Λεββαῖος
Lebbaîos
G3002
SILEX Entry
Definition
A personal name used for a follower of Jesus in early Christian texts. The primary lexical sense is that of an individual name rather than a term with standalone semantic meaning. In the New Testament, specifically Matthew 10:3 (in some manuscripts), it is employed as the name of one of the Twelve, distinct from Simon, Andrew, etc. The term does not carry an inherent lexical meaning apart from its use as a proper noun but may reflect an underlying Semitic root conveying nuances such as 'heart' or 'courageous' if its etymology is correctly surmised. The semantic range is strictly as a personal name in Greek texts of the period.
Semantic Range
personal name of a disciple; alternate/nickname for one of the Twelve; strictly used as a proper noun in Christian texts
Root / Etymology
Etymology uncertain. The name Λεββαῖος may be derived from a Semitic root: compare Aramaic לב (lev, 'heart'), and by extension, possibly 'hearty' or 'courageous.' Alternative suggestions include derivation from a hypocoristic (affectionate or diminutive) form of such roots, but no consensus is established. The Greek form appears to represent a transliteration rather than a native Greek term.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Λεββαῖος is found in some manuscript traditions of Matthew 10:3 as the name of one of the Twelve, elsewhere called Θαδδαῖος (Thaddaios). The name's attestation is confined to early Greek Christian literature; it does not appear in earlier Greek sources or broader Greco-Roman contexts, reinforcing its likely Semitic origin. English translations typically render Λεββαῖος simply as 'Lebbaeus,' following the Greek, without further interpretive gloss. This approach reflects the lack of independent lexical meaning apart from its use as a personal name. The variation in manuscript traditions (Lebbaeus vs. Thaddaeus or Judas [of James]) highlights the complexities of naming and identity in early Christian circles, with 'Lebbaeus' likely functioning as a nickname or alternative name.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of uncertain origin; Lebbæus, a Christian:--Lebbæus.
Root Family
uncertain (bótrys) — proper name, personal name
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G1009 | βότρυς | clusters |
| G1050 | Γάϊος | to Gaius |
| G1055 | γαλήνη | calm stillness |
| G108 | Ἄζωτος | Ashdod |
| G1148 | Δαλμανουθά | of Dalmanoutha |
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.