Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies provides deeper insights into the text and its cultural context. The Greek word Ἰωανάν (Ioanán) is particularly significant as it appears in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, underscoring the historical and theological importance of lineage in ancient Judean culture. It also reflects the Hebrew influence on Greek names during the Hellenistic period.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: Ἰωανάν (Ioanán), pronounced [yo-ah-NAHN].
• Etymology: Derived from the Hebrew יְהוֹחָנָן (Yehohanan), meaning “Yahweh is gracious.”
• Part of Speech: Proper noun, masculine.
• Declension: Follows the third declension pattern for Greek masculine nouns.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Ioanan: A masculine proper name that appears in the New Testament genealogy of Jesus, specifically in the Gospel of Luke.

Similar Words: Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs) [yo-AN-nace] – A related Greek name, also derived from the Hebrew יְהוֹחָנָן (Yehohanan), but used to refer to the more commonly known “John.” While both share the same etymological root, they serve different roles and contexts in the New Testament.

Further Insights: The word Ἰωανάν is a transliteration of the Hebrew name יְהוֹחָנָן. The Greek form conforms to the morphological patterns of Greek masculine nouns and follows a standard third declension. Here is the declension chart for Ἰωανάν:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Notes Ἰωανάν as a proper masculine name appearing in the genealogy of Jesus in Luke.
• Thayers: Provides the meaning “Yahweh is gracious” and lists the name as originating from the Hebrew context, carried into Greek through the Hellenistic period.
• Vines: Discusses the integration of Hebrew names into the Greek text, specifically highlighting the genealogy’s significance.
• LSJ: Focuses on the adaptation of Hebrew names into Greek, illustrating the cultural and linguistic transitions of the era.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists Ἰωανάν in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Luke, providing a reference for its occurrence and significance.

Related Scripture References

• Luke 3:27 – “the son of Joanan [Ἰωανάν], the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri,”

Classical Usage

Summary of Ἰωανάν (G2490: Ioanán)

Ἰωανάν (Ioanán) is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name יְהוֹחָנָן (Yehohanan), meaning “Yahweh is gracious.” It is significant for its inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel, highlighting the importance of lineage in Judean culture and Biblical narrative. Understanding names like Ἰωανάν provides insight into the blend of Hebrew tradition and Greek language that characterizes much of the New Testament.

Did You Know?

• Ἰωανάν is one of the lesser-known names in the genealogy of Jesus, but its Hebrew origins tie it to the broader narrative of God’s faithfulness to Israel.
• The name Ἰωανάν appears in historical records outside the Bible, showing its commonality in Judean and Hellenistic contexts.
• The Greek adaptation of Hebrew names illustrates the cultural blending that was common in the ancient Judean and early Christian worlds.

By understanding the name Ἰωανάν, one can better appreciate the genealogical records in the New Testament and the rich cultural history they reflect.