Lexical Summary Ioanna: Joanna Original Word: Ἰωάννα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Joanna. Feminine of the same as Ioannes; Joanna, a Christian -- Joanna. see GREEK Ioannes Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2489: ἸωάνναἸωάννα (Tr WH Ἰωανα; cf. Tdf. Proleg., p. 79; WH's Appendix, p. 159; under the word Nu), Ἰωάννης, ἡ (see Ἰωάννης), Joanna, the wife of Chuzas, Herod's steward, and a follower of Jesus: Luke 8:3; Luke 24:10. Topical Lexicon Overview Joanna, referenced twice in the Gospel of Luke, stands among the earliest named female followers of Jesus Christ. A woman of social standing, yet a humble servant of the Lord, she bridges the world of Herod Antipas’ court and the grassroots ministry of the Messiah. Her life testifies to God’s grace reaching every stratum of society and highlights the indispensable role of women in the unfolding gospel narrative. Scriptural Appearances 1. Luke 8:3 – “Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” Social and Historical Background Joanna’s marriage to Chuza, steward of Herod Antipas, placed her within the political and economic elite of Galilee. This connection supplied her with resources and influence, yet she chose to identify openly with Jesus, whose ministry often stood in contrast to Herodian interests. Her presence demonstrates that the gospel penetrated not only villages and synagogues but also palatial corridors. In a culture where women’s public roles were limited, Luke’s mention of her name twice emphasizes her acknowledged status among the earliest believers. Role in the Ministry of Jesus Luke groups Joanna with “many others” who “were helping to support them out of their own means.” Her financial stewardship enabled Jesus and the Twelve to travel freely, teach, and serve without charging their hearers. Joanna’s giving models the principle later articulated by Paul—that those blessed materially can advance gospel work (2 Corinthians 9:6-11). Her generosity affirms that discipleship involves the whole person: heart, hands, and possessions. Witness to the Resurrection By placing Joanna at the empty tomb alongside Mary Magdalene and other women (Luke 24:10), Scripture records her as an eyewitness to the climactic event of salvation history. These women became the first heralds of the risen Christ to the apostles, underscoring the Lord’s pattern of exalting the humble and confounding conventional hierarchies. Their testimony, though initially met with skepticism (Luke 24:11), proved trustworthy when verified by Peter and confirmed by the Lord Himself. Theological and Ministry Significance • Integration of Social Classes: Joanna’s faith unites palace and peasant in Christ, illustrating Galatians 3:28 in action. Lessons for Contemporary Believers 1. Leverage Influence for Christ. Positions of prominence are providential platforms, not personal trophies. Legacy Though only briefly mentioned, Joanna’s faith, generosity, and testimony ripple through church history. She stands as a quiet yet powerful reminder that sincere discipleship may involve unseen sacrifices, courageous identification with Christ, and persistent proclamation of His resurrection. Her example invites believers to emulate the same devotion until the day all will behold the risen King. Forms and Transliterations Ιωανα Ἰωάνα Ἰωάννα Ioanna Ioánna Iōanna IōánnaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 8:3 N-GFSGRK: καὶ Ἰωάννα γυνὴ Χουζᾶ NAS: and Joanna the wife of Chuza, KJV: And Joanna the wife of Chuza INT: and Joanna wife of Chuza Luke 24:10 N-NFS |
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