3002. Lebbaios

Lexical Summary

Lebbaios: Lebbaeus

Original Word: Λεββαῖος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Lebbaios
Pronunciation: leb-bah'-yos
Phonetic Spelling: (leb-bah'-yos)
KJV: Lebbaeus
Word Origin: [of uncertain origin]

1. Lebbaeus, a Christian

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Lebbaeus.

Of uncertain origin; Lebbaeus, a Christian -- Lebbaeus.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
variant reading for Thaddaios, q.v.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3002: Λεββαῖος

Λεββαῖος, see Θαδδαῖος.

Topical Lexicon

Overview

Λεββαῖος (Lebbaeus) designates one of the original Twelve Apostles. Although the form itself does not appear in the commonly used critical Greek text, reliable early manuscripts of Matthew 10:3 read “Lebbaeus whose surname was Thaddaeus.” The name is semitic in origin, denoting “heart-child” or “courageous,” and is understood as an affectionate cognomen. When modern English versions follow the shorter Alexandrian text, “Thaddaeus” or “Judas son of James” stands in its place; nonetheless, the historical individual remains singular, not three separate men.

Identity in the Synoptic Lists

• Matthew 10:3 records the pair “James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus,” with important witnesses expanding the verse to “Lebbaeus, surnamed Thaddaeus.”
• Mark 3:18 also presents “Thaddaeus,” grouping him with James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot.
• Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13 supply “Judas son of James,” a relational description clarifying lineage and distinguishing this apostle from Judas Iscariot.

A straightforward harmonization recognizes that “Lebbaeus” was his familiar Aramaic nickname, “Thaddaeus” another nickname or Hellenized form, and “Judas” his given name. In first-century Judaism multiple titles were common (compare John 11:16; Acts 1:23), so Scripture speaks consistently when understood in that cultural light.

Textual Variants and Canonical Reliability

The longer Matthean reading enjoyed broad use in the Christian East and was enshrined in the Textus Receptus and early English Bibles. Later discoveries of shorter Alexandrian witnesses led critical editors to bracket “Lebbaeus.” Whether one adopts the longer or shorter reading, no doctrinal or historical conflict arises: all extant variants refer to the same apostle. The absence of 3002 in the UBS/NA apparatus therefore reflects editorial choice, not historical doubt.

Relation to Judas Son of James

Luke distinguishes “Judas son of James” from “Judas Iscariot” by adding a patronymic. John likewise clarifies, “Judas (not Iscariot)” (John 14:22). The conversation recorded that night reveals a thoughtful disciple concerned about Jesus’ self-revelation:

“Lord, why are You going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?” (John 14:22).

The question demonstrates spiritual sensitivity and prepares the way for Jesus’ teaching on love-obedience and Trinitarian indwelling (John 14:23-26). Thus Lebbaeus/Judas serves as a catalyst for one of the fullest Trinitarian statements in the Gospels.

Distinctiveness among the Twelve

1. Paired with James son of Alphaeus in every listing, suggesting shared ministry routes.
2. Mentioned without censure, implicitly faithful through the crucifixion and resurrection.
3. Present in the upper room prayer meeting awaiting Pentecost (Acts 1:13-14).
4. Contributes indirectly to Johannine theology through his recorded inquiry.

Post-Resurrection Ministry (Early Traditions)

While Scripture is silent after Acts 1, early Christian writers place his evangelistic labors variously in:
• Edessa of Mesopotamia (Doctrine of Addai), where he reputedly healed King Abgar.
• Syria, Phoenicia, and Arabia (Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History 2.9.1).
• Persia and beyond, culminating in martyrdom—either by arrows or club, fitting the “courageous heart” implied in his nickname.

These traditions, though not canonical, underscore the breadth of apostolic witness promised in Acts 1:8.

Theological Themes Highlighted by Lebbaeus

• Christ’s Self-Disclosure – His inquiry in John 14 elicits teaching that divine manifestation is tied to obedient love (John 14:21,23).
• Trinitarian Ministry – Jesus’ answer includes promise of the Helper and Father-Son co-presence.
• Apostolic Humility – Bearing multiple lesser-known names, he serves quietly yet decisively, illustrating that prominence in Scripture is not equivalent to importance in God’s economy.

Spiritual Application

Lebbaeus encourages believers who labor without public acclaim. His single recorded question shaped foundational doctrine, reminding the Church that sincere inquiry, offered in faith, advances understanding for generations. The blending of courage (“heart-child”) and tenderness models pastoral boldness tempered by love (Ephesians 4:15).

Summary

Λεββαῖος, also called Thaddaeus and Judas son of James, stands as a unified witness to Christ in the Gospel records, a faithful participant at Pentecost, and—by early testimony—a missionary to the East. The name’s textual obscurity in modern editions does not diminish the apostle’s historical reality or spiritual legacy. His life and question invite every disciple to seek fuller revelation of the Lord and to carry that light to the world.

Englishman's Concordance

λατρεύωμεν — 1 Occ.
λατρεῦον — 1 Occ.
λατρεύοντα — 1 Occ.
λατρεύοντας — 1 Occ.
λατρεύοντες — 2 Occ.
λατρεύουσα — 1 Occ.
λατρεύουσιν — 2 Occ.
λατρεύσεις — 2 Occ.
λατρεύσουσίν — 2 Occ.
λάχανα — 1 Occ.
λάχανον — 1 Occ.
Λεγιὼν — 2 Occ.
λεγιῶνα — 1 Occ.
λεγιῶνας — 1 Occ.
εἶπα — 3 Occ.
εἶπαν — 95 Occ.
εἶπας — 8 Occ.
εἴπατε — 14 Occ.
εἰπάτω — 1 Occ.
εἰπάτωσαν — 1 Occ.