Ἀνανίας (Ananias)

Ananias

G0367 · Greek · New Testament · 10 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 10 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The name Ananias, derived from the Hebrew Hananiah meaning "whom Jehovah has graciously given," appears ten times in the New Testament, exclusively within the Book of Acts. It is not a title or a common noun, but a proper name attached to three distinct individuals who play pivotal roles in the early church’s narrative.

One Ananias was a believer in Jerusalem whose deception regarding the sale of property led to his sudden death, marking a severe moment of judgment within the community (Acts 5:1-5). Another Ananias, also in Jerusalem but distinct from the first, served as a disciple in Damascus who restored sight and baptized Paul after his conversion (Acts 9:10-17). A third figure held the office of High Priest during Paul’s final years in Jerusalem, where he ordered Paul to be struck by temple guards (Acts 23:2).

While the name itself signifies divine grace, its biblical usage highlights contrasting responses to that gift. The text presents these men not as a single character but as separate figures whose actions—whether deceitful, obedient, or authoritarian—shaped the early Christian movement’s development.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Ananias appears ten times in Acts, but it refers to three different men. This repetition shows how common the name was in the early church. It also reminds us that God works through ordinary people with ordinary names. One Ananias failed by hiding money, showing that honesty matters deeply in our walk with God. Another Ananias obeyed a scary command to help Paul, showing that faith often requires stepping forward despite fear.

A third Ananias was the high priest who opposed Paul, reminding us that even religious leaders can miss God’s work. The name means “whom Jehovah has graciously given.” This grace is available to all of us, regardless of our past mistakes or current fears. When we feel inadequate, remember that God uses willing hearts, not perfect records.

In your own life, you might face moments where you need to be honest like the first Ananias was called to be, or brave like the second. Or perhaps you encounter opposition like Paul did from the high priest. In every case, God’s grace is sufficient. He meets us in our weakness and strengthens us for His purpose.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Ananias7×
Ananias,2×
Ananias;1×
Ananias.1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

Ἁνανίας6×
Ἁνανίας·1×
Ἁνανίας,1×
Ἁνανίαν1×
Ἁνανία.1×
Ἁνανία,1×

Key Verses

Acts 5:3
But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Peter confronts Ananias directly about lying to the Holy Spirit, highlighting the seriousness of deceit within the community.
Acts 9:17
Ananias departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

This Ananias obeys God’s call to restore Paul’s sight, demonstrating faith in action despite initial hesitation.
Acts 23:2
The high priest, Ananias, commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.

The high priest Ananias orders Paul struck, showing how religious authority can sometimes oppose God’s chosen servants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Ananias mean?

The name Ananias comes from the Hebrew Hananiah, meaning “whom Jehovah has graciously given.” It appears ten times in Acts, referring to three different men. The name itself reflects God’s grace, though the individuals bearing it responded differently to that gift.

Is Ananias one person or multiple people?

There are three distinct men named Ananias in Acts. One deceived the church in Jerusalem (Acts 5), another baptized Paul in Damascus (Acts 9), and a third was the high priest who opposed Paul (Acts 23). They lived in different places and times, serving different roles.

Why did the first Ananias die?

In Acts 5, Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold property but kept back part of the money while pretending to give all of it. Peter confronted Ananias for lying to the Holy Spirit, and he fell down and died. This event showed the seriousness of honesty in the early church.

How did the second Ananias help Paul?

In Acts 9, a disciple named Ananias in Damascus received a vision from God to visit Saul (Paul). Despite fearing Paul due to his past persecution of Christians, Ananias obeyed. He laid hands on Paul, restoring his sight and filling him with the Holy Spirit.

Every Occurrence (10 verses across 1 books)

Acts 10 verses

Acts 5:1

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

Acts 5:3

But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the price…

Acts 5:5

Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things.

Acts 9:10

Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” He said,…

Acts 9:12

and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.”

Acts 9:13

But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem.

Acts 9:17

Ananias departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to…

Acts 22:12

“One Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well reported of by all the Jews who lived in Damascus,

Acts 23:2

The high priest, Ananias, commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.

Acts 24:1

After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed…