the same as Ἰακώβ Græcized; Jacobus, the name of three Israelites:--James.
Transliteration:Iákōbos
Pronunciation:ee-ak'-o-bos
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma G2385 (Iákōbos) is the Greek form of the Hebrew name [[H3290 (Ya'aqob)]], from which the English "Jacob" is derived. The name "Jacob" is traditionally understood to mean "heel-grabber" or "supplanter," reflecting the narrative of Jacob grasping Esau's heel at birth ([[Genesis 25:26]]). It can also carry the connotation of "one who follows" or "one who comes after." In the New Testament, Iákōbos is consistently rendered "James" in English translations. It refers primarily to several distinct individuals, most notably:
1. James, son of Zebedee, one of the twelve apostles.
2. James, son of Alphaeus, another of the twelve apostles.
3. James, the brother of the Lord, a prominent leader in the early Jerusalem church and traditionally considered the author of the Epistle of James.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G2385 (Iákōbos) appears numerous times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels and Acts, and as the ascribed author of the Epistle of James.
* **James, Son of Zebedee:** He was one of the first disciples called by Jesus, along with his brother John ([[Matthew 4:21]], [[Mark 1:19]]). He was part of Jesus' inner circle, present at significant events like the Transfiguration ([[Matthew 17:1]], [[Mark 9:2]], [[Luke 9:28]]) and the Garden of Gethsemane ([[Matthew 26:37]], [[Mark 14:33]]). He and John were nicknamed "Boanerges" (Sons of Thunder) by Jesus ([[Mark 3:17]]), perhaps indicating their fiery temperament ([[Luke 9:54]]). He was the first apostle to be martyred, executed by Herod Agrippa I ([[Acts 12:2]]).
* **James, Son of Alphaeus:** Also listed among the twelve apostles ([[Matthew 10:3]], [[Mark 3:18]], [[Luke 6:15]], [[Acts 1:13]]). Less is known about him compared to the son of Zebedee. He is sometimes identified with "James the Less" ([[Mark 15:40]]).
* **James, Brother of the Lord:** Initially skeptical of Jesus' ministry ([[John 7:5]], [[Mark 3:21]]), he became a prominent leader in the Jerusalem church after Jesus' resurrection, possibly through a post-resurrection appearance ([[1 Corinthians 15:7]]). He played a crucial role in the Jerusalem Council, advocating for a pragmatic approach to Gentile converts ([[Acts 15:13-21]]). He is consistently referred to as a "pillar" of the church alongside Peter and John ([[Galatians 2:9]]). The Epistle of James is attributed to him, emphasizing practical faith, good works, and wisdom ([[James 1:1]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
* **[[H3290 (Ya'aqob)]]:** The Hebrew root of Iákōbos, referring to the patriarch Jacob, whose life story is foundational to Israel's identity and covenant history. The name's meaning ("supplanter") resonates with Jacob's early life and struggle, but also with God's transformative work in renaming him "Israel" ("struggles with God" or "God strives").
* **[[G2491 (Iōannēs)]] (John) & [[G4074 (Petros)]] (Peter):** Often mentioned alongside James, especially James son of Zebedee, highlighting their close relationship with Jesus and their foundational role in the early church.
* **Apostleship:** The sacred office and authority of the apostles, to which two individuals named James belonged, entrusted with proclaiming the gospel and establishing the church.
* **Leadership in the Early Church:** Particularly evident in James, the brother of the Lord, who provided significant guidance and theological direction for the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem.
* **Faith and Works:** A central theme in the Epistle of James, which articulates the inseparable connection between genuine faith and its practical outworking in righteous living ([[James 2:14-26]]), complementing Pauline theology.
### Theological Significance
The presence of multiple prominent figures named James underscores the commonality of the name in Jewish society of the first century, reflecting a connection to the revered patriarch Jacob. The life and martyrdom of James, son of Zebedee, exemplify the cost of discipleship and the early persecution faced by the church, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy about drinking His cup ([[Mark 10:39]]). The leadership of James, the brother of the Lord, highlights the important role of Jesus' own family in the post-resurrection church and the development of early Christian doctrine. His emphasis on practical righteousness and social justice in the Epistle of James provides a vital counter-balance to purely intellectual or propositional understandings of faith. The Epistle of James, attributed to James the Lord's brother, contributes significantly to New Testament ethics, emphasizing the need for faith to be demonstrated through actions, control of the tongue, and care for the vulnerable ([[James 1:27]], [[James 3:1-12]]). It challenges believers to live out their faith consistently and authentically. The name Iákōbos thus connects the New Testament church directly to its Old Testament heritage through the patriarch Jacob, while simultaneously showcasing the diverse expressions of faithfulness and leadership within the early Christian movement.
### Summary
G2385 (Iákōbos), transliterated as "James," is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name [[H3290 (Ya'aqob)]], meaning "heel-grabber" or "supplanter." In the New Testament, it refers to at least three significant figures: James, son of Zebedee (an apostle and the first martyred apostle); James, son of Alphaeus (another apostle); and most prominently, James, the brother of the Lord. The latter became a key leader in the Jerusalem church, playing a crucial role in the Jerusalem Council and authoring the Epistle of James. The various individuals named James illustrate different aspects of discipleship, leadership, and the challenges faced by the early church. The theological significance of Iákōbos lies in its connection to the patriarch Jacob, its representation of faithful apostleship and martyrdom, and its embodiment of practical Christian living and ethical conduct as articulated in the Epistle of James, which stresses that true faith is evidenced by works.
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