James 2:7
New International Version
Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?

New Living Translation
Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?

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

Berean Standard Bible
Are they not the ones who blaspheme the noble name by which you have been called?

Berean Literal Bible
Are they not blaspheming the good Name having been called upon you?

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

New King James Version
Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?

New American Standard Bible
Do they not blaspheme the good name by which you have been called?

NASB 1995
Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?

NASB 1977
Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?

Legacy Standard Bible
Do they not blaspheme the good name by which you have been called?

Amplified Bible
Do they not blaspheme the precious name [of Christ] by which you are called?

Christian Standard Bible
Don’t they blaspheme the good name that was invoked over you?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Don’t they blaspheme the noble name that was pronounced over you at your baptism?

American Standard Version
Do not they blaspheme the honorable name by which ye are called?

Contemporary English Version
Aren't they the ones who make fun of your Lord?

English Revised Version
Do not they blaspheme the honourable name by the which ye are called?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Don't they curse the good name [of Jesus], the name that was used to bless you?

Good News Translation
They are the ones who speak evil of that good name which has been given to you.

International Standard Version
Are not they the ones who blaspheme the noble Name by which you have been called?

Majority Standard Bible
Are they not the ones who blaspheme the noble name by which you have been called?

NET Bible
Do they not blaspheme the good name of the one you belong to?

New Heart English Bible
Do not they blaspheme the honorable name by which you are called?

Webster's Bible Translation
Do they not blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

Weymouth New Testament
and the very people who speak evil of the noble Name by which you are called?

World English Bible
Don’t they blaspheme the honorable name by which you are called?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Do they not themselves speak evil of the good Name having been called on you?

Berean Literal Bible
Are they not blaspheming the good Name having been called upon you?

Young's Literal Translation
do they not themselves speak evil of the good name that was called upon you?

Smith's Literal Translation
And do they not defame the good name called upon you?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Do not they blaspheme the good name that is invoked upon you?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Are not they the ones who blaspheme the good name which has been invoked over you?

New American Bible
Is it not they who blaspheme the noble name that was invoked over you?

New Revised Standard Version
Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Do not they blaspheme against that good name by which you are called?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Behold, do they not slander The Worthy Name by which you are called?
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Do they not themselves revile that honorable name which is called upon you?

Godbey New Testament
Do they not blaspheme the good name which has been called upon you?

Haweis New Testament
Do they not blaspheme that honourable name by which ye are called?

Mace New Testament
they who blaspheme that sacred name by which you are distinguish'd?

Weymouth New Testament
and the very people who speak evil of the noble Name by which you are called?

Worrell New Testament
Do they not blaspheme the worthy name by which ye were called?

Worsley New Testament
Do they not blaspheme the glorious name by which ye are called?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Warning against Favoritism
6But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? 7Are they not the ones who blaspheme the noble name by which you have been called? 8If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.…

Cross References
Exodus 20:7
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain.

Leviticus 24:11
The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name with a curse. So they brought him to Moses. (His mother’s name was Shelomith daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.)

Isaiah 52:5
And now what have I here? declares the LORD. For My people have been taken without cause; those who rule them taunt, declares the LORD, and My name is blasphemed continually all day long.

Ezekiel 36:20-23
And wherever they went among the nations, they profaned My holy name, because it was said of them, ‘These are the people of the LORD, yet they had to leave His land.’ / But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations to which they had gone. / Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: It is not for your sake that I will act, O house of Israel, but for My holy name, which you profaned among the nations to which you went. ...

Romans 2:24
As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

Matthew 5:11
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.

Matthew 10:22
You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.

Matthew 24:9
Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.

John 15:21
But they will treat you like this because of My name, since they do not know the One who sent Me.

Acts 4:17-18
But to keep this message from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in this name.” / Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

Acts 5:40-41
At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. / The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

1 Peter 4:14
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

1 Peter 4:16
But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.

1 Timothy 6:1
All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited.

2 Timothy 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,


Treasury of Scripture

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

blaspheme.

Psalm 73:7-9
Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish…

Matthew 12:24
But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

Matthew 27:63
Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

worthy.

Psalm 111:9
He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

Song of Solomon 1:3
Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

by.

Isaiah 65:15
And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:

Acts 11:26
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Ephesians 3:15
Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

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James 2
1. Do not regard the rich and despise the poor brothers;
13. rather we are to be loving and merciful;
14. and not to boast of faith without deeds;
17. because faith without deeds is useless;
19. as is the faith of the demons;
21. however, Abraham displayed both faith and actions;
25. as did Rahab.














Are they not the ones who blaspheme
This phrase refers to individuals who speak irreverently or disrespectfully about sacred things. In the context of James, these are likely wealthy oppressors or those in positions of power who misuse their influence. Blasphemy in the biblical sense is a serious offense, often associated with speaking against God or His attributes. In the Old Testament, blasphemy was punishable by death (Leviticus 24:16). The New Testament continues to emphasize the gravity of blasphemy, particularly against the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:29). This phrase highlights the moral and spiritual corruption of those who misuse their power to speak against God and His people.

the noble name
The "noble name" refers to the name of Jesus Christ, which believers bear as Christians. In the ancient world, a name was more than just a label; it represented character and authority. The name of Jesus is exalted above every name (Philippians 2:9-11), and it is through His name that believers find salvation (Acts 4:12). The use of "noble" underscores the honor and dignity associated with Christ's name, contrasting with the dishonor brought by those who blaspheme it.

by which you have been called
This phrase indicates the calling of believers to be identified with Christ. In the New Testament, being "called" often refers to God's invitation to salvation and a life of holiness (Romans 8:30, 1 Peter 2:9). The calling is both a privilege and a responsibility, as it involves living in a manner worthy of the gospel (Ephesians 4:1). The early Christians were first called "Christians" in Antioch (Acts 11:26), signifying their association with Christ. This calling sets believers apart from the world and aligns them with the mission and character of Jesus.

Persons / Places / Events
1. James
The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes to Jewish Christians scattered among the nations.

2. Jewish Christians
The primary audience of the letter, who were facing trials and temptations, and needed guidance on living out their faith authentically.

3. The Rich
In the context of James 2, the rich are those who were showing favoritism and oppressing the poor, often blaspheming the name of Christ.

4. The Noble Name
Refers to the name of Jesus Christ, by which believers are called and identified.

5. Blasphemy
The act of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things, which in this context refers to the rich dishonoring the name of Christ.
Teaching Points
The Power of the Name of Christ
The name of Jesus is noble and powerful, and believers are called to honor it in their lives and actions.

Avoiding Favoritism
James warns against showing favoritism, especially towards the rich who may dishonor Christ. Believers should treat all people with equal respect and love.

Enduring Blasphemy and Persecution
Christians may face blasphemy and persecution, but they are called to endure it with grace, knowing they bear the name of Christ.

Living Out Our Calling
As those called by the noble name of Christ, believers are to live in a way that reflects His character and teachings.

Guarding Our Speech
Just as the rich blaspheme, believers must be careful with their words, ensuring they honor God and uplift others.(7) Do not they blaspheme . . .--To "blaspheme" is to hurt with the tongue, and includes all manner of evil speech; but a more exclusive use of the word is with regard to things divine, and particularly the unpardonable sin against the Holy Ghost (Matthew 12:31). A moment's reflection will show, unhappily, that this is alluded to in the text.

That worthy name by the which ye are called?--Better, that good, that glorious Name which was invoiced (or, called) over you--viz., at baptism. "Into the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19) had all been baptised who were thus addressed; but most probably the Second Person of the Trinity is referred to here. And it was the scorn and contempt visited upon His Name, which changed the mere abuse and ribaldry into a perilous likeness to the deadliest sin. Most commentators thus restrict the Name here to that of Christ. If their view be correct, the blasphemy would probably be linked with that epithet of "Christian"--then so dishonourable--coined, we are told, first in Antioch (Acts 11:26). But there were far more insulting terms found for the poor and struggling believer--"Nazarene," "Atheist," and even worse.

Verse 7. - That worthy Name (τὸ καλὸν ὄνομα); the honorable Name; probably the Name of Christ, by which the disciples were known (Acts 11:26), and for which they suffered (Acts 5:41; 1 Peter 5:14-16). By the which ye are called; literally, which was called upon you (τὸ ἐπικληθὲν ἐφ ὑμᾶς). A similar expression is found in St. James's speech in Acts 15:17, in a quotation from Amos 9:12.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
{Are} they
αὐτοὶ (autoi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

the ones who blaspheme
βλασφημοῦσιν (blasphēmousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 987: From blasphemos; to vilify; specially, to speak impiously.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

noble
καλὸν (kalon)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

Name
ὄνομα (onoma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.

by which
ἐφ’ (eph’)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

you
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

have been called?
ἐπικληθὲν (epiklēthen)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1941: (a) To call (name) by a supplementary (additional, alternative) name, (b) mid: To call upon, appeal to, address.


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NT Letters: James 2:7 Don't they blaspheme the honorable name (Ja Jas. Jam)
James 2:6
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