Θαδδαῖος (Thaddaios)
Thaddaios
Thaddaeus
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Thaddaios identifies one of the twelve apostles, appearing in the lists found in Matthew 10:3 and Mark 3:18. While its exact etymology remains uncertain, Thayer’s lexicon suggests it may derive from an Aramaic root meaning "large-hearted" or "courageous," reflecting a character trait rather than a geographical origin.
A notable feature of this name is its textual variation. In Mark 3:18, the text often reads Lebbaios alongside Thaddaios, leading scholars to conclude that Judas Lebbaeus and Thaddaeus are the same individual. This identification is supported by comparing these lists with Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13, where the apostle is called Judas son of James, distinguishing him from Judas Iscariot.
Translators typically retain the form "Thaddaeus" to preserve tradition, though some modern versions use "Jude" to align with Luke’s account. The name appears only twice in the New Testament, serving as a brief but distinct marker in the roster of Jesus’ closest followers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Thaddaeus appears in the lists of Jesus’ twelve apostles, marking him as one of those chosen to walk closely with Christ. Though we know little about his personal history or specific deeds recorded in Scripture, his inclusion reminds us that Jesus calls people from all backgrounds into His circle. The variation in his name across different Gospel accounts highlights how early Christians preserved these traditions while adapting them for their audiences.
For believers today, this brief mention invites reflection on the diversity within the community of faith. Just as Thaddaeus was part of a group with varied personalities and callings, so too are we invited to join together in following Jesus. His presence among the apostles shows that every member has value in God’s plan, regardless of how much detail Scripture provides about their lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Thaddaeus,1×
- Thaddaeus1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Θαδδαῖος,1×
- Θαδδαῖον1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 10:3
Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, who was also called Thaddaeus;
This verse lists Thaddaeus alongside other apostles, showing his role as one of Jesus' closest followers.
-
Mark 3:18
Andrew; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot;
Here, the name Thaddaeus appears in a parallel list, helping identify him with Judas Lebbaeus mentioned elsewhere.