3127. Manaén

Lexical Summary

Manaén: Manaen

Original Word: Μαναήν
Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable
Transliteration: Manaén
Pronunciation: mah-nah-AYN
Phonetic Spelling: (man-ah-ane')
KJV: Manain
NASB: Manaen
Word Origin: [of uncertain origin]

1. Manaen, a Christian

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Manaen.

Of uncertain origin; Manaen, a Christian -- Manaen.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
Manaen, a Christian
NASB Translation
Manaen (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3127: Μαναήν

Μαναήν, ὁ (מְנַחֵם, consoler), Manaen, a certain prophet in the church at Antioch: Acts 13:1. (See Hackett in B. D., under the word.)

Topical Lexicon

Background and Identification

Manaen appears only once in the New Testament record (Acts 13:1), yet even that single notice is striking. Luke sets him among the recognized prophets and teachers in the thriving congregation at Syrian Antioch, side-by-side with Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, and Saul. His designation as one who had been “brought up with Herod the tetrarch” (syntrophos) signals a childhood connection—most naturally a foster-brother or intimate companion—to Herod Antipas, the very ruler who mocked Jesus and beheaded John the Baptist. Thus Manaen embodies a powerful reversal: a man nurtured in the Herodian court now stands as a Spirit-empowered leader in the missionary church.

Cultural and Historical Setting

1. The Herodian Court: Herod Antipas ruled Galilee and Perea (Luke 3:1) from 4 BC to AD 39. Court life would have included both Jewish and Hellenistic influences, political maneuvering, and exposure to Roman authority.
2. Education and Status: To be raised with a prince implied superb education, fluent bilingualism (Greek and Aramaic), and familiarity with imperial politics. Manaen likely possessed social access and resources uncommon among first-generation believers.
3. Possible Earlier Influence: Josephus relates a account of an Essene named Menahem who foretold greatness for Herod the Great (Antiquities 15.373). While certainty is impossible, Luke may hint at a family line acquainted with prophetic ministry long before the gospel era.

Spiritual Role in the Early Church

Acts 13:1–3 places Manaen in the decisive prayer meeting where the Holy Spirit commands, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them”. His presence therefore anchors him to:
• Recognition as a prophet/teacher—a dual gifting affirmed by Paul in Ephesians 4:11 and foundational for church maturation.
• Participation in corporate fasting, worship, and prophetic discernment, practices that shaped Antioch’s missionary vision.
• Direct involvement in the commissioning of the first intentional Gentile mission, making him an unseen yet essential link in the expansion of the gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

Theological Significance

1. Redemptive Reach: Manaen’s conversion demonstrates that no social sphere is beyond the gospel’s influence; even Herod’s palace could become seedbed for disciples. His account echoes the Lord’s promise that He would call “kings and all those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:2) into His kingdom.
2. Prophetic Continuity: Luke’s wording unites Old Testament prophetic tradition with the post-Pentecost community. Manaen stands as evidence that prophetic voices did not cease but were redirected toward Christ-centered proclamation (Acts 2:17-18).
3. Unity in Diversity: Antioch’s leadership list blends a Levantine aristocrat (Manaen), an island Levite (Barnabas), an African Jew (Simeon Niger), a North-African Hellenist (Lucius), and a former persecutor (Saul). Manaen therefore illustrates the Spirit’s power to forge one body from disparate parts (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Lessons for Ministry

• Social Influence Surrendered: Manaen models how believers of stature may leverage their background for kingdom purposes without clinging to privilege (Philippians 3:7-8).
• Listening Leadership: He exemplifies leaders who prioritize prayer and fasting to hear the Spirit before initiating strategy.
• Hidden Yet Vital: Though Scripture gives him only a verse, his faithfulness impacts world missions immeasurably—reminding modern servants that significance is measured by obedience, not headline volume.

Legacy and Later Tradition

Early ecclesial writings preserve scant detail, but Syriac sources list Manaen among the early bishops of Antioch. Whether or not that office can be proved, his biblical footprint already secures a lasting legacy as:
• A bridge from royal court to apostolic mission.
• A precedent for prophetic, Spirit-led governance in local churches.
• A testimony that the kingdom of God advances through both prominent speech and quiet fidelity.

Key Reference

Acts 13:1 – “In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.”

Forms and Transliterations

Μαναην Μαναήν Manaen Manaēn Manaḗn

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 13:1 N
GRK: ὁ Κυρηναῖος Μαναήν τε Ἡρῴδου
NAS: of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought
KJV: and Manaen, which had been brought up
INT: the Cyrenian Manaen also of Herod

Strong's Greek 3127
1 Occurrence

Μαναήν — 1 Occ.