Ἰωανάν

Joanan

Definition

Ἰωανάν (Joanan) is a proper name of a person mentioned in the New Testament. It appears only in Luke 3:27, where Joanan is listed as a son of Rhesa and father of Joda in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. As a proper name, it carries no additional semantic senses beyond identifying this specific individual within the ancestral line. The name is a Greek form of the Hebrew name Johanan, meaning 'Yahweh has been gracious.'

Biblical Usage

This word is used exactly once in the New Testament, in Luke 3:27. It functions solely as a proper name within a genealogical list, specifically in Luke's presentation of Jesus's lineage tracing back to David and Adam. There are no patterns of usage across different contexts or books, as it identifies a single, otherwise unknown figure in this list.

Etymology

The name Ἰωανάν is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name יוֹחָנָן (Yôḥānān), which means 'Yahweh has been gracious' or 'the Lord is gracious.' It is a theophoric name, incorporating the divine name Yahweh (יהוה). This name was common in the Second Temple period and is the root for the English names John and Joanna. The Greek form used here is a variant spelling found in some manuscripts.

Semantic Range

While the individual Joanan is not a major biblical figure, his inclusion in Luke's genealogy (Luke 3:23-38) is theologically significant. This genealogy establishes Jesus's legal descent from David and, ultimately, from Adam, connecting him to all humanity and affirming his role as the promised Messiah and Son of God. Understanding that his name means 'Yahweh is gracious' subtly reinforces the theme of God's grace unfolding through this lineage leading to Christ.

In first-century Jewish culture, genealogies were of paramount importance for establishing lineage, tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, and messianic claims. Names like Joanan, which explicitly acknowledge God's grace (Yahweh has been gracious), were common and reflected a piety that recognized divine favor in one's life or the hope for such favor. The Greek spelling variation reflects the process of transliterating Hebrew names into Greek for a Hellenistic audience.

Ἰωάννης (iōannēs, G2491) — The more common Greek form of the same Hebrew name, used for John the Baptist and John the apostle. Ἰωαννᾶς (iōannas, G2491) — Another variant spelling of the same name.

Word Details

Scripture References