2387. Iambrés

Lexical Summary

Iambrés: Jambres

Original Word: Ἰαμβρῆς
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Iambrés
Pronunciation: ee-am-BRAYS
Phonetic Spelling: (ee-am-brace')
KJV: Jambres
NASB: Jambres
Word Origin: [of Egyptian origin]

1. Jambres, an Egyptian

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Jambres.

Of Egyptian origin; Jambres, an Egyptian -- Jambres.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
Jambres, an Eg. sorcerer
NASB Translation
Jambres (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2387: Ἰαμβρῆς

Ἰαμβρῆς, ὁ, and ὁ Ἰάννης (cf. Buttmann, 20 (18)), Jambres (for which the Vulg. seems to have read Μαμβρης, as in the Babylonian Talmud tract. Menach c. 9 in the Gemara; cf. Buxtorf, Lex. Talm., p. 945f (p. 481f, Fischer edition)), and Jannes, two Egyptian magicians who in the presence of Pharaoh imitated the miracles of Aaron in order to destroy his influence with the king: 2 Timothy 3:8 (cf. Exodus 7:11f). The author of the Epistle derived their names from the tradition of the Talmudists and the rabbis (cf. B. D. article Jannes and Jambres). These Magi are mentioned not only in the tract of the Babyl. Talmud just referred to, but also in the Targ. of Jonath. on Exodus 7:11; the book Sohar on Numbers 22:22; Numenius περί ταγαθου in Origen contra Celsus 4, 51; Eusebius, praep. evang. 9, 8; Evang. Nicod. c. 5, and other writings enumerated by Thilo in his Cod. apocr., p. 552f; (and Wetstein on 2 Timothy, the passage cited; Holtzmann ibid., p. 140f).

Topical Lexicon

Name and Identification

Jambres is remembered in Scripture as one of the two Egyptian magicians who resisted Moses before Pharaoh. His name appears a single time in the Greek New Testament (2 Timothy 3:8). Jewish tradition pairs him with Jannes, identifying them as leading sorcerers in Pharaoh’s court during the Exodus plagues (Exodus 7–9).

Biblical Occurrence

2 Timothy 3:8: “Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, disqualified from the faith.”

Paul cites Jannes and Jambres to illustrate the character of false teachers infiltrating the church. Their ancient opposition to Moses typifies New Covenant opponents of apostolic truth.

Old Testament Background

While Exodus does not name the magicians, it describes their confrontation with Moses and Aaron:
• Exodus 7:11–12 – They duplicate the sign of the staff-serpent, yet Aaron’s staff swallows theirs.
• Exodus 7:22; 8:7 – They imitate the first two plagues but cannot remove them.
• Exodus 8:18–19 – Their power fails at the plague of gnats, compelling them to confess, “This is the finger of God.”

Tradition (Targum Pseudo-Jonathan, Babylonian Talmud Menahoth 85a, and the lost Jewish work Janes and Jambres) supplies the names Jannes and Jambres, which Paul assumes Timothy will recognize.

Historical Background in Jewish Tradition

1. They are portrayed as sons of Balaam or as renegade Israelites who later joined the Exodus, per rabbinic sources.
2. Extrabiblical accounts depict them as highly respected occultists whose secret knowledge was ultimately powerless against the divine acts performed through Moses.
3. Some second-century Christian writers (e.g., Origen, Ambrose) also repeat the tradition, reinforcing its currency in early church circles.

Thematic Significance in Scripture

Resistance to God’s revelation – Jambres personifies the recurring pattern of human pride that sets itself against the clear word and work of God (Romans 1:18; Acts 13:8).

Counterfeit spirituality – His feats were impressive yet limited, exposing the impotence of magical arts before divine sovereignty (Exodus 8:18).

Hard-heartedness – Like Pharaoh, Jambres’ heart remained unyielding until judgment rendered him silent (Exodus 9:11).

Warning to leaders – Paul’s appeal shows that ancient rebellion foreshadows doctrinal corruption in the church age, urging vigilance (2 Timothy 3:1–9).

Lessons for Ministry

• Discernment: Not all displays of power validate truth. Miraculous-looking opposition must be weighed against scriptural revelation (Matthew 24:24; 1 John 4:1).
• Confidence: Just as Moses prevailed, the gospel will triumph over every counterfeit (2 Corinthians 10:4–5).
• Perseverance: Faithful servants should expect resistance comparable in spirit to that of Jambres and remain steadfast (Hebrews 10:36).

Relation to Opponents of Truth

Jambres stands among biblical exemplars of resisting God—like Balaam (Numbers 22), Korah (Numbers 16), and Elymas (Acts 13:8–11). Together they illustrate a continuum of hostility that finds its ultimate defeat in Christ’s victory (Colossians 2:15).

New Testament Theological Emphasis

Paul employs Jambres to clarify that:

1. False teachers mimic truth yet corrupt it.
2. Their intellectual brilliance cannot overturn God’s word.
3. Their end is exposure and failure (“they will not advance much further,” 2 Timothy 3:9).

Practical Applications for Believers

• Anchor convictions in Scripture rather than charisma or novelty.
• Recognize that cultural or intellectual prestige does not equal spiritual authority.
• Pray for discernment and courage to confront error graciously but firmly (Jude 3).

Summary

Jambres, though mentioned only once by name, serves as a timeless symbol of counterfeit wisdom and spiritual opposition. His defeat before Moses prefigures the inevitable downfall of every assault on God’s truth. Paul’s invocation of Jambres equips the church to identify, withstand, and ultimately overcome contemporary manifestations of the same rebellious spirit.

Forms and Transliterations

Ιαμβρης Ἰαμβρῆς ιαμείν ιαμίν Iambres Iambrês Iambrēs Iambrē̂s

Englishman's Concordance

2 Timothy 3:8 N-NMS
GRK: Ἰαννῆς καὶ Ἰαμβρῆς ἀντέστησαν Μωυσεῖ
NAS: as Jannes and Jambres opposed
KJV: Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses,
INT: Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses

Strong's Greek 2387
1 Occurrence

Ἰαμβρῆς — 1 Occ.