Jesus gave the name Boanerges to James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James. Boanerges is Greek for Sons of Thunder. These three disciples are the only ones to whom Jesus gave new names. In regard to James and John being called Sons of Thunder, most commentators refer to an episode in their lives as disciples. The episode is recorded in Luke 9:53-56. The Samaritans of a certain village rejected Jesus. Incensed, James and John were ready to strike, asking Jesus if He wanted them to wipe them off the face of the earth by calling lightning from heaven. Jesus turned to face them and rebuked them. He said that they did not know what manner of spirit they were of. Adam Clarke comments that they were probably so named because of their zeal and power in preaching the Gospel. Albert Barnes makes a similar statement that it was more probable that it was on account of something fervid, and glowing, and powerful in their genius and eloquence.

Jesus gave surnames only twice to His disciples. To the sons of Zebedee, James and John, He gave the surname, or perhaps nickname, Boanerges, which is translated as Sons of Thunder. Commentators believe that the latter name reflects James' and John's zeal to do God's work. The episode in Luke 9:53-56 certainly depicts two fervent men taking offense on behalf of their Lord, but the zeal was misdirected and destructive. A second episode that may answer why they were named Sons of Thunder concerns their request to sit at His right and left hand in the Kingdom. Matthew writes that their mother Salome made the request, but Mark records that James and John did the asking. There are perhaps three ways we can look at this. Salome may have been trying to make sure her sons received the recognition or position she thought they deserved. James and John selfishly sought the position for themselves without regard for the other disciples. They truly were zealously dedicated to serving Christ, and they wanted to do whatever it took. James appears to have been a man who was ready and willing to do whatever the task called for. Herbert Lockyer describes James as one who was resolute, vigorous, active and forceful, while John was contemplative, intuitive and reflective. James and John do not appear to have been selfish, but men of action ready to meet a challenge. When Christ called James and John Sons of Thunder, He may have been prophesying to them of what they would become. He had called them to be voices of God. Their witness to the world has certainly proclaimed God's way for the last two thousand years.

The word Boanerges is an Aramaic word. It is really Ben Regaz. It means sons of commotion or sons of violent anger. Jesus specifically pointed out John and his brother James as sons of thunder. God calls these two apostles sons of violent anger or sons of commotion. The bitterness that Ezekiel had in the form of anger was necessary for the preaching that needed to be done.