Ἰαννῆς (Iannēs)
Iannēs
Jannes
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Iannēs refers to Jannes, one of the two Egyptian magicians who stood before Pharaoh during the plagues. According to the tradition recorded in 2 Timothy 3:8, he and his companion Jambres opposed Moses by imitating the signs performed by Aaron.
These figures are not mentioned by name in the Old Testament narrative itself. Instead, their identities come from later Jewish traditions that expanded on the biblical account of the confrontation in Egypt. The New Testament uses them as examples of those who resist the truth, comparing their opposition to the hearts of people who remain stubborn despite clear evidence.
While the sources note the name likely means "he vexed," its primary significance lies in its role as a symbol of resistance. By citing this specific tradition, the author of Timothy highlights how spiritual opposition often mimics genuine power but ultimately fails against God's purposes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jannes appears only once in Scripture, tucked inside a letter to Timothy. It points to an Egyptian magician who stood against Moses. Though he is not named in the Old Testament, early Jewish traditions remembered him and his companion Jambres as those who mimicked God’s signs but could not match His power.
This single mention teaches us that spiritual opposition often looks like genuine authority at first glance. The writer uses Jannes to show how people can resist truth even when evidence is clear. It reminds us that imitation is not the same as reality, and that hearts hardened against God’s ways will eventually fail.
When we face confusion or false teaching today, this story offers comfort. We do not need to fear counterfeit power because it has no lasting strength. Our hope rests in the truth that stands firm, unlike the empty displays of those who oppose it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jannes1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἰάννης1×
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.
This verse identifies Jannes as a prototype for modern opponents of the truth, showing how spiritual resistance mimics power but lacks substance.