Jambres
TextsWhat is the meaning of Jambres in the Bible?
Jambres is a name found in 2 Timothy 3:8, identifying an individual associated with the Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses, likely derived from extrabiblical Jewish traditions such as the Book of Jasher or later rabbinic literature.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Jambres as a figure from extra-biblical tradition clarifies the author's use of cultural archetypes to characterize false teachers as obstinate and morally corrupt, mirroring the hardness of Pharaoh's court.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Jambres functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Jambres in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Jambres clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
2 Timothy 3:8
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Jambres." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/jambres/