call, called

Definition

The terms “call” and “called,” in this sense, mean to name a place, person, or being. When referring to a person or thing the terms “call” and “called” can refer either to initially giving someone or something a name for the first time or to saying that thing or persons pre-existing name or title.

• The Bible sometimes uses these terms in the context of naming someone. For example, “His name is called John,” means “He is named John” or “His name is John.”
• To be “called by the name of” means that someone is given the name of someone else. God says that he has called his people by his name.

Translation Suggestions

• “You must call his name” can also be translated as “you must name him.”
• “His name is called” could also be translated as “his name is” or “he is named.”
• The expression “you are called by my name” could be translated as “I have given you my name, showing that you belong to me.”
• You could translates Jesus’ words “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’” as “You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’” or something similar to show that the word “call” in this context means to “address” someone by a specific name or title.

(See also: call to summon)

Bible References

Word Data

• Strong’s: H7121, G25640, G30040, G55810

Additional article

Definition

The term “call,” in this sense, means to summon a person or being.

• Often in the Bible, “call” has a meaning of “summon” or “command to come” or “request to come.”
• Depending on context the phrase “call upon” can be translated as “summon” or “request help from” or “request to come.”
• God calls people to come to him and be his people. This is their “calling.”
• When God “calls” people, it means that God has appointed or chosen people to be his children, to be his servants and proclaimers of his message of salvation through Jesus.
• The expression, “I have called you by name” means that God has specifically chosen that person.

Translation Suggestions

• The term “call” could be translated by a word that means “summon,” which includes the idea of being intentional or purposeful in calling.
• When the Bible says that God has “called” us to be his servants, this could be translated as “specially chose us” or “appointed us” to be his servants.
• The expression “your calling” could be translated as “your purpose” or “God’s purpose for you” or “God’s special work for you.”
• When God says, “I have called you by name,” this could be translated as “I know you and have chosen you.”
• To “call on the name of the Lord” could be translated as “seek the Lord and depend on him” or “trust in the Lord and obey him.”
• To “call for” something could be translated by “demand” or “ask for” or “command.”

(See also: call to speak loudly, call name)

Bible References

Word Data

• Strong’s: H7121, G25640, G28210, G43410, G47790, G54550