ἐπονομάζω
eponomázō
G2028 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To assign a name, designate, or denominate (someone or something) by (or with) an additional or particular name or title; to call by a specified name. The primary lexical meaning is to give a name or title in a way that distinguishes or clarifies, often adding something further or specifying a characteristic. It can refer to giving a secondary name, attributing a particular designation, or referring to someone in a specific way.
Semantic Range
to call by a name, to assign a title, to designate, to denominate, to give a distinguishing name or appellation, to refer to by a particular name
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ἐπί ('upon', 'in addition') and the verb ὀνομάζω ('to name', 'to call'). ἐπονομάζω thus conveys the sense of 'naming upon,' i.e., to call by an additional name or to denominate. The formation indicates application of a name in addition to an existing identifier.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἐπονομάζω is used to mean 'to call by name,' 'to give a specific title,' or to 'denominate'—to assign an appellation that distinguishes among kinds or attributes (see Herodotus, Thucydides). In the Septuagint and Koine contexts, it most frequently signifies to 'call by a particular name,' often marking a title, clan, or group identity (cf. Gen 21:12 LXX, Isa 61:6 LXX). In the New Testament, the term appears rarely (cf. Acts 7:58) and denotes the act of specifying, identifying, or officially designating. English translations often render it simply as 'call' or 'name,' which does not always capture the nuance of designation or title assignment inherent in the word. Unlike the related verb ὀνομάζω ('to name'), ἐπονομάζω carries the implication of a secondary or distinguishing denomination, aligning with 'to call by an additional or further name.' This sense is especially salient in legal, clan, and honorific contexts in papyri and inscriptions from the Hellenistic period onward.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπί and ὀνομάζω; to name further, i.e. denominate:--call.
Root Family
ἐπονομάζω (eponomazō) — to name, to call, to designate, to assign a title
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2028-01 |
ἐπονομάζῃ | eponomaze | V PRS MID IND 2P SG |
are called | you designate for yourself | you are named | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2028-01 |
Romans 2:17 | ἐπονομάζῃ | eponomaze | V PRS MID IND 2P SG |
are called | you designate for yourself | you are named |