Lexical Definition

‎Ἰαννῆς‎ Iannēs (ee-an-nace') Jannes ^N:N-M-P
of Egyptian origin

Jannes.

• Jannes, an Egyptian

Abbott-Smith

Ἰαννῆς, ὁ,
Jannes (cf. Ἰαμβρῆς): II Ti 3:8.†

Abbott-Smith References

Profile

Male • Egyptian magician who opposed Moses

Man living at the time of the New Testament

Jannes was an Egyptian magician who, along with Jambres, opposed Moses.

• A man living at the time of the New Testament, only mentioned at 2Ti.3.8;
• only referred to as Jannes Ἰαννῆς.

Jannes is mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:8 as one of two Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses during the events of the Exodus. Along with Jambres, Jannes is said to have resisted Moses, likely referring to the magicians' attempts to duplicate the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron before Pharaoh (Exodus 7-8). Although not named in the Old Testament, Jewish tradition identified these two magicians and passed down their names. Paul's use of these names in 2 Timothy suggests that the story of Jannes and Jambres was well-known among his audience and served as an example of those who resist the truth. The text does not provide any further details about Jannes' life or the extent of his opposition to Moses.

All entries for Jannes: Ἰαννῆς