Jannes and Jambres
In its own language: יניס וימבריס
from Hebrew Yannis and Yambres
Named Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses in biblical tradition
Jannes and Jambres are the names given to two Egyptian sorcerers mentioned in Jewish and Christian texts. They appear in the New Testament as opponents of Moses and figures associated with demonic forces.
- Names appear in 2 Timothy of the New Testament
- Linked to Belial and demonic brotherhoods
- Talismans protected them from angels
- Metatron cast them out of the fifth heaven
- Apocryphal book fragments found in Ethiopia
What it is
Jannes and Jambres are figures from Jewish and Christian literature identified as Egyptian magicians. The Tanakh mentions unnamed wise men and sorcerers who confronted Moses and Aaron. Later traditions assigned them specific names. In Latin manuscripts, they appear as Jamnes and Mambres. They represent a class of magical opponents to divine prophets.
Where it comes from
The names first appear clearly in the New Testament letter 2 Timothy. Origen noted an apocryphal book titled The Book of Jannes and Jambres. Fragments of this text survive in Greek papyri and an Ethiopic manuscript found in 2014. The Qumran community likely knew these names. Scholars suggest the tradition may stem from conflicts within Jewish communities during the second and first centuries BCE.
How it is done
Rabbinic lore describes their magical abilities. They used talismans to protect themselves from angels. Legends say they traveled to the Jewish world to come. Angels fought them but could not evict them due to their charms. Metatron eventually convinced them to remove their talismans and cast them out of heaven. They lost all memory of this event.
Tools and materials
They are described using rods that turned into serpents. Rabbinic texts mention potent talismans worn by the wizards. These objects protected them from spiritual forces. The talismans were crucial for their survival against heavenly beings.
Jannes and Jambres, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- biblical tradition
What it is for
In biblical accounts, they sought to oppose Moses and Pharaoh's will. Later texts link them to demonic powers. The Damascus Document states they were in league with Belial. Demonology texts list them as brothers of Satan or associates of other evil magicians. They symbolize resistance to divine authority.
Who does it
Scholars study these figures through ancient texts. The names appear in various religious writings. No living practitioners perform rites dedicated to them. They remain subjects of theological and historical analysis.
Peoples and places
Egyptian tradition identifies them as royal advisors. Jewish and Christian texts preserve their story. The Targums expand on their origins. Some legends claim they were sons of Balaam. Other stories say they converted to Judaism before dying during the Exodus.
At a glance: who, where and when
What people believe
Christian tradition views them as examples of false magic. They are associated with the devil and demons. Their defeat by Moses demonstrates the power of God over pagan sorcery. Rabbinic stories add layers of cosmic conflict involving angels and heavens.
When it is done
No specific festivals or holy days are tied to them. Their story is read during religious study of the Exodus narrative.
How scholars and sceptics see it
Researchers analyze the Apocryphon of Jannes and Jambres. Albert Pietersma edited Greek fragments. Richard Bauckman suggested influence on other parables. The names may reflect internal Jewish political struggles. The Qumran community used the names as analogies for false priests.
Cautions and what is closed
None reported. The figures are purely literary and theological constructs.
Compare and confuse
They are compared to Harut and Marut in Islamic tradition. Both pairs are named sorcerers. Modern films like The Ten Commandments depict them as court mages. Prince of Egypt uses characters based on them.
Questions people ask about Jannes and Jambres
Who were Jannes and Jambres?
They are named Egyptian magicians from Jewish and Christian tradition. They opposed Moses in the Exodus story. Their names appear in the New Testament and later apocryphal texts.
Where do their names come from?
The names derive from Hebrew words Yannis and Yambres. They appear in Latin as Jamnes and Mambres. The tradition is attested in ancient manuscripts and medieval literature.
Are they mentioned in the Bible?
Not by name in the Hebrew Bible. The New Testament mentions them by name. Rabbinic literature and apocryphal books provide more details about their deeds.
Good reading and sources
- Jannes and Jambres on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Jannes and Jambres", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.
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