Ἰούδας (Ioudas)
Ioudas
Judas
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 40 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Ioudas, rendered in English as Judah or Judas, derives from the Hebrew Yehudah and carries the meaning "he shall be praised." In the New Testament, it functions primarily as a proper noun for ten different individuals, ranging from the patriarch Judah, son of Jacob, to several key figures in the early church. Its usage spans genealogies, such as Matthew 1:2-3, to narrative accounts involving the apostles and relatives of Jesus.
While the name is most famously associated with Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus (Matthew 26:14), it belongs to other significant characters as well. These include Judas the brother of the Lord (Matthew 13:55), Judas the apostle who asked Jesus about his manifestation (John 14:22), and Judas Barsabbas, a prophet sent with Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:22). The name also appears in geographical contexts, such as "the land of Judea" in Matthew 2:6.
This variety of bearers highlights how a single name can carry vastly different theological weights within the same text. Readers encounter it in lists of ancestors, in the intimate circle of Jesus’ family, and among those who spread the gospel after his ascension. The lexicon data confirms that Ioudas is not limited to one role but serves as a common identifier across diverse groups in biblical history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Judas carries a heavy weight in our collective memory, largely because of one man’s betrayal. Yet this single Hebrew name, meaning “he shall be praised,” belongs to many others who played vital roles in God’s story. In Matthew’s genealogy, it marks the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus himself (Matthew 1:2). It appears among the brothers of Jesus, reminding us that faith often begins within the familiar walls of family (Matthew 13:55). Even Judas Iscariot, who chose a path of darkness, was once counted among the twelve, showing how closely Jesus drew near to those who would ultimately reject him.
For your own life, this word offers a complex portrait of human freedom. The name does not determine destiny; it simply identifies a person standing before God. Whether through the faithful witness of Judas Barsabbas in Acts or the quiet curiosity of the other Judas in John 14:22, we see that people with the same name can choose very different paths. This invites us to examine our own choices, knowing that our current decisions do not erase past grace nor define our final end.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 40 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Judas22×
- of Judah4×
- of Judas3×
- Judas,3×
- Judah3×
- Judas [son]2×
- to Judas1×
- of Judah,1×
- Jude1×
- Judas?1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἰούδας19×
- Ἰούδαν8×
- Ἰούδα8×
- Ἰούδας,2×
- Ἰούδα,2×
- Ἰούδᾳ1×
- Ἰούδας;1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 1:2
Abraham became the father of Isaac. Isaac became the father of Jacob. Jacob became the father of Judah and his brothers.
This occurrence anchors the name in the royal lineage of Israel, connecting Jesus directly to the tribe of Judah.
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John 14:22
Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, what has happened that you are about to reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?”
Here Judas (not Iscariot) asks a sincere question about revelation, showing that not every bearer of this name is defined by betrayal.
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Matthew 26:25
Judas, who betrayed him, answered, “It isn’t me, is it, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You said it.”
Jesus addresses Judas directly before the arrest, highlighting the personal tragedy of a close follower choosing opposition.
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Luke 3:33
the son of Amminadab, the son of Aram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,
This genealogical mention reinforces the name’s role in tracing Jesus’ human ancestry back to Perez and Judah.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Judas mean?
Is Judas in the Bible only the betrayer?
Who is the Judas in John 14:22?
Every Occurrence (40 verses across 8 books)
Matthew 8 verses
Abraham became the father of Isaac. Isaac became the father of Jacob. Jacob became the father of Judah and his brothers.
Matthew 1:3Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron. Hezron became the father of Ram.
Matthew 10:4Simon the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
Matthew 13:55Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother called Mary, and his brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?
Matthew 26:14Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests
Matthew 26:25Judas, who betrayed him, answered, “It isn’t me, is it, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You said it.”
Matthew 26:47While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and…
Matthew 27:3Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, felt remorse, and brought back the thirty pieces of…