Ἰαννά (Ianna)
Ianna
Jannai
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The proper name Ianna appears only once in the New Testament, recorded in Luke 3:24 as part of Jesus’ genealogy. Lexical sources identify him as the son of Joseph and the father of Melchi, placing him within the lineage tracing back to David. The meaning associated with the name is "flourishing," a translation likely derived from its Hebrew roots.
Although this entry lacks narrative detail or theological commentary in the text itself, its inclusion highlights the meticulous nature of Luke’s historical account. By listing such specific ancestors, the genealogy grounds Jesus’ identity in a concrete human history, connecting him to generations whose individual stories are preserved in Scripture even if their lives remain otherwise unknown.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ianna appears in Luke’s genealogy as the father of Melchi and son of Joseph. This brief mention places him in the line of ancestors leading to Jesus. Though no story is told about his life, his inclusion shows that God remembers every generation.
For your faith, this reminds you that your own place in God’s plan matters, even if it seems quiet or unknown. Just as Ianna is preserved in Scripture, your life has significance in the larger story of redemption. You are part of a lineage that leads to Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Jannai1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἰανναὶ1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 3:24
the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,
This verse lists Jannai as the son of Joseph and father of Melchi, anchoring his place in the genealogical chain that connects Jesus to David.