BOANERGES ( Mark 3:17 ), ‘Sons of Thunder.’ The Master’s appellation of James and John. Jerome takes it as a reference to their fiery eloquence. Others derive it rather from their fiery disposition in early days (cf. Luke 9:52-56 ). It would thus be a playful yet serious sobriquet, constantly reminding them of their besetting sin and warning them to overcome it. David Smith.
Boanerges. [Boaner'ges] This name, signifying 'sons of thunder,' was given by the Lord to James and John the sons of Zebedee, Mark 3:17, perhaps because of their urgent zeal, as was manifest when, indignant at the treatment of their Lord, they asked if they should call down fire from heaven. Luke 9:54. It was John who told the Lord that they had forbidden one who was casting out demons in His name, because he followed not with them. Mark 9:38. This act of the apostles was condemned by the Lord, but it is to be feared that similar prohibition has often been repeated by others since those days.
Bo an er’ges - Sons of thunder