Jannes Ἰαννῆς
Egyptian magician who opposed Moses
Who is Jannes in the Bible?
Jannes was an Egyptian magician who opposed Moses during the Exodus, mentioned by name in 2 Timothy 3:8. Along with his counterpart Jambres, Jannes attempted to duplicate the miraculous signs that Moses and Aaron performed before Pharaoh, as described in Exodus 7-8, though the magicians are not named in the Old Testament account itself. Jewish tradition preserved the names of these two magicians, and Paul referenced them to illustrate the pattern of people who resist God's truth, using their example to warn Timothy about those who oppose sound doctrine. Their significance lies in representing human opposition to divine power and in serving as a cautionary example of spiritual resistance in early Christian teaching.
Biography
Jannes is mentioned in 2Ti.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.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study content2 Timothy 1 verse
- 2 Timothy 3:8
"Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith."
Study 2 Timothy →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ἰαννῆς |