Jacinth ὑάκινθος. It is associated in Rev. 9:17 with fire and brimstone, perhaps because of its reflecting the flashes. Rev. 21:20. The Greek word signifies the flower hyacinth, as well as a gem. It occurs in the LXX in Exodus 25:4; 26:1, etc. but is translated blue. {See “Chalcedony.”}
Jacob, supplanter. The Patriarch, mentioned in connection with Abraham and Isaac, as when the Lord declared that God was not the God of the dead but of the living, because it had been said to Moses that God was their God. Matt. 22:32; Mark 12:26; Luke 20:37. Jacob is also spoken of as an instance of God’s sovereignty – God had loved Jacob, but had hated Esau. Rom. 9:13. He was the Jew, outcast from home and country, and under the governmental dealing and discipline of God. In some respects, Jacob also typifies the Lord, as in his marriage with Leah and Rachel. Name occurs, including it as applied to the nation, about 370 times in the Scriptures. Gen. 25.
Jairus Ruler of the synagogue, whose daughter Jesus raised from the dead. Mark 5:22; Luke 8:41.
James
1. Son of Zebedee, one of the twelve apostles. Matt. 4:21; 10:2; Mark 1:19; 3:17. He was brother of John, probably an elder brother by being always named first. He and his brother were termed “Sons of Thunder” {see Boanerges}. The two brothers and Peter seem to have been chosen by the Lord to a kind of first place. See Mark 5:37; 9:2; 14:33. James was killed with the sword by Herod Agrippa I. about A.D. 44. Acts 12:2. He may be alluded to in 1 Cor. 15:7.
2. Son of Alphaeus, one of the twelve apostles. Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13. These are the only passages where with certainty this apostle is alluded to by name; but in the Acts we find a James at Jerusalem holding a sort of first place, and saying at the conference “My sentence is,” Acts 15:19, which naturally points him out as an apostle, and who could that be but James, the son of Alphaeus, Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18; Gal. 2:9? The same is doubtless the writer of the Epistle bearing his name; and he also appears to have been the brother of Jude. Luke 6:16; Jude 1.
3. The Lord’s brother. He could not have been an apostle, for we read distinctly, “neither did His brethren believe in Him.” John 7:5. In Gal. 1:19 he is found at Jerusalem; but is there doubtless called the Lord’s brother to distinguish him from the James that was referred to as usually being at Jerusalem, and named in Gal. 2:9. In Gal. 1:19 the words do not necessarily imply, according to the learned, that James, the Lord’s brother, was an apostle. Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3.
4. The Less, also mentioned simply as James. Mark 15:40; Matt. 27:56; Luke 24:10. These are only mentioned to point out their mother, named Mary. James and Joses being common names — the Lord having brothers of the same name. There is no means of otherwise identifying James the Less.
Jangling talking. 1 Tim. 1:6.
Jannes and Jambres These, according to ancient Jewish tradition, were the chief of the Egyptian magicians, who were allowed by God to imitate, to a certain extent, the wonders wrought by Moses. 2 Tim. 3:8-9.
Jason
1. A kinsman of Paul. Rom. 16:21.
2. One attacked because of his connection with the apostle at Thessalonica. Acts 17:5-9.
Jasper ἴασπις. A variety of quartz, non-transparent, of various colours. It occurs in the LXX in Exodus 28:18; 36:18; 39:13; Isaiah 54:12; Ezekiel 28:13. Symbol of divine glory displayed. Rev. 4:3; 21:11,18. {See “Chalcedony.”}
Jehoahaz [whom] the Lord holdeth.
1. He reigned seventeen years over Israel. Another wicked king, but in an extremity he “besought the Lord.” During this reign the royal power was greatly curtailed by the incursions of the Syrians. 2 Kings 13.
2. He reigned three months over Judah. This bad king’s reign was brought to an abrupt termination by the king of Egypt, who deposed him, sending him in chains to Egypt, and making Judea a tributary province. 2 Chron. 36.
Jehoash [whom] the Lord has given, or Joash, the Lord is gathering together.
1. He reigned forty years over Judah. This youthful monarch walked well when counselled by Jehoiada, the priest, but on his death, the princes of Judah aided the king in the affairs of the state, and both king and kingdom thereby suffered. Slain by his servants. 2 Chron. 24.
2. He reigned sixteen years over Israel. A brave king, but one of the many who trod in the steps of wicked Jeroboam, the founder of the kingdom. This monarch’s touching appeal to the dying Elisha, is really beautiful, and displays the feelings of a heart not wholly turned aside from God. 2 Kings 13.
Jehoiachin may the Lord establish [him]. He reigned three months and ten days over Judah. A wicked king, deposed and taken captive to Babylon for thirty-seven years; afterward released from his long imprisonment and raised to dignity. 2 Chron. 36.
Jehoiakim may the Lord establish [him]. He reigned eleven years over Judah. A wicked king, seated on the throne by the king of Egypt, and deposed by the king of Babylon. 2 Chron. 36.
Jehoram the Lord is exalted. (or Joram)
1. He reigned eight years over Judah. This was a wicked king, a murderer and an idolater, walked in the ways of wicked Israel, and died unlamented, besides being denied a grave in the sepulchre of the king. 2 Chron. 21.
2. He reigned twelve years over Israel. This was another bad king who walked in the idolatrous courses of Jeroboam, and followed his mother — Jezebel’s wicked ways. Baal worship, to which his father, Ahab, was so warmly addicted, was to some extent, at least, put down, although other forms of idolatry were practiced. 2 Kings 9.
Jehoshaphat [whom] the Lord judges. He reigned twenty-five years over Judah. Under the reign of this pious monarch, who walked in the godly ways of his father, the kingdom was greatly blessed. The commandments of the Lord, and not the ways of Judah, were the guide of his conduct and ways. 2 Chron. 20.
Jehu He [is] Jehovah. He reigned twenty-eight years over Israel. The stern destroyer of the house of Ahab, and zealous uprooter of Baal worship; he afterward, himself turned to idolatry, and worshipped the calves set up by Jeroboam. 2 Kings 10.
Jeremiah exalted of the Lord. Christ buying the earthly inheritance in presence of the world’s hostile power (Matt. 13:44), and Christ weeping and lamenting over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-42) is figured in the “Lamentations” of the same Prophet. Name occurs about 140 times, and only in the Old Testament. Jer. 32.
Jericho A city about fifteen miles N.E. of Jerusalem, and five miles from the Jordan. Matt. 20:29; Mark 10:46; Luke 10:30; 18:35; 19:1; Heb. 11:30. In N.T. times, after having been burnt down, it was restored with great splendor by Archelaus. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho is still at times unsafe. It is some 1,800 feet below Jerusalem, being a more or less steep descent all the way. The miserable village of Riha is sometimes called Jericho; but this is a mile and a half from where ancient Jericho is believed to have stood.
Jeroboam [whose] people is numerous.
1. He reigned forty-one years over Israel. This king followed in the steps of his namesake — the first king of Israel, but the Lord pitying the infliction of His people, used Jeroboam greatly in restoring the northern coasts of the kingdom according to the prophecy of Jonah. A brave and warlike monarch. 2 Kings 14.
2. He reigned twenty-two years over Israel. The kingdom established on idolatry, and a vile priesthood instituted. Jeroboam was a noted idolater, and gave character to the after history of the kingdom. 1 Kings 14.
Jesus
1. The Greek form of “Joshua.” Acts 7:45; Heb. 4:8.
2. A disciple at Rome, also called Justus. Col. 4:11.
Jesus the Lord Jesus was the personal name of the Lord as a man. Matt. 1:21. It signifies Jehovah the Saviour. He was born of the Virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit (verse 20). Of His childhood we read that He waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him. At the age of twelve years He was found in the temple, sitting among the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions: doubtless He also taught without as yet seeming to teach, for they were astonished at His understanding and His answers. He was thus about His Father’s business; but He went to Nazareth, and was subject to His parents: the two things being beautifully combined. For the next eighteen years we know only that He increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. When He began to be about thirty years of age, He came forth, was baptized by John, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Then He was tempted of the devil. Being announced by John as the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, He began His ministry. It consisted chiefly in preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing diseases of every kind, casting out the demons, and raising the dead. He fulfilled the O.T. Scriptures that spoke of what Messiah would do. The Lord was here also for another purpose, namely, to save souls; as many as received Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God. He revealed God to them as Father, gave them eternal life, and by the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost they became as one body, united to the Lord in glory as the Head of the church. He was the second Man and the last Adam, being Head, as it were, of a new race in His saints, who were delivered from their old standing in Adam, and in new creation given a new standing in Christ. From the first He was refused by the leaders of Israel: “His own received Him not.” Still a few were gathered to Him, of whom He chose twelve apostles. After a ministry of about three years and a half, the time had arrived, according to the counsels of God, for Jesus to be offered up as a sacrifice for sin. In the garden of Gethsemane He was in the deepest anguish at the prospect of bearing sin, and asked if it were possible the cup might pass from Him, but bowed to His Father’s will. He was arrested, and crucified: His blood was shed, by which redemption was accomplished. On the third day He rose from the dead; breathed into the apostles the Spirit and power of life; and after appearing several times to many witnesses, He ascended to heaven. That the Lord Jesus was God as well as man is clearly proved in Scripture, both by direct statement and by His works: for He accomplished what no mere man could do, such as casting out demons, raising the dead, forgiving sins, reading the thoughts of men, and by raising Himself from the dead. The Lord Jesus being God as well as man, there is necessarily a mystery enshrouding His Person that is beyond man’s grasp: we are told that no man knoweth the Son but the Father, and no one knoweth who the Son is but the Father. This should be no stumbling block, but should call forth reverence, adoration, and worship.
Jewels.
1. A symbol of our preciousness to God.
2. A symbol of marks of Divine favour. Mal. 3:17; Ezek. 16:17; Isa. 61:10.
Jewry, (Luke 23:5; John 7:1) Merely another, and an incorrect name for Judaea.
Jews This term was not used until after the division of the ten tribes from the two, 2 Kings 16:6, and is supposed to be derived from “Judah,” the chief of the two tribes, in distinction from “Israel,” the name given to the ten tribes. Those who returned from the captivity were of the two tribes, and these, with any of the ten tribes who may have been left in the land or have returned and dwelt in Canaan are called “Jews.” The Lord is called “King of the Jews,” and He said, “Salvation is of the Jews.” But the name of “Israel” is also used: the elders are called “the elders of Israel” or the “elders of the Jews.” John showed himself to Israel; the Lord said He had not found such faith in Israel, etc. Thus it appears that the term “Israel” is often used as if there had been no division of the tribes. The Lord said He was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. It is also used in the sense of those “privileged of God,” as all are not Israel that are of Israel. Nathanael was declared to be truly an Israelite in whom was no guile. In John’s Gospel “the Jews” refer to those in Judaea in distinction from “the people” who gathered to the feasts from other parts. In the Revelation (Rev. 2:9; 3:9) some in the church falsely claim to be Jews (symbolical of privileged persons), who are really of the synagogue of Satan: such as they who seek to Judaize Christianity, and to assimilate Christian worship to forms and ceremonies.
Jezebel no habitation. See her character in the Old Testament, where she is called an “accursed woman.” Symbolical of a wicked and seductive spirit that led into idolatry. Rev. 2:20. Idolatrous religious system leagued with the Apostate civil power in the closing days. Name occurs about 23 times in the Scriptures. 1 Kings 16.
Joab Jehovah-father. Craft; boldness. Type of a clever, cunning man of the world. Name occurs about 140 times, and only in the Old Testament. 2 Sam. 2.
Joanna Wife of Chuza, steward of Herod Agrippa; she had been cured of some infirmity, and ministered to the Lord of her property. She was honoured by being one who carried to the disciples the news of His resurrection. Luke 8:3; 24:10.
Job treated with hostility. Self and human righteousness withered up by the hand and in the presence of God. Name occurs about 60 times in the Scriptures. Job 1.
John the Apostle The son of Zebedee and brother of James. He was a fisherman before being called to be an apostle. He was one of the three who were with the Lord on the mount of transfiguration and on other occasions. He called himself the “one whom Jesus loved,” and at the last Passover he leaned on Jesus’ bosom. He and James were called “Sons of Thunder” {see Boanerges}; but except in uniting with his brother in asking if they should call down fire from heaven (Luke 9:54), he appears to have been of a loving and lovable spirit. The Lord at His crucifixion committed His mother to John’s care. He was the writer of the Gospel and Epistles bearing his name and of the Revelation. As to his after life, tradition and legends add much. We know he was in the Isle of Patmos; it is said that he had to work in the mines there, but was liberated and went to Ephesus, where he had previously laboured. An interesting story is related of a convert having fallen away and become the head of a band of robbers, John went after him, and on being captured by the robbers demanded to see their captain, and was the means of melting his heart into contrition and restoring him to the Lord and to His saints.
John the Baptist The forerunner of Christ; he was the son of Zacharias and Elisabeth, born to them in their old age, both of whom were of the tribe of Levi. His name was fixed by Gabriel, and he was a Nazarite from his birth. Of his early life we know nothing; his ministry was carried on in the wilderness, and he was clothed in camel’s hair, and ate locusts and wild honey. His baptism was to repentance, and his mission was to prepare the way for the Messiah, though it extended to proclaiming Jesus as the true light that lighteth every man, and as the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. In one sense he was the Elijah who was to usher in the coming of the Lord, and in another sense he was not, because Jesus was not accepted by Israel as the Messiah. He was declared to be the greatest born of women, and yet the least in the kingdom of heaven was greater than he, because of the new place such would be in. His faithfulness in rebuking Herod Antipas for his sin led to his imprisonment and ultimately to his death. While in prison his faith seems to have failed, for he sent to ask if Jesus was the coming one, or were they to look for another. The Lord in reply pointed to His works, which showed that He was the true Messiah.
John
1. One of the council in Acts 4:6.
2. The nephew of Barnabas, whose surname was Mark. {See Mark.}
Jona The father of Peter, John 1:42; see Matthew 16:17. In John 21:15 he is called Jonas; the Greek is the same.
Jonah, Jonas dove. Referred to in the N.T. as a type of the Lord, being three days and three nights “in the heart of the earth.” No other sign was to be given to the nation that had rejected Him who was “greater than Jonah.” Matt. 12:39-41; 16:4; Luke 11:29-32. A picture of Israel cast out amongst the Gentiles. Name occurs about 30 times in the Scriptures. Jonah 1.
Jonathan [whom] the Lord hath given. The future Jewish remnant cleaving to Christ during the reign of Antichrist. Name occurs about 100 times, and only in the Old Testament. 1 Sam. 14.
Joppa A sea-port town in the Mediterranean, N.W. of Jerusalem; it is the nearest port to that city, but has no safe landing place. This is where Peter had the vision of the sheet from heaven, to prepare him for visiting Cornelius. Acts 9:36; 11:13. Its population is about 5,000, of which 1,000 are nominal Christians. Its modern name is Yaffa or Jaffa. A railway now runs from Jaffa to Jerusalem.
Joseph
1. The Patriarch. John 4:5; Acts 7:9-18; Heb. 11:21-22; Rev. 7:8.
2. The husband of Mary He was “of the house and lineage of David,” and a just man; he followed the instructions from heaven, and sought the safety of the Lord when a babe. He was a carpenter by trade, but all Jews learned a trade, so that this does not tell us his position in life. At the presentation at Jerusalem they offered two turtle doves, which was the offering of the poor. John 6:42 is the latest mention we have of Joseph; it is supposed he died early, for Jesus when on the cross commended His mother to the apostle John. Matt. 1:18-24; 2:13,19; Luke 1:27; 2:4,16,33,43; 3:23; John 1:45.
3. Joseph of Arimathaea He was a counsellor in Israel, a good and a just man, who did not consent to the condemning of the Lord. Though he had been a secret disciple, he fearlessly went to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus, and interred Him in his own new tomb. Scripture says he was a rich man, and this agrees with Isaiah 53:9, “He ... [was] with the rich in His death.” Matt. 27:57-60; Mark 15:43; Luke 23:50; John 19:38.
4. Joseph called Barsabas, surnamed Justus (Acts 1:23). He was one of the two selected as fit persons to fill the place of Judas Iscariot, having been with the Lord Jesus throughout His ministry.
Joses One of the brethren of the Lord. Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3. {For Matt. 27:56; Mark 15:40,47, see James.} {For Acts 4:36 see Barnabas.}
Joshua the Lord’s salvation. Christ in victorious power by the Spirit leading His people through death into present blessing in the heavenly places. Eph. 1. Name occurs about 210 times in the Scriptures. Josh. 1.
Josiah may the Lord heal [him]. He reigned thirty-one years over Judah. In the eighth year of his reign, Josiah sought and found the Lord, and four years afterward began to extirpate idolatry out of the land — root and branch. This godly king’s reign was signalized by close attention to the written word of God. 2 Chron. 35.
Jot or tittle smallest Hebrew letter, or curl of a letter. Matt. 5:18.
Jotham the Lord is perfect. He reigned sixteen years over Judah. This good king “became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God.” Beautiful testimony! 2 Chron. 27.
Juda
1. One of the brothers of the Lord. Mark 6:3.
2. The part of Canaan allotted to Judah. Matt. 2:6; Luke 1:39.
Judaea The province containing all the country south of Galilee and west of the Jordan. John 4:3,47,54, etc. In some passages the name has a wider meaning; in Matthew 19:1 it includes the east of the Jordan, and in Luke 1:5, where Herod is called “king of Judaea,” it signifies the whole of Israel.
Judah The two tribes, in distinction from Israel, the ten tribes; with both of which the new covenant is to be made. Heb. 8:8.
Judas
1. One of the apostles. In two places the Authorized Version has added the words “brother of”: reading “Judas, brother of James”; but it may be “son of,” and we know not which James is referred to; but if Jude who wrote the Epistle is the same person, then “brother” is correct. Luke 6:16; John 14:22; Acts 1:13. In the list of the apostles in Matthew 10:3 and Mark 3:18 it will be seen that Judas is not named, but instead occurs the name of Lebbaeus, whose surname is Thaddeus, which leads to the conclusion that these are other names of Judas. Very little is recorded of this apostle: he asked the Lord how He would manifest Himself to His disciples and not unto the world.
2. Judas of Galilee. He raised an insurrection “in the days of the taxing,” A.D. 6. He was slain by the Romans, and his followers dispersed. Acts 5:37.
3. Judas. Acts 15:22. {See Barsabas.}
4. Judas, with whom Paul lodged. Acts 9:11.
5. Judas Iscariot, son of Simon. One of the twelve apostles; he was entrusted with “the bag,” though he was alas! a thief. Judas being chosen one of the apostles was a trial of man under new circumstances. He was an associate, “friend,” of the Lord: saw Him in public and in private; heard His words, saw His actions, and witnessed His miracles. Could have asked Him anything, and have had all his doubts solved and his difficulties removed. But alas! he yielded to temptation, and then Satan entered into him, and he stayed not till he had with a kiss betrayed his Lord for thirty pieces of silver (about £3 15s.). His remorse speedily followed, and he confessed that he had betrayed innocent blood, and was impelled to return the money he had coveted: a complete dupe of Satan, who first leads into sin, and then mocks those led astray. He hanged himself, and then, either being cut down or his body falling, his bowels gushed out. Matt. 10:4; Mark 3:19; Luke 6:16; John 6:71; 13:2,26; etc.
Jude The writer of the epistle bearing his name. He says of himself that he was “the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James,” which has naturally led to the conclusion that he is the same as Judas the apostle, because of Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13. In both passages the word “brother” is added, and is most probably correct.
Judgment κρίσις, κρίμα. “Judgment” is used in the N.T. in two senses—
1. as a sessional judgment, when men will be arraigned before the Judge. It is appointed that after death shall be judgment. Heb. 9:27. Scripture does not speak of a general judgment when all mankind will be judged. It describes two sessional judgments, Matt. 25:31-46 and Rev. 20:11-15, which will be found to differ materially. The Christian of the present dispensation does not appear at either of the above. Scripture declares that he shall not come into judgment (κρίσις), but is already passed from death unto life (John 5:24). He will have to stand before the judgment seat of Christ, Rom. 14:10; 2 Cor. 5:10, not to be judged for his sins, for Christ was judged for them, but each must give account of himself, and be manifested before Christ.
2. The other form of judgment is the executing of judgments, which may be of a temporary character, as in the Revelation; or the final doom of Satan and the wicked, which is eternal. Heb. 6:2; Rev. 20:10,15. The same Greek words are sometimes translated in the A.V. “condemnation,” and often “damnation.”
Junia A relative and fellow-prisoner of Paul, “of note among the apostles,” and who was “in Christ” before Paul. Rom. 16:7.
Juniper Tree or rather desert shrub. This species of broom afforded shelter to the Prophet, 1 Kings 19, as it does the wandering Arabs and travellers of the nineteenth century. It is largely used in the manufacture of charcoal. Psa. 120:4.
Jupiter The supreme deity of Greek and Roman mythology. Acts 14:12-13; 19:35.
Justification δικαίωσις,-ωμα. The ground on which God can account the believer righteous in His sight is, the blood of Jesus (Rom. 5:9), and the grand and glorious measure of the believers’ righteous standing is Christ risen and glorified (2 Cor. 5:21). Such is its ground and measure, and as to its blessedness, let Psalm 32 supply an answer. In systematic theology, justification always precedes sanctification, but in Scripture, when coupled as in 1 Corinthians 6:11, and 1 Peter 1:2, sanctification comes first in order. Sanctification in which it is used in these and other passages, refers to the first movement of the Divine life in the soul, and from that instant I am set apart to God and to obey as Christ obeyed; the working of this out in practical life is the progressive sanctification, so much and justly insisted upon. Now, the entrance of the believer into that blessed place and position, secured for him in Christ and before God, is not taken up and enjoyed as a rule at the moment of believing. The full work of Christ, in the condemnation of sin — root and branch — the value of His blood, and what it has secured to the believer is not all known at once, and its priceless worth perceived in a moment; hence the importance of clear Scriptural teaching, as aiding the believer to enter into his blessed standing and enjoy the wealth of spiritual blessing conferred upon him. This, then, in our judgment, accounts for the order of the words, “But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:11). Justification is God’s most blessed answer in grace, founded on the blood of Jesus, to the state of ungodliness and condemnation under which the believer lay. The believer is justified, declared to be without a fault; so that justification is “the state of accomplished subsisting righteousness.” Rom. 5:16,18. God is the justifier. Rom. 8:33. The believer is justified before God (causatively) by grace, Rom. 3:24; (meritoriously) by blood, Rom. 5:9; (declaratively) by Christ’s resurrection, Rom. 4:25; (instrumentally) by faith, Rom. 5:1. He is justified before men (evidentially) by works, James 2:20-26.
Justus
1. Acts 1:23. {See Barsabas.}
2. One at Corinth, who “worshipped God.” Acts 18:7.
3. One who was also named Jesus, one of Paul’s fellow-workers. Col. 4:11.