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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: So-called</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/so-called.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/matthew/27-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/so-called.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > So-called</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/sobriety--women_should_exhibit,_in_dress.htm" title="Sobriety: Women should Exhibit, in Dress">◄</a> So-called <a href="/topical/s/so-called_gods.htm" title="So-called gods">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The term "so-called" is often used to describe something that is purported or alleged to be a certain way but may not necessarily be so. In the context of the Bible, this term can be applied to various concepts, beliefs, or practices that are claimed to be biblical or Christian but may not align with the teachings of Scripture. Biblical Usage and Context While the specific phrase "so-called" does not appear frequently in the Bible, the concept is present in various passages where the authenticity or validity of certain claims or practices is questioned. The Apostle Paul, in particular, addresses issues of false teachings and deceptive philosophies that were prevalent in the early church. In <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">1 Timothy 6:20-21</a> , Paul warns Timothy: "O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called knowledge, which some have professed and thus swerved away from the faith." Here, "so-called knowledge" refers to teachings or philosophies that claim to be true but are contrary to the gospel. Paul emphasizes the importance of adhering to sound doctrine and avoiding teachings that lead believers astray. Similarly, in <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Colossians 2:8</a> , Paul cautions the Colossian church: "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ." This passage highlights the danger of being misled by teachings that are labeled as wisdom or knowledge but are rooted in human tradition rather than divine truth. Theological Implications The use of "so-called" in these contexts underscores the need for discernment among believers. It serves as a reminder that not everything labeled as Christian or biblical is necessarily aligned with the teachings of Scripture. The Bible calls for a careful examination of beliefs and practices to ensure they are grounded in the truth of God's Word. The early church faced numerous challenges from false teachers who introduced heretical ideas and practices. These "so-called" teachings often blended elements of Christianity with pagan philosophies or Jewish legalism, leading to confusion and division within the church. The New Testament writers, particularly Paul, addressed these issues by reaffirming the core tenets of the faith and urging believers to remain steadfast in the truth. Practical Application For contemporary Christians, the concept of "so-called" remains relevant as the church continues to encounter various teachings and ideologies that claim to be biblical. Believers are encouraged to test all things against Scripture, as advised in <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-21.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:21</a> : "but test all things. Hold fast to what is good." This involves a commitment to studying the Bible, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and engaging with the teachings of the church throughout history. In a world where information is abundant and often conflicting, the call to discernment is crucial. Christians are to be vigilant, ensuring that their faith and practice are rooted in the truth of God's Word rather than the shifting sands of cultural trends or human wisdom.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>(a.) So named; called by such a name (but perhaps called thus with doubtful propriety).<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/4634.htm">4634. skenopegia -- the setting up of tents</a> ... tabernacles. From skenos and pegnumi; the Festival of Tabernacles (so called from the custom of erecting booths for temporary homes) -- tabernacles. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4634.htm - 6k<a href="/greek/2564.htm">2564. kaleo -- to call</a> ... called (99), calling (2), calls (7), give (1), invite (2), invited (15), invited guests (1), invites (1), name given (1), named (2), so-called (1), summoned (2 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2564.htm - 10k<a href="/greek/4555.htm">4555. sardinos -- sardine.</a> ... sardine. From the same as sardios; sardine (lithos being implied), ie A gem, so called -- sardine. see GREEK sardios. see GREEK lithos. 4554, 4555. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4555.htm - 6k<a href="/greek/4556.htm">4556. sardion -- sard, a sardian (stone)</a> ... sardius. Properly, an adjective from an uncertain base; sardian (lithos being implied), ie (as noun) the gem so called -- sardius. (sardion) -- 1 Occurrence. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4556.htm - 6k<a href="/greek/221.htm">221. Alexandreus -- an Alexandrian</a> ... of Alexandria, Alexandrian. From Alexandreia (the city so called); an Alexandreian or inhabitant of Alexandria -- of Alexandria, Alexandrian. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/221.htm - 6k<a href="/greek/5581.htm">5581. pseudonumos -- under a false name, falsely called</a> ... falsely called. From pseudes and onoma; untruly named -- falsely so called. see GREEK pseudes. see GREEK onoma. (pseudonumou) -- 1 Occurrence. 5580, 5581. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5581.htm - 6k<a href="/greek/3004.htm">3004. lego -- to say</a> ... 1), named (3), ordered (2), quote (1), referred (1), remarking (1), said (1086), say (364), saying (440), says (102), shouting (1), so-called (3), speak (22 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3004.htm - 11k<a href="/greek/4665.htm">4665. smaragdos -- an emerald</a> ... emerald. Of uncertain derivation; the emerald or green gem so called -- emerald. (smaragdos) -- 1 Occurrence. 4664, 4665. smaragdos. 4666 . Strong's Numbers //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4665.htm - 6k<a href="/greek/4557.htm">4557. sardonux -- sardonyx</a> ... sardonyx. From the base of sardios and onux (the nail of a finger; hence the "onyx" stone); a "sardonyx", ie The gem so called -- sardonyx. see GREEK sardios. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4557.htm - 6k<a href="/greek/3687.htm">3687. onomazo -- to name, to give a name</a> ... Word Origin from onoma Definition to name, to give a name NASB Word Usage derives its name (1), name (1), named (5), names (1), so-called (1). call, name. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3687.htm - 7k<a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/5626.htm">5626. Sirah -- the name of a cistern</a> ... Sirah. From cuwr; departure; Sirah, a cistern so-called -- Sirah. See also ciyr. see HEBREW cuwr. see HEBREW ciyr. 5625, 5626. Sirah. 5627 . Strong's Numbers /hebrew/5626.htm - 6k <a href="/hebrew/4478.htm">4478. man -- manna (a kind of bread)</a> ... manna From mah; literally, a whatness (so to speak), ie Manna (so called from the question about it) -- manna. see HEBREW mah. 4477, 4478. man. 4478a . ... /hebrew/4478.htm - 5k <a href="/hebrew/4517.htm">4517. menaanea -- probably (a kind of musical) rattle</a> ... cornet. From nuwa'; a sistrum (so called from its rattling sound) -- cornet. see HEBREW nuwa'. 4516, 4517. menaanea. 4518 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/4517.htm - 6k <a href="/hebrew/5427.htm">5427. nether -- natron or carbonate of soda</a> ... nitre. From nathar; mineral potash (so called from effervescing with acid) -- nitre. see HEBREW nathar. 5426, 5427. nether. 5428 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/5427.htm - 6k<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><a href="/library/various/life_and_works_of_rufinus_with_jeromes_apology_against_rufinus_/6_next_there_follows_and.htm">Next There Follows, "And in Christ Jesus, his Only Son, Our Lord. ...</a> ... 6. Next there follows, "And in Christ Jesus, His Only Son, Our Lord." "Jesus" is a Hebrew word meaning "Saviour." "Christ" is so called from "Chrism," ie ... /.../6 next there follows and.htm<a href="/library/clement/the_stromata_or_miscellanies/chapter_vii_what_true_philosophy_is.htm">What True Philosophy Is, and Whence So Called.</a> ... The Stromata, or Miscellanies. Book VI. Chapter VII."What True Philosophy Is, and Whence So Called. As we have long ago pointed ... /.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vii what true philosophy is.htm<a href="/library/calvin/the_institutes_of_the_christian_religion/chapter_19_of_the_five.htm">Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ...</a> ... BOOK FOURTH. OF THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH CHAPTER 19. OF THE FIVE SACRAMENTS, FALSELY SO CALLED. ... OF THE FIVE SACRAMENTS, FALSELY SO CALLED. ... /.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of the five.htm<a href="/library/richardson/early_christian_fathers/">Early Christian Fathers</a> ... Corinthians. IN DEFENSE OF THE FAITH: The So-called Letter to Diognetus. INTRODUCTION AND BOOKS. The So-called Letter to Diognetus. The ... //christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/<a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_a/is_the_spirit_of_the.htm">Is the Spirit of the Lord Straitened?</a> ... The greater part of so-called Christendom is to-day[1] celebrating the gift of a Divine Spirit to the Church; but it may well be asked whether the religious ... /.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/is the spirit of the.htm<a href="/library/justin/dialogue_of_justin_philosopher_and_martyr_with_trypho/chapter_lxxx_the_opinion_of_justin.htm">The Opinion of Justin with Regard to the Reign of a Thousand Years ...</a> ... thinks the Genist?? were so called because they were sprung from Abraham (genos) the Merist?? so called because they separated the Scriptures. ... /.../chapter lxxx the opinion of justin.htm<a href="/library/unknown/the_apocalypse_of_peter/the_revelation_of_peter_introduction.htm">The Revelation of Peter. Introduction.</a> ... 1. The so-called Muratorian Fragment, a list of sacred writings, first published by Muratori in 1740, and found by him in a seventh or eighth century ms. ... /.../unknown/the apocalypse of peter/the revelation of peter introduction.htm<a href="/library/arminius/the_works_of_james_arminius_vol_1/article_x_it_cannot_be.htm">Cannot be Proved from Scripture, that Believers under the Old ...</a> ... (5.) I dare not venture to determine where that place of quiet is situated, whether in Heaven, properly so called, into which Christ ascended, or somewhere out ... /.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article x it cannot be.htm<a href="/library/various/life_and_works_of_rufinus_with_jeromes_apology_against_rufinus_/8_then_further_it_is.htm">Then Further it is to be Observed that no Creature Can be Such as ...</a> ... For all other sons, though they are called sons, are so called by the grace of adoption, not by verity of nature; and if there be others who are called lords ... /.../8 then further it is.htm<a href="/library/origen/origens_commentary_on_the_gospel_of_john/4_that_the_logos_is.htm">That the Logos is One, not Many. Of the Word, Faithful and True ...</a> ... we might imagine many logoi, according to the constitution of each of the rational beings which exist; then we might assume a number of logoi properly so called ... /.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/4 that the logos is.htm<a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/s/so-called.htm">So-called (10 Occurrences)</a> So-called. Sobriety, So-called. Socho . Noah Webster's Dictionary (a ... Multi-Version Concordance So-called (10 Occurrences). Matthew ... /s/so-called.htm - 9k<a href="/topical/o/olves.htm">Olves</a> ... Olves, Mount of. Socalled from the olive trees with which its sides are clothed, is a mountain ridge on the east of Jerusalem (1 Kings 11:7; Ezek. ... /o/olves.htm - 9k<a href="/topical/a/agate.htm">Agate (4 Occurrences)</a> ... This may be the agate properly socalled, a semi-transparent crystallized quartz, probably brought from Sheba, whence its name. In Isaiah 54:12 and Ezek. ... /a/agate.htm - 9k<a href="/topical/s/science.htm">Science (1 Occurrence)</a> ... 20, "avoiding.... oppositions of science falsely socalled," tes pseudonumou gnoseos, "the falsely called gnosis"). "Science" is ... /s/science.htm - 9k<a href="/topical/s/septuagint.htm">Septuagint</a> ... (n.) A Greek version of the Old Testament; -- socalled because it was believed to be the work of seventy (or rather of seventy-two) translators. Int. ... /s/septuagint.htm - 38k<a href="/topical/p/pentecost.htm">Pentecost (3 Occurrences)</a> ... 1. (n.) A solemn festival of the Jews; -- socalled because celebrated on the fiftieth day (seven weeks) after the second day of the Passover (which fell on ... /p/pentecost.htm - 21k<a href="/topical/m/micah.htm">Micah (54 Occurrences)</a> ... (5.) "The Morasthite," socalled to distinguish him from Micaiah, the ... Jeremiah 26:18, 19). Micah, Book of. The sixth in order of the so-called minor prophets. ... /m/micah.htm - 38k<a href="/topical/v/valley.htm">Valley (187 Occurrences)</a> ... etc. The "valley of vision" (Isaiah 22:1) is usually regarded as denoting Jerusalem, which "may be socalled," says Barnes (Com. on ... /v/valley.htm - 75k<a href="/topical/h/hebron.htm">Hebron (71 Occurrences)</a> ... arba, probably meaning the "Four Cities," perhaps because divided at one time into four quarters, but according to Jewish writers socalled because four ... /h/hebron.htm - 41k<a href="/topical/t/thorn.htm">Thorn (30 Occurrences)</a> ... suitable for hedges. This is probably the so-called "apple of Sodom," which grows very abundantly in the Jordan valley. "It is a ... /t/thorn.htm - 35k<a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/many-called-few-chosen.html">What does “Many are called but few are chosen” in Matthew 22:14 mean? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/called-as-missionary.html">How can I know if I am being called to serve as a missionary? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/called-to-preach.html">How can I know if I am being called to preach? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div>So-called (10 Occurrences)<a href="/matthew/27-17.htm">Matthew 27:17</a> So when they were now assembled Pilate appealed to them. "Whom shall I release to you," he said, "Barabbas, or Jesus the so-called Christ?" (WEY)<a href="/matthew/27-22.htm">Matthew 27:22</a> "What then," said Pilate, "shall I do with Jesus, the so-called Christ?" With one voice they shouted, "Let him be crucified!" (WEY)<a href="/acts/3-11.htm">Acts 3:11</a> As the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. (See NAS)<a href="/acts/6-9.htm">Acts 6:9</a> But some members of the so-called 'Synagogue of the Freed-men,' together with some Cyrenaeans, Alexandrians, Cilicians and men from Roman Asia, were roused to encounter Stephen in debate. (WEY)<a href="/1_corinthians/5-11.htm">1 Corinthians 5:11</a> But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner. Don't even eat with such a person. (See NAS)<a href="/1_corinthians/8-5.htm">1 Corinthians 8:5</a> For if so-called gods do exist, either in Heaven or on earth--and in fact there are many such gods and many such lords-- (WEY NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Ephesians 2:11</a> Therefore remember that once you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "uncircumcision" by that which is called "circumcision," (in the flesh, made by hands); (See NAS)<a href="/2_thessalonians/2-4.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:4</a> and exalts himself above, every so-called 'god' or object of worship, and goes the length of taking his seat in the very temple of God, giving it out that he himself is God. (WEY NAS RSV)<a href="/revelation/2-24.htm">Revelation 2:24</a> But to you I say, to the rest who are in Thyatira, as many as don't have this teaching, who don't know what some call'the deep things of Satan,' to you I say, I am not putting any other burden on you. (See NIV)<a href="/1_chronicles/4-14.htm">1 Chronicles 4:14</a> Meonothai became the father of Ophrah: and Seraiah became the father of Joab the father of Ge Harashim; for they were craftsmen. (See RSV)<a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><a href="/topical/s/so-called.htm">So-called</a><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><a href="/topical/s/so-called.htm">So-called (10 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/g/guimzo.htm">Guimzo (1 Occurrence)</a><a href="/topical/s/soco.htm">Soco (3 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/sadducees.htm">Sadducees (14 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/sochoh.htm">Sochoh (4 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/socoh.htm">Socoh (4 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/d/dependent.htm">Dependent (35 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/sobriety--women_should_exhibit,_in_dress.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Sobriety: Women should Exhibit, in Dress"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Sobriety: Women should Exhibit, in Dress" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/s/so-called_gods.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="So-called gods"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="So-called gods" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>