Bible Strands
James 2:7
Are they not the ones who blaspheme the noble name by which you have been called?
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — James addresses a congregation practicing partiality, contrasting the poor he has dishonored with the rich who oppress them and drag them to court. He interrupts their social hierarchy to confront their treatment of fellow believers.
The words — The Greek βλασφημοῦσιν (blasphēmousin) means they are denigrating, and ἐπικληθὲν (epiklēthen) means having been called. The text states that the rich insult the sacred name under which believers live.
The thread — This naming motif runs through Psalms 111:9, where God’s name is declared holy and awesome, and Philippians 2:9, where God exalts a name above all names. The early church also applied this language to identify believers in Acts 11:26.
Why it lands — The text demands that believers stop honoring the rich over the poor and recognize their shared identity under a sacred name. Readers must align their daily treatment of others with the reality of who they are called to be.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
Cross-references
- Philippians 2:9 Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names,
- Psalms 111:9 He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever; holy and awesome is His name.
- Acts 11:26 and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. So for a full year they met together with the church and taught large numbers of people. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.
- Ephesians 3:15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
- 1 Timothy 1:13 I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.
- Revelation 13:5 The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months.
- Psalms 73:7 From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
- Song of Solomon 1:3 The fragrance of your perfume is pleasing; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens adore you.
- Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.
- Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.