Bible Dictionary
JUDAS, JUDA
Judas or Juda is a name shared by several biblical persons, including an ancestor of Jesus, a brother of Jesus, an apostle, Judas Iscariot, Judas of Galilee, Judas of Damascus, and Judas Barsabbas.
Definition
Judas or Juda was a common personal name borne by several biblical figures, including an ancestor of Jesus, a brother of Jesus, an apostle, Judas Iscariot, Judas of Galilee, Judas of Damascus, and Judas Barsabbas.
Biblical Usage
The New Testament uses the name for several distinct persons. The apostle not called Iscariot is generally identified with Lebbaeus and Thaddaeus and is also called Judas of James.
Historical Background
The name appears in variant forms, including Juda, Judas, and Jude. One Judas in Damascus hosted Paul on Straight Street, but nothing further is known of him.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(1) The name of an ancestor of Jesus (Lu 3:30). In the King James Version it occurs also in Lu 3:26, but the Revised Version (British and American) has "Joda" (Westcott-Hort, Ioda).</p><p>(2) Judas Iscariot (see separate article).</p><p>(3) One of the brothers of Jesus (Mt 13:55; Mr 6:3).</p><p>See JUDE.</p><p>(4) An apostle, "not Iscariot" (Joh 14:22). He is generally identified with Lebbaeus (Mt 10:3) and Thaddeus (Mr 3:18). See LEBBAEUS; THADDAEUS. He is called JUDAS OF JAMES (which see) (Lu 6:16; Ac 1:13), which means "the son of James" not (the King James Version) "the brother of James."</p><p>(5) A Galilean who stirred up rebellion "in the days of the enrollment" (Ac 5:37).</p><p>See JUDAS OF GALILEE.</p><p>(6) One with whom Paul lodged in Damascus, whose house was in "the street which is called Straight" (Ac 9:11). Nothing further is known of him. A house is pointed out as his, in a lane off the Straight Street.</p><p>(7) Judas Barsabbas (Ac 15:22,27,32; see separate article).</p><p>S. F. Hunter</p>