probably of Hebrew origin (compare יָנָה); Janna, an Israelite:--Janna.
Transliteration:Ianná
Pronunciation:ee-an-nah'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Ἰαννά (Ianná), transliterated as Janna, is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its core meaning is therefore tied to the individual it identifies. The Strong's definition suggests a probable Hebrew origin, comparing it to the root יָנָה (yanah, `{{H3243}}`). This Hebrew root typically carries the meaning "to oppress," "to treat violently," or "to wrong." While this etymology is offered, the precise implication for a personal name can be complex. Names derived from verbs might indicate an action performed by the person, an action done to them, or a characteristic related to the circumstances of their birth or a parent's experience. Given its sole appearance in a genealogy, the name's semantic range is limited to its function as an identifying marker within a lineage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Janna (Ἰαννά) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* [[Luke 3:24]]: "the son of Janna, the son of Joseph, the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai..."
In this solitary occurrence, Janna is listed as an ancestor of Jesus in Luke's genealogy, specifically as the father of Joseph (not Joseph, the husband of Mary, but an earlier Joseph in the lineage). Luke's genealogy traces Jesus' lineage through Joseph (his legal father) back to Adam and ultimately to God. Janna's inclusion places him as a specific link in this extensive chain, affirming the historical continuity of the human line through which the Messiah would come. As with many names in biblical genealogies, Janna himself is otherwise unmentioned in scripture, his significance residing solely in his position within this vital ancestral record.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the proposed Hebrew root יָנָה (yanah, `{{H3243}}`), which means "to oppress" or "to wrong." While this is the suggested etymological link, the exact nuance for a proper name remains speculative without further contextual clues.
More broadly, Janna is conceptually related to:
* **Genealogy:** The overarching concept of γενεαλογία (genealogia, `{{G1076}}`), which highlights the importance of lineage, heritage, and historical continuity in biblical thought.
* **Messianic Lineage:** Janna's inclusion directly relates him to the concept of the Messianic line, the divinely preserved ancestry through which the Christ was prophesied to appear.
* **Patrilineal Descent:** The emphasis on tracing lineage through the father, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern and Israelite cultures.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Janna does not stem from any personal actions or teachings, as he is only named in a genealogical list. Rather, his importance is entirely derived from his position as a link in the Lukan genealogy of Jesus Christ.
1. **Historical Veracity of Christ's Humanity:** Janna's presence, like every name in the genealogy, underscores the true humanity of Jesus. It affirms that Jesus was not a phantom or a mythical figure, but a real person with a verifiable human lineage, rooted in history.
2. **God's Providential Plan:** His inclusion highlights God's meticulous and sovereign hand in guiding human history and preserving the specific lineage through which the Savior would be born. Even obscure individuals like Janna play a vital, preordained role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
3. **Continuity of Salvation History:** Janna represents a thread in the continuous tapestry of salvation history, connecting the present (Jesus) to the past (Adam), demonstrating that God's work of redemption is not isolated but a continuous, generational process.
4. **Universality of Christ's Mission:** Luke's genealogy is unique in tracing Jesus' ancestry back to Adam, rather than just Abraham (as Matthew does). This emphasizes Jesus' connection not only to Israel but to all humanity. Janna, as a link in this universal chain, subtly contributes to the understanding of Jesus as the Savior of all mankind.
5. **God's Use of the Obscure:** The fact that Janna is otherwise unknown in scripture reminds us that God's plan often involves individuals who are not famous or powerful. Their significance lies not in their worldly prominence but in their faithful, even if unrecorded, participation in the divine narrative.
### Summary
Janna (Ἰαννά, `{{G2388}}`) is a proper name appearing solely in [[Luke 3:24]] as an ancestor of Jesus in Luke's genealogy. While its etymological roots are suggested to be from the Hebrew יָנָה (to oppress, `{{H3243}}`), its primary significance is its role as a vital link in the Messianic lineage. Janna's inclusion underscores the historical reality of Jesus' humanity, God's meticulous providence in guiding salvation history, and the continuous nature of God's redemptive plan that extends through generations to encompass all humanity. His obscurity highlights that God's work often unfolds through individuals whose sole biblical contribution is their place within the divine lineage.
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