Devine Scripture

Mark 3:17

What does Mark 3:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 3:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 3:17 means

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, are given the distinct surname "Boanerges" by Jesus, which translates to "Sons of thunder." This descriptive name likely reflects their fiery personalities, zeal, and perhaps their intensity or impatience. This characteristic, though at times needing refinement (as seen later in the Gospels), suggests a powerful and passionate commitment to Christ. Jesus renames them, not to limit them, but to reveal their nature and potential.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And to James, the son of Zebedee, and John, the brother of James, he gave the second name of Boanerges, which is, Sons of thunder:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and James of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, and he put on them names--Boanerges, that is, `Sons of thunder;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and James the [son] of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, and he gave them the surname of Boanerges, that is, Sons of thunder;

Context

Continuing the enumeration of the twelve, this verse highlights James and John, giving them a unique nickname. This parallel to Simon Peter's renaming emphasizes Jesus' personal insight into his disciples' characters. The revealing title "Sons of thunder" adds depth to their personalities and informs the reader about the kind of men Jesus chose, moving into the remainder of the list.

v.16and Simon he surnamed Peter;

v.17This passage

v.18and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphæus, and Thaddæus, and Simon the Cananæan,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 10:11

    And they say unto me, Thou must prophesy again over many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.

  • Hebrews 4:12

    For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.

  • Mark 1:19

    And going on a little further, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending the nets.

  • Acts 12:1

    Now about that time Herod the king put forth his hands to afflict certain of the church.

  • Mark 14:33

    And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly amazed, and sore troubled.

  • Isaiah 58:1

    Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and declare unto my people their transgression, and to the house of Jacob their sins.

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