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    Bible Name Meaning Tool

    Enter a name to see what it means in Scripture, the language it comes from, and the King James Version verses where it appears. 1,332 names searchable, free and without signup.

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    James

    Pronounced JAYMZ

    boy
    ✓ In the King James Bible — Yes — James appears in the King James Bible, including Acts 12:2.
    Meaning
    "Supplanter; He who follows"
    Origin
    Hebrew (Jacob)

    James is the English form of the Hebrew name Jacob, meaning "supplanter" or "he who follows." Two of Jesus' apostles bore this name — James the son of Zebedee (brother of John) and James the son of Alphaeus. Additionally, James the brother of Jesus became the leader of the Jerusalem church. James the son of Zebedee was part of Jesus' inner circle along with Peter and John, witnessing the Transfiguration and Jesus' agony in Gethsemane. He became the first apostle to be martyred, executed by King Herod Agrippa I. James the brother of Jesus authored the Epistle of James, one of the most practical books of the New Testament. His teaching that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:26) has shaped Christian understanding of authentic faith for two millennia.

    Spiritual meaning

    James reminds us that authentic faith produces visible fruit. His call to be 'doers of the word, and not hearers only' challenges every believer to live out their convictions.

    Related verses (KJV)

    Full page for James

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    Questions about biblical name meanings

    How do I find the biblical meaning of a name?

    Type the name into the search box above. The tool returns the Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, or Latin root behind the name, its literal meaning, and the King James Version passages where it appears.

    Does every name have a biblical meaning?

    No. Many modern Christian names never appear in Scripture, and some popular 'biblical meanings' circulating online are inaccurate. Where a name is thematic rather than scriptural, we say so plainly instead of inventing a verse for it.

    Which Bible translation do the verses come from?

    The King James Version. It is public domain in the United States, so the text can be quoted and shared freely.

    How can I tell whether a name is actually in the Bible?

    Each result distinguishes a name that appears in the KJV from a later Christian or thematic name. Related verses explain a theme; they are not presented as proof that a modern name occurs in Scripture.

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