### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Ἰωάννης** (**Iōánnēs**), represented by `{{G2491}}`, is of Hebrew origin and is the name of four Israelites in scripture. It appears **133 times** across **130 unique verses**, highlighting the significant roles these individuals play in the New Testament narrative, most notably John the Baptist, the Apostle John, and John the author of Revelation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{G2491}}` is most frequently associated with **John** the Baptist, the forerunner sent from God to prepare the way for Jesus [[John 1:6]]. His birth was announced by an angel to his father Zacharias [[Luke 1:13]]. His ministry involved **preaching** `{{G2784}}` in the wilderness of Judaea [[Matthew 3:1]] and baptizing with **water** `{{G5204}}` for **repentance** `{{G3341}}` and the **remission** `{{G859}}` of sins [[Mark 1:4]]. He identified Jesus as the "Lamb of God" [[John 1:29]] and testified that a mightier one would come to **baptize** `{{G907}}` with the **Holy** `{{G40}}` **Ghost** `{{G4151}}` and with **fire** `{{G4442}}` [[Luke 3:16]]. The name also belongs to the Apostle **John**, the son of Zebedee and brother of **James** `{{G2385}}` [[Matthew 10:2]]. He was part of Jesus' inner circle, present at the transfiguration [[Mark 9:2]], and became a "pillar" in the early church [[Galatians 2:9]]. The author of Revelation also identifies himself as **John**, a **servant** `{{G1401}}` and **companion** `{{G4791}}` in **tribulation** `{{G2347}}` ([[Revelation 1:1]], [[Revelation 1:9]]). A fourth figure is **John**, whose surname was Mark [[Acts 12:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the roles and context of the men named John:
* `{{G910}}` **Baptistḗs** (a baptizer): This epithet is used exclusively for John the Baptist, defining his primary ministry and title, as in "John the **Baptist**" [[Matthew 3:1]].
* `{{G652}}` **apóstolos** (a delegate; apostle): This term applies to John the son of Zebedee, who was chosen as one of the twelve **apostles** [[Matthew 10:2]].
* `{{G3140}}` **martyréō** (to be a witness, i.e. testify): John the Baptist came to **bear witness** `{{G3140}}` of Christ [[John 1:15]], and Jesus acknowledged the **witness** `{{G3141}}` of John [[John 5:36]].
* `{{G2048}}` **érēmos** (desert, wilderness): This describes the setting of John the Baptist's ministry, where he preached and baptized in the **wilderness** [[Mark 1:4]].
* `{{G602}}` **apokálypsis** (disclosure; revelation): This word defines the vision given to John of Patmos, the **Revelation** `{{G602}}` of Jesus Christ [[Revelation 1:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight associated with `{{G2491}}` is demonstrated through the distinct ministries of these individuals:
* **Forerunner Ministry:** John the Baptist fulfills the crucial role of the prophetic forerunner. His work marks the transition from the era of "the law and the prophets" to the preaching of the **kingdom** `{{G932}}` of God [[Luke 16:16]].
* **Witness and Testimony:** The theme of witness is central. John the Baptist bore **record** `{{G3140}}` that Jesus is the **Son** `{{G5207}}` of **God** `{{G2316}}` [[John 1:32]]. John the Apostle's life and writings provide an apostolic testimony. John of Patmos writes "for the testimony of Jesus Christ" [[Revelation 1:9]].
* **Apostolic Foundation:** As one of the original twelve **disciples** `{{G3101}}`, the Apostle John represents the foundational authority of the church, chosen by Jesus to carry the **gospel** `{{G2098}}` forward. He and Peter were recognized for their **boldness** `{{G3954}}` despite being **unlearned** `{{G62}}` men [[Acts 4:13]].
* **Prophetic Revelation:** John of Patmos is the chosen recipient of the final prophetic book of the Bible, entrusted to **shew** `{{G1166}}` God's servants what must come to pass [[Revelation 1:1]].
### Summary
In summary, **Iōánnēs** `{{G2491}}` is a name tied to pivotal moments in redemptive history. It is borne by the prophet who prepared the way for the Messiah, the apostle who was part of Christ's inner circle and a pillar of the early church, and the servant who received the final revelation of Jesus Christ. The lives of these men, though distinct, collectively serve to announce, validate, and reveal the person and work of Jesus Christ.
TRV