feminine of the same as Ἰωάννης; Joanna, a Christian:--Joanna.
Transliteration:Iōánna
Pronunciation:ee-o-an'-nah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Ἰωάννα (Iōánna, `{{G2489}}`) is the feminine form of the well-known name Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs, `{{G2491}}`), from which we derive "John." The Hebrew root of this name, *Yochanan*, is a compound of "Yahweh" and a verb meaning "to be gracious." Therefore, the name Ἰωάννα carries the profound meaning, "Yahweh has been gracious" or "God's gracious gift." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to the specific individual it identifies. However, the inherent meaning of the name subtly points to the divine favor and grace evident in the life and service of the person bearing it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Joanna is mentioned by name in the Gospel of Luke, appearing in two significant contexts that highlight her role in Jesus' ministry:
1. **Support of Jesus' Ministry:** In [[Luke 8:3]], Joanna is introduced as "the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager." She is listed among a group of women who "provided for them out of their own means." This detail is highly significant. Chuza's position indicates that Joanna belonged to a household of considerable wealth and influence within Herod Antipas's court. Her decision to follow and financially support Jesus and His disciples demonstrates remarkable devotion and possibly a break from traditional societal expectations for a woman of her status. This verse underscores the vital role of these women in sustaining Jesus' itinerant ministry.
2. **Witness to the Resurrection:** Joanna is again named in [[Luke 24:10]] as one of the women who went to Jesus' tomb on the first day of the week, discovered it empty, and encountered the angels who announced His resurrection. Along with Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, Joanna returned to tell the apostles what they had seen and heard. Although the apostles initially dismissed their report as "an idle tale," Joanna's presence among the first witnesses to the resurrection is crucial. Her testimony, though initially disbelieved, forms part of the foundational evidence for the resurrection, as recorded by Luke.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs, `{{G2491}}`), the masculine form of the name, which shares the same etymological root meaning "Yahweh is gracious." Beyond this linguistic connection, Joanna's life and role in the Gospels relate to several key biblical concepts:
* **Discipleship:** Joanna exemplifies active and committed discipleship, not merely as a listener but as a participant who contributes significantly to the ministry.
* **Women in Ministry/Service:** Her inclusion among those who "provided for them" challenges conventional notions of spiritual leadership and service, highlighting the integral role of women in supporting and participating in Jesus' mission.
* **Patronage and Financial Support:** Her ability to "provide out of their own means" points to the importance of financial resources in advancing the Kingdom of God, particularly from those of means.
* **Witness to the Resurrection:** Joanna's presence at the empty tomb and her subsequent proclamation to the apostles underscore the critical role of women as the first bearers of the resurrection news, despite the patriarchal context that might have otherwise diminished their testimony.
* **Divine Grace:** The meaning of her name, "Yahweh has been gracious," resonates with her story, as her faithful service can be seen as a manifestation of God's grace working through her.
### Theological Significance
Joanna's inclusion in Luke's Gospel carries profound theological significance. Her story illustrates several key aspects of God's redemptive work:
1. **God's Inclusive Kingdom:** Joanna's presence among Jesus' followers, a woman of means from Herod's court, demonstrates the radical inclusivity of Jesus' ministry. The Gospel transcends social strata and gender barriers, inviting all to participate in the Kingdom.
2. **The Value of Women's Service:** Luke's deliberate mention of Joanna and other women highlights their indispensable role in the early Christian movement. They were not merely passive recipients of teaching but active participants, financial benefactors, and courageous witnesses. This challenges later tendencies to marginalize women's contributions in the church.
3. **Grace in Action:** The meaning of her name, "Yahweh has been gracious," finds expression in her life. It is by divine grace that she was called, empowered, and enabled to serve Jesus in such a vital capacity, despite potential social risks associated with her association with Him. Her willingness to use her resources for Christ's mission testifies to the transformative power of God's grace.
4. **The Credibility of Resurrection Witness:** As one of the first to witness the empty tomb and encounter the angelic message, Joanna's testimony, alongside the other women, is foundational. Although initially dismissed, their eyewitness accounts formed a crucial part of the early apostolic preaching, affirming the historical reality of the resurrection.
### Summary
Ἰωάννα (Iōánna, `{{G2489}}`) is a Greek proper noun meaning "Yahweh has been gracious," serving as the feminine form of John. In the Gospel of Luke, Joanna is presented as a significant disciple of Jesus Christ. As the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, she utilized her personal resources to financially support Jesus' ministry ([[Luke 8:3]]). Furthermore, Joanna was among the select group of women who discovered the empty tomb and were the first to receive the angelic message of Jesus' resurrection, subsequently reporting it to the apostles ([[Luke 24:10]]). Her story powerfully illustrates the inclusive nature of Jesus' call, the vital role of women in early Christian service and patronage, and the importance of faithful witness to the resurrected Christ, all undergirded by the profound truth of God's enabling grace.
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