Daddeus
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Daddeus is a name that appears in some ancient Christian traditions and apocryphal writings, though it is not directly mentioned in the canonical texts of the Bible. The name is often associated with Thaddeus, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, also known as Judas son of James (Luke 6:16) or Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus (Matthew 10:3, KJV). The variations in names across different Gospel accounts have led to some confusion and conflation among early Christian writers and scholars.

Etymology and Name Variations

The name Daddeus is believed to be a variant of Thaddeus, which itself may derive from the Aramaic "Taddai," meaning "heart" or "breast." This etymological background suggests a person of warmth or courage, attributes fitting for an apostle of Christ. The name Thaddeus is sometimes interchanged with Judas, not to be confused with Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus. In some traditions, Daddeus is considered a distinct figure, though this is not supported by the canonical Gospels.

Role and Identity

In the New Testament, Thaddeus is listed among the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew (10:2-4) and the Gospel of Mark (3:16-19) include him in the list of apostles, though they do not provide specific details about his life or ministry. The Gospel of Luke (6:14-16) and the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 1:13) refer to him as Judas son of James, further complicating his identification.

Traditions and Apocryphal Accounts

Early Christian traditions and apocryphal texts provide additional insights into the life and ministry of Thaddeus, sometimes referred to as Daddeus. The "Acts of Thaddeus," an apocryphal work, describes his missionary journey to Edessa (modern-day Urfa, Turkey), where he is said to have healed King Abgar V and converted him to Christianity. This narrative, while not part of the canonical Scriptures, reflects the early church's efforts to document the apostolic missions and the spread of Christianity beyond Judea.

Legacy and Veneration

Thaddeus, often conflated with Daddeus in various traditions, is venerated as a saint in many Christian denominations. His feast day is celebrated on different dates, depending on the liturgical calendar of each tradition. In the Roman Catholic Church, he is commemorated on October 28th, alongside Saint Simon the Zealot. The Eastern Orthodox Church also honors him as one of the Seventy Apostles, a group of early disciples sent out by Jesus to preach the Gospel (Luke 10:1).

Conclusion

While the name Daddeus does not appear in the canonical Bible, its association with Thaddeus highlights the complexities of early Christian traditions and the transmission of apostolic history. The legacy of Thaddeus, as an apostle and missionary, continues to inspire believers and is a testament to the enduring impact of the early followers of Christ.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
DADDEUS

da-de'-us, the Revised Version (British and American); LODDEUS (Loddaios), which see.

Thesaurus
Daddeus
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia DADDEUS. da-de'-us, the Revised Version
(British and American); LODDEUS (Loddaios), which see. ...
/d/daddeus.htm - 6k

Loddeus
... lod-e'-us (Loddeus; Swete reads Laadaios with Doldaiosas variant in Codex Alexandrinus;
the King James Version Daddeus, Saddeus): The captain, who was in the ...
/l/loddeus.htm - 6k

Dacubi

/d/dacubi.htm - 6k

Daemon

/d/daemon.htm - 7k

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