Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

JAMES 2:7KJV
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James 2:7 (KJV)

What does James 2:7 mean?

James 2:7 points out that some people are speaking disrespectfully about the honorable name by which believers are known. The verse asks whether those who mistreat believers are also the ones insulting the name that gives Christians their identity.

James, the brother of Jesus, is writing to early Jewish Christians who are facing favoritism and discrimination within their gatherings. He challenges them to notice that those who show contempt for the poor are often the same ones who insult the name of Jesus, which is the "worthy name" by which they are called. This verse highlights the contradiction of honoring people who actually dishonor what Christians hold most sacred.

The Greek behind James 2:7

  • βλασφημέω (blasphemeō): This word means to speak evil of, insult, or slander. In this context, it refers to showing deep disrespect toward the name associated with the Christian faith.
  • τὸ καλὸν (to kalon): Translated as "worthy," this word means good, noble, or honorable. It emphasizes that the name being insulted is not just any name, but one deserving of respect.
  • ὄνομα (onoma): This is the Greek word for "name," often used in the New Testament to refer to the name of Jesus. Here, it carries the sense of identity and authority.
  • ἐπικαλέω (epikaleō): This verb means "to call upon" or "to be called by." It highlights that believers are identified with this name, making the insult personal and significant.

Why James 2:7 matters

  • James 2:7 clarifies that showing favoritism to the wealthy can mean honoring those who actually disrespect the core of Christian identity.
  • The verse connects the mistreatment of believers to a deeper spiritual issue: dishonoring the name of Jesus, which is central to Christian faith.
  • This verse helps readers see the inconsistency in valuing people who undermine what the community stands for, reinforcing James’s warning against partiality.

Where else these words appear

“called” Greek G1941 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
  • Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
  • Acts 25:25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

“Do” Greek G987 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 9:3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
  • Acts 18:6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
  • Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

“worthy” Greek G2570 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Mark 14:21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
  • 1 Timothy 1:18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;