Ἰωάννα, Ἰωανάν (Iōanna, Iōanan)
Iōanna, Iōanan
Joanna
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Iōanna, rendered in English as Joanna, is a Greek form of the Hebrew Yôḥānān, meaning "Jehovah is gracious." It appears only twice in the New Testament, both within the Gospel of Luke. The sources identify her specifically as the wife of Chuza, who served as Herod Antipas’s household manager.
Her mention in Luke 8:3 places her among the women who supported Jesus and the Twelve out of their own means, indicating she possessed independent financial resources and social standing. She is listed again in Luke 24:10 as one of the first witnesses to the empty tomb, alongside Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James.
While the name itself shares its etymological root with John (Iōannēs), Joanna’s biblical significance rests entirely on her role as a faithful follower. Her inclusion in these lists highlights the active participation of women in the early ministry and the proclamation of the resurrection, serving as a concrete historical anchor for Luke’s narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Joanna means "Jehovah is gracious," a reminder that God’s favor often works through ordinary people in specific, historical moments. She was not a distant figure but a woman of means who used her resources to support Jesus and the Twelve. Her story shows us that faithfulness is not limited by social status or gender; it is available to anyone willing to give what they have.
Later, she became one of the first witnesses to the empty tomb. Alongside Mary Magdalene and other women, she carried the news of the resurrection to the apostles. This highlights how God trusts His followers to share the most important truth in history. Her life invites us to consider how our own resources and voices can serve the Gospel.
Joanna’s brief mentions in Luke remind us that every act of support and every word of witness matters. Whether through financial help or sharing news, we participate in God’s ongoing work. Her example encourages us to remain faithful in our daily roles, trusting that God sees and uses our contributions for His glory.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Joanna2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἰωάννα2×
Key Verses
-
Luke 8:3
and Joanna, the wife of Chuzas, Herod’s steward; Susanna; and many others who served them from their possessions.
This verse identifies Joanna as the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, highlighting her social standing and financial ability to support Jesus’ ministry from her own possessions.
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Luke 24:10
Now they were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. The other women with them told these things to the apostles.
Here Joanna is named among the first witnesses to the empty tomb, showing her crucial role in delivering the resurrection news to the apostles alongside Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James.