Jannes
Summary
Two Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses before Pharaoh, named in Jewish tradition and mentioned by Paul as examples of those who resist the truth.
☩Biblical Reference
Paul mentions Jannes and Jambres in his letter to Timothy as examples of those who 'withstood Moses' and whose folly eventually became manifest to all. Although their names do not appear in the Old Testament, they are identified in Jewish tradition as the magicians who opposed Moses by attempting to duplicate his miracles before Pharaoh through their enchantments. Paul likely knew these names from Jewish oral tradition or from the 'unwritten teaching of the Jews,' as Theodoret expressed it.
☩Jewish and Ancient Traditions
Jewish tradition identifies Jannes and Jambres (also spelled Mambres) as sons of Balaam, though this creates obvious chronological difficulties. Various accounts claim they accompanied Balaam to the king of Moab, joined the mixed multitude at the Exodus, instigated the making of the golden calf, or perished in the Red Sea. The Pythagorean philosopher Numenius and Pliny both mention these magicians, showing the tradition was known beyond Jewish circles. An apocryphal book about them was condemned by Pope Gelasius.
☩Name Etymology
Jannes may be derived from the Egyptian name Annu, or possibly a corruption of Johannes (John). Jambres (also Mambres) is thought to derive from an Aramaic root meaning 'to oppose' or 'rebel,' with the meaning 'he who opposes.' The names may have been applied symbolically to mean 'oppressor' and 'rebellious one.'
Related Verses1 mention
2 Timothy· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Jannes," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Jannes and Jambres," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Jannes and Jambres," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).