2028. eponomazó
Lexical Summary
eponomazó: To name, to call by name, to give a name

Original Word: ἐπονομάζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: eponomazó
Pronunciation: ep-on-om-ad'-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-on-om-ad'-zo)
KJV: call
NASB: bear the name
Word Origin: [from G1909 (ἐπί - over) and G3687 (ὀνομάζω - named)]

1. to name further, i.e. denominate

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 Origin
from epi and onomazó
Definition
to call by name
NASB Translation
bear the name (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2028: ἐπονομάζω

ἐπονομάζω: (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).
2. Representative Responsibility: A divinely granted name carries the obligation to reflect God’s character (Leviticus 19:2).
3. Eschatological Hope: Prophetic texts foresee a redeemed people who will be “called by a new name” that the Lord Himself will declare (Isaiah 62:2).

Pauline Emphasis in Romans 2:17

Paul speaks to those who “call [themselves] Jews,” highlighting three issues:
• Reliance on status rather than faith (Romans 2:17–18).
• Boasting in God while dishonoring Him by disobedience (Romans 2:23).
• The disconnect between outward designation and inward reality (Romans 2:28–29).

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).
• The new covenant fulfills the promise of a transformed heart so that the divine name is no longer borne in vain (Jeremiah 31:33; Revelation 22:4).
• Christian baptism “into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19) extends the principle: bearing God’s triune name demands discipleship.

Ministry Application

1. Guard against nominalism: Church members may “call themselves” Christian yet lack the inward reality of regeneration.
2. Promote integrity: Ministries should align confession with conduct so the Lord’s name is honored (Titus 2:10).
3. Celebrate gracious naming: In Christ believers receive a new identity—“children of God” (1 John 3:1)—that motivates holy living.

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 eponomázēi
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Romans 2:17 V-PIM/P-2S
GRK: 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

Strong's Greek 2028
1 Occurrence


ἐπονομάζῃ — 1 Occ.

2027
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