Brief Overview of Ἄννα (Strong’s G451)

The Greek name Ἄννα (Anna) refers to a specific person mentioned in the New Testament. It is the name of a prophetess described in Luke 2:36-38, who was elderly and lived in the Temple. She is noted for her devoutness and her role in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah during his presentation at the Temple. The name itself does not have additional meanings beyond its use as a proper name in the biblical text.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance: Strong’s defines Ἄννα (G451) simply as “Anna,” identifying it as a proper name. It refers specifically to the prophetess mentioned in the Gospel of Luke. There is no extended meaning beyond its use as a personal name in this context.
2. Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon: BDAG also treats Ἄννα as a proper name, referring to the prophetess in Luke 2:36-38. BDAG emphasizes her role in the New Testament as a devout woman who recognized Jesus as the Messiah. The lexicon does not provide additional meanings beyond this specific biblical figure.
3. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon: LSJ lists Ἄννα as a proper name with no additional meanings. It focuses on the name’s use in the context of the New Testament, referring to the prophetess who appears in the account of Jesus’ presentation at the Temple. The LSJ does not offer extended meanings or applications.
4. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon: Thayer’s provides a brief entry for Ἄννα, identifying it as “Anna” and noting her role as a prophetess in the Gospel of Luke. The lexicon highlights her significance in recognizing Jesus and does not expand on other meanings or uses of the name.

In summary, Ἄννα (Anna) is primarily recognized as a proper name referring to the prophetess in the New Testament. All major lexicons—Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, LSJ, and Thayer’s—confirm its use as a name with no additional meanings beyond its context in the biblical text.