James 2:7 kjv

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

James 2:7 nkjv

Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?

James 2:7 niv

Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?

James 2:7 esv

Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?

James 2:7 nlt

Aren't they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?

James 2 verses

James 2 7 Meaning

James 2:7 powerfully conveys that the unrighteous actions of the rich, specifically their oppression and exploitation of the poor (including dragging them to court), directly amount to blasphemy against "that worthy name" by which believers are identified. It is a rhetorical question, designed to evoke immediate agreement and emphasize the stark contradiction: those favored in the assembly are in fact disgracing the very name of Christ and the faith that followers uphold. Their conduct maligns the very Lord they claim to serve or who is associated with the Christian community.

James 2 7 Context

James 2:7 is deeply embedded in James's urgent appeal against partiality within the early Christian community. Chapters 2 begins with a direct rebuke of showing favoritism to the wealthy and dishonoring the poor, asserting that such conduct contradicts the "royal law" of loving one's neighbor. James 2:1-4 graphically describes how the rich are welcomed with special seats while the poor are told to stand or sit on the floor, revealing a glaring disparity. Verse 5 challenges this by reminding the audience that God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom. Verse 6 directly accuses the rich of oppressing and suing the believers. James 2:7 then follows as a rhetorical punch, linking these oppressive actions directly to a profound theological transgression: blaspheming the "worthy name" by which believers are called. The historical context reflects a time when Christians, often of humble means, might seek patronage from wealthier members, making the temptation to show favoritism significant. Jewish background heavily emphasized the sanctity of God's name, and early Christians extended this reverence to the name of Christ.

James 2 7 Word analysis

• Do not they blaspheme (blasphēmousin, βλασφημοῦσιν):
  • Word Level: The Greek word blasphēmeō means to slander, speak evil of, revile, or speak impiously against someone or something sacred.
  • Significance: Here, it's not merely verbal abuse but the rich individuals' oppressive actions that are considered blasphemy. Their conduct brings disgrace upon "the Name" (Christ's) in the eyes of others. This is a severe charge, elevating social injustice to the level of spiritual desecration. The active, present tense ("they are blaspheming") emphasizes the ongoing nature of their offensive actions.
• that worthy name / the noble name (to kalon onoma, τὸ καλὸν ὄνομα):
  • Word Level: Kalon means "good," "beautiful," "noble," "honorable," "excellent." Onoma means "name."
  • Significance: This is almost universally understood to refer to the name of Jesus Christ. "Worthy" or "noble" emphasizes the exalted status and sacredness of Christ's name. It reflects reverence for His Person and His authority.
• by the which ye are called (to epiklēthe kai eph' hymas, τὸ ἐπικληθὲν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς):
  • Word Level: Literally "that which was called upon you." Epikaleomai (here in passive participle, epiklēthen) means "to call upon," "to name after."
  • Significance: This phrase signifies the identity, dedication, or ownership associated with believers. They are identified as "Christians" (Acts 11:26), bearing His name. When injustice is shown to those who bear this name, it directly affects the honor of the Name itself. It has strong Old Testament echoes where Israel was "called by God's name" (e.g., Deut 28:10, Jer 14:9), indicating a covenant relationship and divine protection. For early believers, it affirmed their identity in the New Covenant through Christ.

James 2 7 Bonus Section

• Rhetorical Power: The use of a rhetorical question ("Do not they...?") is a stylistic hallmark of James, intended to force the readers to confront the stark reality of their actions and draw an inescapable conclusion. It assumes an affirmative answer, putting the burden of self-reflection directly on the audience.
• Continuity with Old Testament: The concept of God's name being profaned or blasphemed by the actions of His people has deep roots in the Old Testament (e.g., Eze 36:20-23; Isa 52:5). James is leveraging this established theological weight, applying it to the new covenant people who bear Christ's name.
• Active Disgrace: The language implies that the rich are not merely failing to honor the name but are actively bringing dishonor and contempt upon it through their unchristian behavior, especially in public spheres like the law courts. Their very conduct acts as an anti-witness.
• Ethical Core: The verse highlights that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but must be visibly lived out in ethical conduct, particularly in social and economic relationships. Where actions contradict profession, the reputation of Christ Himself is at stake.

James 2 7 Commentary

James 2:7 underscores the profound theological implications of social injustice within the Christian community. The favoritism shown to the wealthy, who in turn oppress believers, is not merely a social misstep; it constitutes blasphemy against the very name of Jesus Christ by which Christians are called. Their actions—exploiting laborers, dragging poor believers into court—stand in stark contrast to the values of Christ's kingdom and thereby slander His reputation. This verse functions as a powerful rhetorical question, challenging believers to recognize how their internal conduct, particularly regarding wealth and poverty, impacts the external witness and honor of Christ's name in the world. It’s a call to examine if one’s practice truly aligns with one’s profession of faith, warning that hypocrisy defames Christ's holy and worthy name.

• Example 1: A church where wealthy donors are excused for unethical business practices while poor members are scrutinized harms its witness to the name of Christ.
• Example 2: A Christian business owner who cheats employees or suppliers disgraces the "worthy name" they bear as a follower of Jesus.