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Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs)

Iōannēs

John

G2491 · Greek · New Testament · 133 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
133 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The name Iōannēs is the Greek form of the Hebrew Yôḥānān, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." It appears 133 times in the New Testament, primarily within the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The sources identify five distinct individuals who bear this name: John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ; John the Apostle, son of Zebedee; John surnamed Mark, a companion of Barnabas and Paul; the father of Peter; and the traditional author of Revelation.

Because the name is so common, context is essential for identification. Matthew 3:1 introduces John the Baptist, while Matthew 4:21 distinguishes John the Apostle as the son of Zebedee. The sources note that John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded by Herod Antipas, whereas John the Apostle is identified as the writer of the Fourth Gospel. This shared name highlights how God’s grace manifested through multiple key figures in early Christian history.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name John means "Yahweh is gracious," and its frequent appearance in the New Testament reminds us that God’s grace often arrives through ordinary people called to extraordinary tasks. Whether it is John the Baptist preparing the way in the wilderness or John the Apostle resting on Jesus’ chest at the Last Supper, this name marks those who witnessed God’s work closely. It is a reminder that grace is not just a concept but a person and an event.

When we encounter these figures, we see different facets of faithful living. John the Baptist lived simply, wearing camel’s hair and eating locusts, yet he stood as the greatest among those born of women (Matthew 11:11). His life shows that humility and bold truth-telling often go hand in hand. Meanwhile, the Apostle John learned to trust Jesus deeply, even when the path was unclear.

For your own walk, this name invites you to recognize God’s kindness in your daily life. Just as these men were used by God in their specific contexts, you too are part of a story where grace meets human history. It encourages us to look for the ways God is being gracious around us and to respond with the same quiet courage.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 133 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • John82×
  • of John19×
  • John.7×
  • John,5×
  • John:4×
  • to John3×
  • of John;3×
  • [son] of John,3×
  • John;3×
  • than John2×
  • of John.1×
  • [was] John.1×

Forms in the text

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

  • Ἰωάννης45×
  • Ἰωάννην32×
  • Ἰωάννου25×
  • Ἰωάννου·6×
  • Ἰωάννης,5×
  • Ἰωάννῃ4×
  • Ἰωάννου,4×
  • Ἰωάννου.3×
  • Ἰωάννης.3×
  • Ἰωάννης·2×
  • Ἰωάννην,2×
  • Ἰωάννῃ,1×

Key Verses

  • Matthew 11:11
    Most certainly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.

    Jesus uses this verse to highlight John the Baptist's unique status as the greatest prophet of the old covenant, bridging the gap between prophecy and the Kingdom.

  • Matthew 4:21
    Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them.

    This reference distinguishes John the Apostle from the Baptist by identifying him specifically as the son of Zebedee and brother to James.

  • Matthew 3:1
    In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,

    It introduces John the Baptist as the forerunner who prepares the way, establishing his role in the narrative before Jesus begins his public ministry.

  • Matthew 14:10
    and he sent and beheaded John in the prison.

    This verse records the tragic end of John the Baptist’s earthly life, showing the cost of speaking truth to power.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name John mean?

The name John comes from the Greek Iōannēs, which is a transliteration of the Hebrew Yôḥānān. It translates to "Yahweh is gracious," reflecting the belief that God’s favor and kindness are central to His interaction with humanity.

Are there different people named John in the Bible?

Yes, the name was common in first-century Judea. The New Testament primarily features John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus, and John the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples. There are also references to John Mark and a father named John, requiring careful attention to context.

How is John the Baptist different from John the Apostle?

John the Baptist was the cousin of Jesus who baptized Him and preached repentance in the wilderness. John the Apostle was one of the twelve disciples, the brother of James, and traditionally credited with writing the Fourth Gospel and Revelation. They served different roles in God's plan.

Every Occurrence (133 verses across 7 books)

Matthew 26 verses
Matthew 3:1

In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,

Matthew 3:4

Now John himself wore clothing made of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild…

Matthew 3:13

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.

Matthew 3:14

But John would have hindered him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?”

Matthew 4:12

Now when Jesus heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee.

Matthew 4:21

Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with…

Matthew 9:14

Then John’s disciples came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don’t fast?”

Matthew 10:2

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the…

Matthew 11:2

Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples

Matthew 11:4

Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:

Matthew 11:7

As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, “What did you go out into the wilderness…

Matthew 11:11

Most certainly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the…

Matthew 11:12

From the days of John the Baptizer until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

Matthew 11:13

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

Matthew 11:18

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’

Matthew 14:2

and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptizer. He is risen from the dead. That is why these powers work in him.”

Matthew 14:3

For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.

Matthew 14:4

For John said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”

Matthew 14:8

She, being prompted by her mother, said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptizer.”

Matthew 14:10

and he sent and beheaded John in the prison.

Matthew 16:14

They said, “Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Matthew 17:1

After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by…

Matthew 17:13

Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptizer.

Matthew 21:25

The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?” They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we say,…

Matthew 21:26

But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet.”

Matthew 21:32

For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn’t believe him; but the tax collectors and the…

Mark 25 verses
Luke 29 verses
John 23 verses
Acts 24 verses
Galatians 1 verse
Revelation of John 5 verses