of Hebrew origin (יְהוּדָה); Judas (i.e. Jehudah), the name of ten Israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region:--Juda(-h, -s); Jude.
Transliteration:Ioúdas
Pronunciation:ee-oo-das'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Ἰούδας (Ioúdas), Strong's number `{{G2455}}`, is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name יְהוּדָה (Yehudah), Strong's number `{{H3063}}`. The Hebrew root means "praised" or "let him be praised." In the New Testament, Ἰούδας functions exclusively as a proper noun, referring to a diverse group of individuals and geographical entities, reflecting its broad usage in the Hebrew tradition. Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Judas Iscariot:** The notorious disciple who betrayed Jesus.
* **Judas, brother of Jesus:** One of Jesus's siblings, traditionally identified as the author of the Epistle of Jude.
* **Judas Barsabbas:** A prominent leader in the early Jerusalem church.
* **Judas of Damascus:** A man who hosted Saul (Paul) after his conversion.
* **Judah (the patriarch):** The fourth son of Jacob, progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
* **The Tribe of Judah:** The most prominent of the Israelite tribes, from which the Davidic monarchy and the Messiah descended.
* **The Kingdom of Judah:** The southern kingdom after the division of Israel.
* **The Region of Judea:** The geographical area in southern Palestine, often referred to as Ἰουδαία (Ioudaia), which is derived from Ἰούδας.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of Ἰούδας in the New Testament are primarily concentrated on specific individuals, each carrying distinct significance:
* **Judas Iscariot:** This is the most frequent and contextually significant usage. He is consistently identified as "the one who betrayed him" or "who also betrayed him" in the Synoptic Gospels ([[Matthew 10:4]], [[Matthew 26:14]], [[Mark 3:19]], [[Mark 14:10]], [[Luke 6:16]], [[Luke 22:3]]). John's Gospel further highlights his covetousness and demonic influence ([[John 6:71]], [[John 12:4]], [[John 13:2]]). His act of betrayal leads to Jesus's arrest and crucifixion, fulfilling prophecy ([[Acts 1:16]]). His subsequent remorse and suicide are recorded in [[Matthew 27:3-5]] and alluded to in [[Acts 1:18-19]].
* **Judas, brother of Jesus:** Listed among Jesus's brothers in [[Matthew 13:55]] and [[Mark 6:3]]. He is widely believed to be the author of the New Testament Epistle of Jude, who identifies himself as "Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James" ([[Jude 1:1]]).
* **Judas Barsabbas:** A respected leader in the early church, sent by the apostles and elders from Jerusalem to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas to confirm the decision regarding Gentile believers and the Mosaic Law. He is described as a "leading man among the brothers" and a prophet ([[Acts 15:22]], [[Acts 15:27]], [[Acts 15:32]]).
* **Judas of Damascus:** The owner of a house on "Straight Street" where Ananias was sent to find Saul of Tarsus after his blinding conversion experience ([[Acts 9:11]]). This Judas played a crucial, albeit brief, role in the early stages of Paul's ministry.
* **Judah (the patriarch/tribe/kingdom/region):** The name Ἰούδας also refers to the patriarch Judah, son of Jacob, in the genealogies of Jesus ([[Matthew 1:2]], [[Luke 3:33]]). The tribe of Judah is symbolically referenced in [[Revelation 5:5]] as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah," a messianic title for Jesus. The geographical region of Judea, derived from this name, is frequently mentioned throughout the Gospels and Acts, signifying the Jewish homeland ([[John 3:22]], [[Acts 1:8]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The term Ἰούδας is intimately connected to several other significant Greek words and theological concepts:
* **`{{H3063}}` (Yehudah):** The Hebrew origin of Ἰούδας, meaning "praised." This root meaning provides a crucial backdrop for understanding the theological paradox inherent in the name.
* **`{{G2448}}` (Ioudaia):** "Judea," the region, directly derived from Ἰούδας, emphasizing the geographical and political context of much of the New Testament narrative.
* **`{{G2453}}` (Ioudaios):** "Jew" or "Jewish," also derived from the same root, highlighting the ethnic and religious identity of the people.
* **Betrayal:** The actions of Judas Iscariot have made his name synonymous with treachery, a concept explored in relation to trust, loyalty, and the consequences of sin.
* **Lineage and Messiahship:** The connection to Judah the patriarch and the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" underscores the Davidic and messianic lineage of Jesus, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.
* **Apostasy and Faithfulness:** The contrast between Judas Iscariot and figures like Judas Barsabbas illustrates the spectrum of human response to God's calling, from ultimate rejection to faithful service.
### Theological Significance
The name Ἰούδας carries immense theological weight due to its paradoxical associations. On one hand, it represents the very lineage from which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, emerges—the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" ([[Revelation 5:5]]), signifying divine election, strength, and ultimate praise. This connection grounds Jesus's identity firmly within God's covenant promises to Israel.
On the other hand, the name is tragically and indelibly linked to Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of the Son of God. This association highlights the profound mystery of human free will in the face of divine sovereignty. Judas Iscariot's actions, while foretold ([[Acts 1:16]]), were nonetheless his own choices, leading to an act of unparalleled treachery against the incarnate Lord. His story serves as a somber warning against covetousness, spiritual blindness, and the potential for even those closest to Christ to fall into apostasy.
The stark contrast between the praise-filled meaning of the name "Judah" and the infamy of "Judas Iscariot" underscores a crucial theological point: God's redemptive plan is not thwarted by human sin, even the most egregious. While one Judas brings shame, others bearing the same name (like Judas Barsabbas and Jude the Apostle) demonstrate faithfulness and contribute positively to the early church. Ultimately, the name's deepest theological significance points to Christ, the true object of all praise, who emerged from the tribe of Judah to redeem humanity, even from the consequences of betrayal.
### Summary
The Greek word Ἰούδας (Ioúdas), `{{G2455}}`, derives from the Hebrew `{{H3063}}` (Yehudah), meaning "praised." This proper noun refers to various individuals and geographical entities in the New Testament. Most notably, it designates Judas Iscariot, the infamous betrayer of Jesus, whose actions stand in stark contrast to the name's root meaning. However, Ἰούδας also identifies faithful figures such as Judas Barsabbas, a respected leader in the early church, and Judas, the brother of Jesus, traditionally recognized as the author of the Epistle of Jude. Furthermore, it connects to Judah the patriarch, the tribe of Judah, and the region of Judea, underscoring Jesus's messianic lineage as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah." Theologically, Ἰούδας presents a profound paradox: it embodies both the divine election and praise associated with the Messiah's ancestry and the depths of human treachery. It serves as a powerful reminder of human responsibility, God's unwavering sovereignty, and the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan over sin and betrayal, all culminating in the praise due to Christ.
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