Ἰαμβρῆς (Iambrēs)
Iambrēs
Jambres
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The proper noun Iambrēs refers to one of the two Egyptian magicians who stood before Pharaoh during the plagues in Exodus. In the New Testament, this name appears only once, in 2 Timothy 3:8, where Paul cites him alongside Jannes as examples of those who opposed Moses and resisted the truth.
Lexical sources note that the name likely carries an Egyptian origin, with some traditions interpreting it to mean "foamy healer." This etymology aligns with the historical account of magicians who attempted to mimic Aaron’s miracles through their own arts. The specific details regarding their names do not appear in the Hebrew Bible but are drawn from later Jewish tradition and rabbinic literature.
Paul uses this reference to illustrate how false teachers can mimic genuine spiritual power while ultimately opposing God’s message. By naming Iambrēs, the text connects contemporary opposition to Moses with the enduring pattern of resistance against divine authority. The mention serves as a warning that deception often masquerades as truth, requiring discernment from believers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Iambrés appears in Scripture as a reminder that opposition to God’s truth is not new. In 2 Timothy 3:8, Paul mentions him alongside Jannes as examples of those who resisted Moses. Though their names come from later tradition rather than the Hebrew Bible itself, Paul uses them to show a pattern: people can mimic spiritual power while rejecting its source.
This word invites us to examine our own hearts. Are we open to God’s truth, even when it challenges us? Or do we resist it for pride or comfort? The story of Iambrés warns against being “corrupted in mind” — thinking ourselves wise while missing the faith that saves. It calls us to humility and discernment.
In a world full of competing voices, this passage helps us stay grounded in what is true. We are not left without guidance; Scripture gives us clear markers for recognizing deception. May we grow in wisdom, love, and steadfastness in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jambres1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἰαμβρῆς1×
Key Verses
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II Timothy 3:8
Even as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind, who concerning the faith are rejected.
Paul uses Iambrés as a historical example of those who oppose divine truth through mimicry and corruption.