Greek word · G451
Ἄννα
anna
Anna
The Greek form of Hebrew חַנָּה (Ḥannah), from the root ḥ-n-n, "to show favour, be gracious". It was a common Jewish woman's name.
Appears once in the Greek New Testament. ·
What it means
From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).
In depth
- Range of meaning
The Greek form of Hebrew חַנָּה (Ḥannah), from the root ḥ-n-n, "to show favour, be gracious". It was a common Jewish woman's name.
- Against the English
English "Anna" hides that this is simply "Hannah". An English reader is not reminded of 1 Samuel the way a Jewish hearer would have been.
- Used elsewhere in the period
Hannah in 1 Samuel 1–2 (LXX: Αννα) was childless and prayed at the sanctuary. Her son Samuel was dedicated there, and her song celebrates God raising up the lowly. Tobit's wife is also called Αννα (Tobit 1:9).
Where it appears
Luke · 1
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Luke 2:36 Ἅννα Anna
There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years,
Here: The Greek form of the Hebrew name Ḥannah, "favour" or "grace". A Jewish listener would think of Hannah, the mother of Samuel (1 Samuel 1–2), whose song Luke has already echoed in Mary's song (1:46–55).
Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.