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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is fundamental in Biblical studies as they provide deeper insights into the cultural, theological, and historical contexts of the Bible. The Greek word Ἰανναί (Iannai) is significant because it appears in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. Exploring the meaning and usage of Ἰανναί helps in understanding its relevance within both biblical interpretation and ancient Greek culture.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Ἰανναί, transliterated as Iannai [ee-an-NAI].
- Etymology: The etymology of Ἰανναί is uncertain, but it is recognized as a proper noun, used as a personal name.
- Part of Speech: Proper noun, masculine; indeclinable.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Ἰανναί (Iannai): Refers to a specific individual named in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Luke.
Similar Words: Ἰαννῆς (Iannēs) [ee-ahn-NAYS] is a related proper noun that refers to a different individual, a magician mentioned in Jewish tradition. While Ἰανναί appears in a genealogical context, Ἰαννῆς has a narrative associated with opposing Moses.
Further Insights: Ἰανναί is an indeclinable proper noun in Greek, meaning its form does not change regardless of its grammatical role in a sentence (e.g., subject, object). This feature is typical of foreign names and certain proper nouns in Koine Greek. It is used specifically to denote a particular individual in genealogical records.
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Ἰανναί is identified as a proper noun appearing in Luke 3:24 as part of the genealogy of Jesus. BDAG lists it as a name but provides no further context or background.
Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon categorizes Ἰανναί as a proper noun in the genealogy of Jesus, indicating its use in a specific genealogical record but without additional details about its historical or cultural context.
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Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary does not provide an entry for Ἰανναί, likely due to its limited usage and the specific context in which it appears in the New Testament.
LSJ: The LSJ lexicon does not offer detailed information on Ἰανναί due to its rarity in classical literature. The lexicon primarily focuses on classical Greek texts and does not extensively cover less prominent biblical names.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s concordance lists Ἰανναί as a proper name appearing in Luke 3:24. It focuses on the pronunciation and transliteration without delving into additional background or contextual meaning.
Related Scripture References
- Luke 3:24: “The son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai [Ἰανναί], the son of Joseph.” Here, Ἰανναί appears in the genealogy of Jesus, indicating his lineage and connecting him to the broader historical and theological narrative of the New Testament.
Classical Usage
The name Ἰανναί does not appear in the most prominent classical Greek literature up to 100 AD. However, the table below provides examples from similar contexts where related names appear:
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Targum Pseudo-Jonathan | Exodus 7:11 | “Jannes and Jambres, the chief of the magicians, performed their arts before Pharaoh.” |
| Babylonian Talmud | Menachot 85a | “Two of Pharaoh’s magicians, Jannes and Jambres, resisted Moses, casting spells.” |
| Apocryphal Acts of Paul | Acts of Paul and Thecla | “These men, like Jannes and Jambres, practice sorcery and lead many astray.” |
Summary of Ἰανναί (G2388)
The Greek word Ἰανναί (Iannai) is a proper noun referring to a figure in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in Luke 3:24. Due to its limited occurrence in extant literature, Ἰανναί remains somewhat obscure, with limited background information available from the primary Greek lexicons. However, understanding Ἰανναί contributes to a broader understanding of personal names in genealogies, as well as their significance in ancient texts and traditions. This exploration also ties into the genealogical importance in the Bible, illustrating the ancestral lineage and its connection to broader biblical narratives.
Did You Know?
- Did You Know? Names like Ἰανναί in biblical genealogies are not just historical markers but also serve theological purposes, linking Jesus to key figures in Jewish history.
- Did You Know? The genealogy of Jesus in Luke 3, where Ἰανναί appears, differs slightly from that in Matthew 1, highlighting different theological emphases and historical traditions within the Gospel accounts.
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