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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies because it provides deeper insights into the cultural, theological, and historical contexts of the Bible. The Greek word Ἰαμβρῆς (Iambrēs) is particularly significant because it refers to a specific character mentioned in the New Testament, known for opposing Moses. Studying Ἰαμβρῆς offers a unique perspective on the spiritual conflicts described in the Bible and connects to broader ancient traditions and Jewish folklore about the opponents of God’s prophets.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Ἰαμβρῆς, transliterated as Iambrēs [ee-am-BRAYS].
- Etymology: The etymology of Ἰαμβρῆς is uncertain, but it is traditionally understood as a proper noun referring to a specific person.
- Part of Speech: Proper noun, masculine; indeclinable.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Ἰαμβρῆς (Iambrēs): Refers to one of the magicians who opposed Moses, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:8. This name is linked to Jewish traditions that identify him as a magician or sorcerer in Pharaoh’s court.
Similar Words: Ἰαννῆς (Iannēs) [ee-ahn-NAYS] is another proper noun referring to another magician who opposed Moses, often paired with Ἰαμβρῆς. Unlike Ἰαμβρῆς, Ἰαννῆς has a similar function but is another distinct character mentioned alongside him.
Further Insights: Ἰαμβρῆς is an indeclinable proper noun in Greek, meaning that its form does not change regardless of its role in a sentence (e.g., subject, object). The word is primarily used to identify a specific person rather than convey grammatical or syntactical nuances. The use of such indeclinable names is typical in biblical Greek for certain foreign or borrowed terms.
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Ἰαμβρῆς is identified as one of the two magicians who opposed Moses, according to 2 Timothy 3:8. The name is associated with Jewish legend, specifically in texts that elaborate on the confrontation between Moses and Egyptian magicians.
Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon presents Ἰαμβρῆς as an alternative spelling of Ἰαννῆς, both names referring to magicians in Pharaoh’s court who withstood Moses. The entry notes the connection to Jewish oral traditions that elaborated on these figures.
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Vines: Vines highlights Ἰαμβρῆς as part of the broader tradition of Jewish exegesis. While not mentioned by name in the Old Testament, Ἰαμβρῆς is a figure deeply rooted in the intertestamental literature, signifying opposition to God’s chosen leaders.
LSJ: The LSJ lexicon categorizes Ἰαμβρῆς as a proper noun without providing an extended definition, mainly focusing on its usage in later Jewish and Christian writings rather than classical Greek texts.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s concordance defines Ἰαμβρῆς as a proper name referencing a historical or semi-legendary figure who opposed Moses. The concordance indicates its New Testament occurrence and the connection to extra-biblical Jewish traditions.
Related Scripture References
- 2 Timothy 3:8: “Just as Jannes and Jambres [Ἰαμβρῆς] opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth—men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith.”
Classical Usage
Ἰαμβρῆς is primarily used in biblical and post-biblical literature and does not appear in classical Greek works up to 100 AD. However, it appears in the following extra-biblical Jewish writings:
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Targum Pseudo-Jonathan | Exodus 7:11 | “Jannes and Jambres [Ἰαμβρῆς], the chief of the magicians, performed their arts before Pharaoh.” |
| Babylonian Talmud | Menachot 85a | “Two of Pharaoh’s magicians, Jannes and Jambres [Ἰαμβρῆς], resisted Moses, casting spells.” |
| Apocryphal Acts of Paul | Acts of Paul and Thecla | “These men, like Jannes and Jambres [Ἰαμβρῆς], practice sorcery and lead many astray.” |
Summary of Ἰαμβρῆς (G2387)
The Greek word Ἰαμβρῆς (Iambrēs) is a proper noun referring to one of the magicians who opposed Moses in the biblical narrative. This word’s significance is rooted in Jewish traditions and folklore that provide a broader context to the New Testament mention of these magicians. Understanding Ἰαμβρῆς helps elucidate the ongoing theme of spiritual opposition to God’s chosen leaders, emphasizing the power struggle between divine authority and earthly powers. The usage of Ἰαμβρῆς in Jewish and Christian writings illustrates the influence of Jewish oral traditions on early Christian literature.
Did You Know?
- Did You Know? Ἰαμβρῆς and Ἰαννῆς are not mentioned by name in the Old Testament, but they appear prominently in Jewish literature as symbols of opposition to God’s will.
- Did You Know? The names Jannes and Jambres [Ἰαμβρῆς] became synonymous with trickery and sorcery in various Jewish and Christian texts, illustrating how these figures were remembered as archetypal adversaries of divine prophets.
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