The Greek word Lebbaîos, represented by G3002, is used to identify a Christian named Lebbæus. With an origin that is uncertain, this name appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole function is to name one of the twelve apostles.
The only occurrence of G3002 is in the list of the twelve apostles in Matthew's Gospel. Here, Lebbaeus is named alongside James G2385 the son of Alphaeus G256. The verse explicitly clarifies his identity by stating, "Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus G2280" Matthew 10:3. This places him in the company of other apostles listed in the same verse, such as Philip G5376, Bartholomew G918, Thomas G2381, and Matthew G3156 the publican G5057.
Several related names appear in the immediate context of Lebbaeus:
- G2280 Thaddaîos: Defined as Thaddæus, one of the Apostles, this is the surname explicitly given to Lebbaeus in his only appearance Matthew 10:3.
- G2385 Iákōbos: Meaning Jacobus, the name of three Israelites, this refers to the apostle James who is listed immediately before Lebbaeus as the son of Alphaeus Matthew 10:3.
- G256 Alphaîos: An Israelite name identifying Alphæus, the father of the apostle James who is grouped with Lebbaeus in the apostolic list Matthew 10:3.
The theological weight of G3002 is tied directly to the person it identifies.
- Apostolic Identity: The primary function of G3002 is to name an individual, Lebbaeus, as one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Matthew 10:3.
- Dual Naming: The name's significance is tied to its connection with another name. The text directly states that Lebbaeus was also surnamed Thaddaeus G2280, a crucial detail for identifying this apostle Matthew 10:3.
- Inclusion in the Twelve: The name appears in a list that includes figures like Matthew G3156 the publican G5057 and Thomas G2381, cementing the status of the person named Lebbaeus as a member of the foundational apostolic group Matthew 10:3.
In summary, G3002 is a proper name with a single, specific function: to identify one of the twelve apostles. Its rarity is absolute, appearing in only one verse. The name Lebbaeus is biblically inseparable from the surname Thaddaeus G2280, and its significance is entirely derived from the apostolic office held by the person it names Matthew 10:3.
TRV