Brief Overview of Ἁνανίας (G367)

Ἁνανίας (Hananiah) is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name חֲנַנְיָה (Hananyah), which means “Yahweh is gracious” or “God has been gracious.” This name appears in various contexts in the Bible, primarily in the New Testament. The key meanings associated with Ἁνανίας are:

1. Personal Name: Used as a personal name in the Bible, often referring to different individuals.
2. Historical Figures: Includes notable figures like:

• Ananias of Damascus: A disciple who played a significant role in the conversion of Saul (Paul) in Acts 9.
• Ananias and Sapphira: A married couple mentioned in Acts 5, who faced divine judgment for deceit.

Detailed Overview with Concordances

1. BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature):

• BDAG lists Ἁνανίας as a proper noun, translating it as “Hananiah.” It provides information on the historical figures associated with the name, notably Ananias of Damascus and Ananias and Sapphira. BDAG emphasizes the significance of the name in the context of early Christian history and its role in key biblical narratives.

2. LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon):

• LSJ provides a similar definition, noting that Ἁνανίας is a Greek form of the Hebrew name Hananiah. It includes details about various individuals bearing this name, including their roles and significance in biblical accounts. The lexicon highlights the name’s use in both historical and theological contexts.

3. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines Ἁνανίας as “Hananiah,” a name meaning “Yahweh is gracious.” It describes the individuals with this name in the New Testament, including their roles in early Christianity. Thayer’s Lexicon notes the importance of these figures in the narrative of the early Church and their symbolic representation of God’s grace.

4. Strong’s Concordance:

• Strong’s Concordance identifies Ἁνανίας as G367 and translates it as “Hananiah.” It lists the different biblical characters with this name, including their specific roles and contributions to biblical stories. Strong’s highlights the name’s meaning and its significance in various New Testament contexts.

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Summary:
Ἁνανίας (Hananiah) is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “Yahweh is gracious.” According to BDAG, LSJ, Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, and Strong’s Concordance, it refers to various individuals in the Bible, including Ananias of Damascus and Ananias and Sapphira. The name signifies God’s grace and plays a notable role in New Testament narratives, reflecting its importance in early Christian history.