ὀνομάζω

G3687 is a verb for naming, calling by a name, or mentioning. The Gospel occurrences describe Jesus naming the Twelve as apostles and giving Simon the name Peter. Elsewhere the verb can identify what someone is called, speak or invoke a name, describe a name being named, or forbid conduct even being mentioned as fitting the saints. The referent and construction determine what the act of naming does; the verb itself does not automatically confer authority, define character, or settle identity.

Romans 15:20 describes Paul's ambition to announce the gospel where Christ had not been named. First Corinthians 5:11 concerns someone called a brother while practicing conduct Paul has just listed. Ephesians 1:21 speaks comprehensively of every name that is named, Ephesians 3:15 uses the verb in relation to every family or lineage, and Ephesians 5:3 says sexual immorality, impurity, and greed should not even be named among the saints. These are different uses, not one theory that public language creates reality.

Acts 19:13 reports itinerant Jewish exorcists attempting to name the name of Jesus over afflicted people. The narrative does not teach pronunciation as a technique, authorize imitation, or blame Jewish people as a group. Second Timothy 2:19 calls everyone who names the Lord's name to turn away from wickedness. Together these texts expose the gap that can exist between claimed name and faithful practice. Application must not use naming rules to suppress accurate disclosure of sexual abuse, exploitation, danger, or other wrongdoing. Ephesians 5 rejects conduct among the saints; it does not command concealment or silence from those harmed.

Ten governed uses cover Jesus naming apostles, Simon receiving the name Peter, attempted invocation, Christ named in mission, someone called a brother, every named name, families or lineages named, prohibited conduct mentioned among saints, and naming the Lord's name.