Mark 3:17

Translations

Modern

James son of Zebedee and his brother John (whom He named Boanerges, meaning “Sons of Thunder”),

Traditional

And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:

Literal

…and James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, and He added to them the name Boanerges, which is Sons of Thunder,

Latin

…et Jacobum Zebedæi, et Joannem fratrem Jacobi, et imposuit eis nomina Boanerges, quod est, Filii tonitrui:

Original

Greek

English

James son of Zebedee and his brother John ( whom He named Boanerges, meaning “Sons of Thunder”),

Notes

Mark 3:17

whom He named Boanerges, meaning “Sons of Thunder”: This likely describes their character. It may suggest strong emotions, boldness, or quick reactions. For example, they once wanted to call down fire on a village that rejected Jesus (see Luke 9:53–54).

Mark 3:16–18

Simon and Andrew were brothers, just like James and John (1:16–20).
Peter is the Greek version of the Aramaic word kepa’, which means “rock.”

Mark 3:13–19

The scene shifts to a mountain. Mark describes how Jesus called his disciples to come to him. This is similar to God's call to Old Testament prophets (Exodus 3:14–22; 1 Samuel 3:4–14; Jeremiah 1:5–19).

Theme notes and profiles

James, Son of Zebedee John, Son of Zebedee Following Jesus

Events

Apostles Chosenc. AD 28

Related verses

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Jeremiah 23:29
“Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?”
Mark 14:33
He took with Him Peter, James, and John, and began to be deeply troubled and distressed.
Mark 5:37
And He did not allow anyone to accompany Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.
Mark 9:2
After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them.
Acts 12:1
About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church.
Mark 1:19–20
Going on a little farther, He saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat, mending their nets.
John 21:20–25
Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. He was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper to ask, “Lord, who is going to betray You?”
John 21:2
Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.
Mark 10:35
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and declared, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”
Isaiah 58:1
“Cry aloud, do not hold back! Raise your voice like a ram’s horn. Declare to My people their transgression and to the house of Jacob their sins.
Revelation 10:11
And they told me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.”

Parallels

Matthew 10:1–4 Luke 6:12–16

People

James: Son of Zebedee, one of the Twelve Apostles John: Apostle and son of Zebedee Zebedee: Father of the apostles James and John

Glossary

Apostle, Apostleship Bartholomew, the Apostle Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Boanerges James (Person) Jesus Christ John, the Apostle Mark, Gospel of Miracle Nathanael Peter, First Letter of Peter, the Apostle Sons of Thunder Talitha Cumi Thunder, Sons of Zealot Zebedee

Topics

Apostles: Names of Apostles: Selection of Boanerges: Surname of the Sons of Zebedee Call: To Special Religious Duty: Apostles James: An Apostle--Son of Zebedee and Salome: Surnamed Boanerges by Jesus Jesus, the Christ: Goes up Onto a Mountain, and Calls and Commissions Twelve Disciples (In Galilee) Thunder: Sons of Zebedee Called Sons of

Mark 3:17

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Original?

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Related verses?

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Translations

Original

Notes

Events

Related verses

Parallels

Glossary

Topics