Ἰάκωβος
Iakōbos
James
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word Ἰάκωβος (Iakōbos) is identified by Strong's number G2385I. Its short definition simply translates to "James," indicating it is a proper noun, referring to a specific person. As a proper name, its meaning is tied to the individual it represents, rather than conveying an abstract concept or idea. The word occurs 15 times in the Bible, suggesting its significance is substantial, but not universal or pervasive. Its limited occurrence implies it is often used in a specific context, likely referring to an individual well known within the community or culture of the time. Despite its limited range, the use of Ἰάκωβος serves to ground narrative or historical events in a personal element, making them more relatable and tangible. In terms of cultural or historical significance, the repeated use of this name may allude to the importance or prominence of the individual it represents within ancient Jewish or Early Christian communities. Without more information, however, it is impossible to determine the specific role or influence of James among the other occurrences in the text.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
15 total occurrences across the text
Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother called Mary, and his brothers, James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?
Matthew 27:56Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
Mark 6:3Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judah, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” They were offended at him.
Mark 16:1When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint him.
Mark 15:40There were also women watching from afar, among whom were both Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
Luke 24:10Now they were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. The other women with them told these things to the apostles.
Acts 12:17But he, beckoning to them with his hand to be silent, declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. He said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place.
Acts 15:13After they were silent, James answered, “Brothers, listen to me.
Acts 21:18The day following, Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present.
1 Corinthians 15:7Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles,
Galatians 1:19But of the other apostles I saw no one except James, the Lord’s brother.
Galatians 2:9and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, those who were reputed to be pillars, gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision.
Galatians 2:12For before some people came from James, he ate with the Gentiles. But when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.
James 1:1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are in the Dispersion: Greetings.
Jude 1:1Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: