This is a Semiticizing expression, which indicates that the two have something to do with thunder. But how? It is probably not what many exegetes from the first centuries assumed, namely, that they received the name because they were very gifted as speakers. Also questionable is the idea that it referred to a vehement character.1,2 Since the name Petros refers to the work that has to be accomplished for Jesus, it can be assumed that the name Boanerges has more to say about their new vocation than about their old character. Now the word thunder stands for God’s voice from heaven (Psalm 104:7): a heavenly voice is heard by the multitude either as a thunderclap or as the word of an angel (John 12:28–30). Are James and John called sons of thunder
because as heralds of Jesus Christ they stand in the service of God’s own Word and with their human voice proclaim a heavenly revelation? Then the names Petros and Boanerges typify how Christ lays a new foundation for the people of God and with heavenly authority ensures that all are called unto him.3
17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder);