Ἄννας (Annas)
Annas
Annas
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Annas refers to a Jewish high priest who held significant power in the first century. His name comes from a Hebrew root meaning "gracious" or "humble," yet his political career was defined by influence rather than humility. He was appointed to the priesthood around 6 A.D. by the Roman governor Quirinius, but he was later deposed by the procurator Valerius Gratus.
Although Annas lost the official title of high priest, he remained a central figure in Judean politics. After his removal, the office passed through several family members, including his son-in-law Caiaphas, who served as high priest during Jesus' trial. This dynastic control explains why the New Testament authors sometimes refer to him by the official title even after he had been removed from office.
The Gospels and Acts mention Annas in key moments of conflict. Luke introduces him alongside Caiaphas as the spiritual authorities of the time (Luke 3:2). In John’s Gospel, Jesus is first taken to Annas before being sent to Caiaphas for the formal hearing (John 18:13-24). Later, Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin, where Annas is present as a leading figure (Acts 4:6).
Annas serves as a reminder of how religious authority can be intertwined with political power. His continued influence after losing his official position shows that true leadership in the eyes of the people does not always align with institutional titles. The biblical narrative presents him as a pivotal character in the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion, highlighting the tension between earthly power and divine purpose.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Annas holds a unique place in Scripture as a man whose power outlasted his official title. Though deposed by Roman authorities, he remained the unseen hand behind the high priesthood, guiding events from the shadows. This historical reality reminds us that human institutions often rely on networks of influence rather than just formal office. When we look at the Gospels, we see how earthly power structures attempted to control the narrative of Jesus’ life and death.
Yet, the biblical account shows that no amount of political maneuvering can stop God’s plan. Annas appears in moments of intense conflict, yet he is ultimately a background figure in the drama of redemption. His story invites us to trust that God’s purposes prevail over human schemes. We find comfort knowing that the authorities who opposed Christ were merely instruments in a larger divine story.
This perspective helps us navigate our own times when we feel overwhelmed by complex systems or unfair leadership. It encourages us to look beyond surface-level power dynamics and rest in the sovereignty of God. The same God who raised Jesus from the dead is still at work, even when human authorities seem to hold all the cards. We are invited to find peace in this assurance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Annas3×
- of Annas1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἅννας2×
- Ἅνναν1×
- Ἅννα1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 3:2
during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.
This verse establishes Annas’s enduring influence by pairing his name with Caiaphas, showing he was still considered a primary spiritual authority despite being deposed.
-
John 18:13
and led him to Annas first, for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.
Here we see the informal legal process begin, as Jesus is taken to Annas first because of his familial connection to the official high priest, Caiaphas.
-
Acts 4:6
Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priest.
Annas appears here as a central figure in the Sanhedrin’s interrogation of Peter and John, demonstrating his continued role in Jewish leadership decades after Jesus’ crucifixion.