### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G3002 (Λεββαῖος, Lebbaîos) is a proper noun, a personal name, specifically identifying one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The etymology of Lebbaeus is noted as "of uncertain origin" in the provided lexical data. However, scholarly traditions have proposed several possibilities for its derivation. Some suggest a connection to the Hebrew word *lev* (לֵב), meaning "heart," which could imply a "heart-man" or a person of courage. Others link it to a root meaning "praise" or "breast." Regardless of its precise etymological root, its primary semantic function in the New Testament is to serve as an appellation for a specific individual within the apostolic circle, often considered an alternative name or surname for the apostle Thaddaeus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name G3002 (Λεββαῖος, Lebbaîos) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew:
* [[Matthew 10:3]] lists "Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus," as one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus to be sent out with authority. This verse occurs within the context of Jesus commissioning His twelve disciples, empowering them to preach the kingdom, heal the sick, cleanse lepers, cast out demons, and raise the dead.
The parallel lists of apostles in the Gospels of Mark and Luke do not use the name Lebbaeus. Instead, [[Mark 3:18]] lists "Thaddaeus," and [[Luke 6:16]] lists "Judas the son of James." The prevailing scholarly consensus identifies Lebbaeus as the same individual as Thaddaeus, and further, as the same person as Judas, son of James, thereby distinguishing him from Judas Iscariot. This suggests that "Lebbaeus" was either a less common name, a nickname, or a surname used to identify this particular apostle, especially within the Matthean tradition. His inclusion in this foundational list signifies his direct call by Jesus and his integral role in the early ministry of the nascent church.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related Greek word is G2385 (Θαδδαῖος, Thaddaios), as Lebbaeus is explicitly given the surname Thaddaeus in [[Matthew 10:3]]. Another critically related name is G2448 (Ἰούδας, Ioudas), particularly when referring to "Judas the son of James" in [[Luke 6:16]] and [[Acts 1:13]], who is widely considered to be the same apostle.
Beyond these specific names, G3002 is intimately connected to broader biblical concepts:
* **Apostle (G652, ἀπόστολος):** Lebbaeus was one of the twelve apostles, divinely chosen and sent forth by Christ.
* **Disciple (G3101, μαθητής):** He was first a follower and learner of Jesus before being commissioned as an apostle.
* **The Twelve:** The collective body of the twelve apostles, foundational to the early church's structure and mission.
### Theological Significance
The presence of Lebbaeus in the apostolic list, particularly with the additional designation "whose surname was Thaddaeus," carries several layers of theological significance. Firstly, it highlights the diverse naming conventions of the ancient world, where individuals might be known by multiple names, nicknames, or patronymics. This fluidity of identity underscores that God calls individuals by various means and knows them intimately, regardless of how they are publicly identified. Secondly, the subtle ambiguity surrounding his name (Lebbaeus, Thaddaeus, Judas son of James) serves as a powerful reminder that while the *identities* of the apostles are important, their *function* and *message* as witnesses to Christ are paramount. The focus remains on their collective mission and the authority granted to them by Jesus, rather than on the individual renown of any single apostle. Lebbaeus, like his fellow apostles, represents the foundational human element upon which the Church was built, chosen by divine grace to bear witness to the Lord's ministry, death, and resurrection, and to proclaim the coming of His Kingdom. His inclusion reinforces the truth that God uses ordinary individuals, often with unassuming backgrounds or multiple names, to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
### Summary
G3002 (Λεββαῖος, Lebbaîos) is a proper noun of uncertain origin, appearing uniquely in [[Matthew 10:3]] as the surname of the apostle Thaddaeus (`{{G2385}}`). He is widely identified with Judas, son of James (`{{G2448}}`), mentioned in Luke and Acts. This name's singular occurrence and its connection to other apostolic names illuminate the complex naming practices of the era and the unified yet diverse nature of the apostolic band. Theologically, Lebbaeus's inclusion in the foundational list of the twelve apostles underscores his integral role in the early church and the spread of the Christian message. His significance lies not primarily in the specifics of his name, but in his obedient response to Christ's call to discipleship and apostleship, embodying the divine principle that God calls and equips individuals from all walks of life to participate in His redemptive plan.
TRV