Mark 3:17
And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
the son
G3588
τοῦ
the son
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
the son
G3588
τοῦ
the son
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
the son
G3588
τοῦ
the son
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφὸν
the brother
G80
ἀδελφὸν
the brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
9 of 20
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
τοῦ
the son
G3588
τοῦ
the son
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὀνόματα
G3686
ὀνόματα
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
15 of 20
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Βοανεργές
Boanerges
G993
Βοανεργές
Boanerges
Strong's:
G993
Word #:
16 of 20
sons of commotion; boanerges, an epithet of two of the apostles
ὅ
G3739
ὅ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
17 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.Jeremiah 23:29Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?Mark 14:33And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;Mark 5:37And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
Historical Context
James and John were Galilean fishermen from prosperous family (employed servants, Mark 1:20). They were inner circle witnessing Transfiguration (Mark 9:2), Gethsemane (Mark 14:33), and Jairus' daughter raising (Mark 5:37). James became first apostolic martyr, executed by Herod Agrippa I around AD 44 (Acts 12:2). John outlived other apostles, writing Gospel, three epistles, and Revelation, dying in Ephesus around AD 100. Their transformation demonstrates sanctification's progressive work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' acknowledgment of temperament show He accepts you while transforming who you become?
- What negative traits need Jesus' transforming grace?
- How does the contrast between nickname and later ministry encourage trust in sanctification?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
James and John, sons of Zebedee, were surnamed 'Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder.' This nickname reflects zealous, intense temperament—illustrated when they wanted to call fire on Samaritans (Luke 9:54). The name reveals both positive (passionate zeal) and negative (anger, ambition) traits. Jesus names them prophetically, acknowledging nature while planning to transform it. John eventually becomes 'apostle of love,' demonstrating grace's transforming power.