Brief Overview of Σουσάννα (Strong’s G4677: Sousanna)

Strong’s G4677: A feminine proper name of Hebrew origin (שׁוֹשַׁנָּה, Shoshannah) meaning “lily.” In the New Testament, she appears as one of the wealthy women who supported Jesus’ ministry. Her name’s floral meaning symbolizes beauty, purity, and spiritual flourishing in biblical tradition.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σουσάννα represents more than just a personal name in biblical context. Derived from the Hebrew word for lily, it carries rich symbolic meaning in both Jewish and Christian traditions. In the New Testament, she appears as one of several prominent women who supported Jesus’ ministry with their own resources. Her presence in Luke’s Gospel highlights the important role of women in early Christianity and demonstrates how wealth could be used to advance God’s kingdom. The early church recognized her as an example of faithful stewardship and devotion to the Messiah’s ministry.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σουσάννα, Sousanna, /suˈsan.na/
• Pronunciation Guide: “soo-SAN-nah”
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun (Female Name)

Etymology:

• Hebrew origin: שׁוֹשַׁנָּה (Shoshannah)
• Root: שׁוֹשָׁן (shoshan) meaning “lily”
• Feminine ending: -α (-a) Greek adaptation of Hebrew feminine ending

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: Lily (literal meaning of the Hebrew source)
• Secondary meaning: A woman’s name symbolizing beauty and purity

Translation Options:

• Susanna – Traditional English rendering
• Shoshannah – Hebrew original form
• Sousanna – Transliterated Greek form

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Μαρία (Maria) /maˈri.a/ – Another female name of Hebrew origin – See G3137
• Ἰωάννα (Iōanna) /i.oˈan.na/ – Fellow supporter of Jesus’ ministry – See G2489
• Μάρθα (Martha) /ˈmar.θa/ – Another prominent female disciple – See G3136

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

As a proper name, it typically appears in these forms:

• Nominative: Σουσάννα (Sousanna)
• Genitive: Σουσάννης (Sousannēs)
• Dative: Σουσάννῃ (Sousannē)
• Accusative: Σουσάνναν (Sousannan)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG notes Σουσάννα’s Hebrew origins and its connection to Luke’s Gospel. Thayer’s emphasizes its meaning as “lily” and its symbolic significance. LSJ provides context for Greek adaptation of Hebrew names. Vine’s discusses the name’s usage in both biblical and cultural contexts. Moulton and Milligan note similar name formations in contemporary papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Luke 8:3: “and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna [Σουσάννα], and many others who provided for Him from their substance.”

Additional References:
This is the only New Testament reference to Susanna.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σουσάννα represents faithful discipleship and generous support of Gospel ministry. Her presence in Luke’s account demonstrates how women played vital roles in the early Christian movement, using their resources to advance God’s kingdom. Her story reminds us that true discipleship often involves sacrificial giving and practical support of Gospel work.

D – Did You Know?

• The name Susanna remains popular in many cultures today
• She is one of only three women specifically named as financial supporters of Jesus’ ministry
• Her name appears in early Christian art and literature as a symbol of faithful service

Strong’s G4677: A feminine proper name derived from Hebrew, meaning “lily.” Appearing in Luke’s Gospel as one of several wealthy women supporting Jesus’ ministry, she represents faithful discipleship and the important role of women in early Christianity, particularly in providing material support for Gospel work.

Part of speech: Proper Noun (Female Name)

Tags: names, women, disciples, support, ministry, Luke, Hebrew names, flowers, lily, discipleship, giving, stewardship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​