of Egyptian origin; Jambres, an Egyptian:--Jambres.
Transliteration:Iambrēs
Pronunciation:ee-am-brace'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Ἰαμβρῆς (Iambrēs), transliterated as Jambres, is a proper noun referring to a specific individual. Its base definition indicates an Egyptian origin. As a proper name, its semantic range is inherently narrow, referring solely to the person it designates. In biblical usage, Jambres is always associated with Jannes, forming a pair of Egyptian magicians who traditionally opposed Moses. The name itself does not carry an inherent etymological meaning within the Greek, but its association with Egyptian magic and resistance to divine authority imbues it with significant contextual meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Jambres appears only once in the New Testament, in [[2 Timothy 3:8]]: "Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected." This verse is crucial for understanding the biblical significance of Jambres.
Paul uses Jannes and Jambres as archetypes for false teachers and those who resist the truth within the church. While the Old Testament narrative of the Exodus (specifically [[Exodus 7]] and [[Exodus 8]]) mentions Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses and Aaron, it does not name them. The names Jannes and Jambres come from extra-biblical Jewish tradition, widely known in the ancient world (e.g., Targums, Pliny the Elder, Apuleius, Numenius, and various rabbinic sources). Paul's affirmation of these names in inspired Scripture lends canonical authority to this tradition.
The context of [[2 Timothy 3:8]] is Paul's warning to Timothy about the "terrible times" that will come in the last days, characterized by a rise in ungodliness and false teaching. The opposition of Jannes and Jambres to Moses involved attempting to replicate his divine signs (e.g., turning staffs into serpents, water into blood) through their own magical arts. While they initially succeeded in mimicking some of Moses' miracles, their power was ultimately limited and exposed as inferior to God's (cf. [[Exodus 8:18-19]]). Their "folly" was eventually "plain to everyone" ([[2 Timothy 3:9]]), serving as a parallel to the ultimate exposure and rejection of those who oppose the truth in Paul's day and beyond.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Jambres is inextricably linked with several key concepts and figures:
* **Jannes:** Jambres is almost invariably mentioned alongside Jannes, forming a pair of antagonists to Moses. Their combined identity represents a unified force of opposition.
* **Moses:** The primary figure they opposed. Their resistance to Moses was, by extension, resistance to God's divine authority and revelation.
* **Egyptian Magicians:** Jambres and Jannes belong to the broader category of Egyptian sorcerers and wise men who served Pharaoh and attempted to counter the signs given by God through Moses (cf. `{{H2750}}` *ḥarṭōm*).
* **Opposition to Truth:** Paul uses them as a historical precedent for those who "oppose the truth" in the church, characterized by "depraved minds" and rejection "as far as the faith is concerned." This connects them to concepts of apostasy and false doctrine.
* **Miracles and Counterfeits:** Their actions involved attempting to replicate divine miracles, highlighting the biblical theme of distinguishing genuine divine power from human or demonic counterfeits.
* **Tradition and Scripture:** The mention of Jannes and Jambres demonstrates how extra-biblical traditions, if true, could be affirmed and incorporated into the inspired biblical narrative by apostolic authority.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Jambres (and Jannes) is profound, serving as a powerful archetype within Christian theology:
1. **The Reality of Spiritual Opposition:** Jambres embodies the forces that actively resist God's plan and truth. His historical role against Moses prefigures the ongoing spiritual battle between light and darkness, truth and deception.
2. **The Limits of Counterfeit Power:** While Jambres and Jannes initially mimicked God's signs, their power was ultimately finite and inferior. This underscores the absolute supremacy of God's power over any human, demonic, or magical ability. It teaches that while evil may appear to replicate divine acts, it can never truly usurp or overcome divine authority.
3. **Warning Against Deception:** Paul's use of Jambres as a parallel serves as a stark warning to the church against false teachers and those who would lead believers astray. Just as the magicians' folly was eventually revealed, so too will the deception of those who oppose the truth become evident. This calls for discernment and adherence to sound doctrine.
4. **Vindication of Divine Truth:** The ultimate failure of Jannes and Jambres, whose "folly will be plain to everyone," highlights the inevitable triumph and vindication of God's truth. Despite opposition, God's purposes will prevail, and His authentic revelation will be recognized.
5. **Apostolic Authority and Tradition:** The inclusion of this extra-biblical tradition by Paul affirms the reliability of certain historical narratives known within the Jewish community, even if not explicitly detailed in the Old Testament canon. It speaks to the broader sweep of God's providential history and how His Spirit confirmed truths through His apostles.
### Summary
Jambres (G2387, Ἰαμβρῆς) is a proper noun referring to one of the two Egyptian magicians, traditionally paired with Jannes, who opposed Moses during the Exodus. Mentioned only once in [[2 Timothy 3:8]], Jambres serves as a significant biblical archetype for those who resist divine truth and God's chosen servants. Though his name is derived from extra-biblical Jewish tradition, Paul's inspired usage validates his historical role. Theologically, Jambres represents the limits of human/demonic power in the face of God's omnipotence, serving as a warning against deception and a testament to the ultimate triumph and vindication of God's truth over all opposition. His story reinforces the ongoing spiritual conflict and the necessity for believers to discern and adhere to sound doctrine.
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