Ἰάκωβος (Iakōbos)
Iakōbos
James
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 38 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Iakōbos is the Greek form of the Hebrew Yaʿaqov, meaning "supplanter" or "one who follows at the heel." In the New Testament, it appears thirty-eight times, primarily identifying several key figures in the early Christian movement. The most prominent are the apostle James, son of Zebedee and brother of John, who is frequently mentioned alongside Peter in the Gospels (Mark 1:19; Acts 12:2), and James, the brother of Jesus, who emerges as a central leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:13; Galatians 1:19).
Lexical sources distinguish between these individuals to clarify their roles. While James son of Zebedee is often called "the Greater" to differentiate him from James son of Alphaeus, the latter is sometimes identified with "James the Less," a relative of Jesus mentioned at the crucifixion (Mark 15:40). The name also identifies the father of the apostle Judas (Luke 6:16), showing its common usage among first-century Jews. The etymology reflects the biblical patriarch’s story, yet in the New Testament context, it signifies a lineage of faithful witnesses rather than deception.
Translators consistently render Iakōbos as "James," maintaining continuity with Old Testament tradition. The name carries significant theological weight through James the brother of Jesus, who authored the Epistle of James and played a crucial role in defining Gentile inclusion in the church (Acts 15:13). This usage highlights how a name rooted in ancient family history became associated with foundational leadership in the early Christian community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name James appears frequently in the New Testament, linking us to several distinct but faithful followers of Jesus. It identifies the zealous sons of Zebedee, who left their fishing nets to walk with Christ, and it also names James, the brother of the Lord, who became a pillar of the early church. Seeing this name repeated reminds us that God calls people from all walks of life—fishermen, family members, and leaders—to serve Him in different ways.
When you encounter this name in Scripture, it points to the reality of community in faith. These men did not follow Jesus in isolation; they were part of a close-knit group that learned, struggled, and grew together. Their stories encourage us that our own names, too, can become part of God’s ongoing work when we respond to His call with openness and trust.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 38 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- James27×
- of James6×
- of James.2×
- of James,2×
- James,2×
- to James,1×
- to James1×
- James [son]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἰάκωβον14×
- Ἰάκωβος11×
- Ἰακώβου9×
- Ἰάκωβον,2×
- Ἰακώβου.¶2×
- Ἰακώβου,2×
- Ἰακώβῳ,1×
- Ἰακώβῳ1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 10:2
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother;
This verse lists the twelve apostles, establishing James son of Zebedee as a core member of Jesus' inner circle.
-
Matthew 13:55
Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother called Mary, and his brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?
Here the name identifies Jesus' own brother, highlighting the human family connections within the gospel narrative.
-
Mark 9:2
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themselves, and he was changed into another form in front of them.
James is one of only three disciples invited to witness the Transfiguration, showing his unique role in seeing Jesus' glory.
-
Luke 6:16
Judas the son of James; and Judas Iscariot, who also became a traitor.
This reference distinguishes Judas son of James from Iscariot, showing how the name was common enough to require clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name James mean?
Is there only one James in the Bible?
Why is James important in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (38 verses across 8 books)
Matthew 6 verses
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with…
Matthew 10:2Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the…
Matthew 10:3Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, who was also called…
Matthew 13:55Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother called Mary, and his brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?
Matthew 17:1After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by…
Matthew 27:56Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.