical and Cultural Insight In the Greco-Roman world, adoption of honorific titles was common; civic benefactors were often “surnamed” by grateful cities. First-century Jews likewise treasured their ancestral name, linking it to election, Torah, and temple. Paul enters that milieu to insist that lineage and law-keeping serve their purpose only when they lead to obedient faith. Implications for Covenant Identity • God’s people are marked not merely by what they are called but by how they live (Micah 6:8). Ministry Application 1. Guard against nominalism: Church members may “call themselves” Christian yet lack the inward reality of regeneration. Related Passages Isaiah 45:4; Isaiah 62:2; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Jeremiah 14:9; Matthew 28:19; Revelation 3:12; Revelation 22:4. Summary Strong’s Greek 2028 highlights the profound biblical theme of naming. Scripture reveals that a name granted by God confers privilege, summons responsibility, and anticipates consummation. Romans 2:17 exposes the peril of resting in a title without embracing the obedience it requires, urging every believer to ensure that the name borne is honored by a life of faith. Forms and Transliterations επονομαζη ἐπονομάζῃ επονομάζουσι επονομάζουσιν επονομάσαι επονομάσας επονομάσω επωνόμασαν επωνόμασε επωνόμασεν επωνομάσθη eponomaze eponomazē eponomázei eponomázēiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 2:17 V-PIM/P-2SGRK: σὺ Ἰουδαῖος ἐπονομάζῃ καὶ ἐπαναπαύῃ NAS: But if you bear the name Jew KJV: Behold, thou art called a Jew, and INT: you [by] yourself a Jew are named and rely on |
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