Jonan
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Overview:
Jonan is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. His name appears in the lineage that traces Jesus' ancestry back to Adam, highlighting the fulfillment of messianic prophecies and the divine plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Biblical Reference:
Jonan is found in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke. The relevant passage is Luke 3:30-31, which states: "the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son of Eliakim, the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David" . This genealogy is part of a longer list that traces Jesus' lineage through his earthly father, Joseph, back to King David and ultimately to Adam.

Genealogical Significance:
The inclusion of Jonan in the genealogy of Jesus underscores the importance of each individual in the divine narrative. While Jonan himself is not a prominent figure in biblical accounts, his place in the genealogy serves to connect Jesus to the broader history of Israel and the promises made to the patriarchs. This lineage affirms Jesus' rightful place as the Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies regarding the Davidic line.

Name Meaning and Etymology:
The name Jonan is of Hebrew origin, and while its exact meaning is not definitively known, it is often associated with the name "Jonah," which means "dove." In biblical symbolism, the dove is a representation of peace and the Holy Spirit, which may carry thematic significance in the context of Jesus' genealogy.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the genealogy in Luke, including Jonan, emphasizes the humanity of Jesus. By tracing His lineage through historical figures, the Gospel writer affirms that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human. This dual nature is central to Christian doctrine, as it underscores Jesus' ability to bridge the gap between God and humanity, offering redemption and reconciliation.

Historical Context:
The genealogies in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke serve different purposes and reflect different aspects of Jesus' identity. Luke's genealogy, which includes Jonan, is unique in that it traces Jesus' lineage through Nathan, a son of David, rather than Solomon, as seen in Matthew's account. This distinction highlights the universal scope of Jesus' mission, as Luke's Gospel often emphasizes Jesus' role as the Savior for all people, not just the Jewish nation.

Cultural and Religious Significance:
In the cultural and religious context of the time, genealogies were crucial for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and social status. By including Jonan in the genealogy, Luke reinforces the continuity of God's covenantal promises through successive generations, culminating in the birth of Jesus Christ. This continuity is a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout history.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Jonan

a dove; multiplying of the people

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Jonan

(perhaps a contraction of Johnana, gift or grace of God), son of Eliakim, in the genealogy of Christ. (Luke 3:30) (B.C. before 876.)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
JONAN

jo'-nan.

See JONAM.

Greek
2494. Ionam -- Jonam, an Israelite
... NASB Word Usage Jonam (1). Jonan. Probably for Ioannes or Ionas; Jonan, an Israelite --
Jonan. see GREEK Ioannes. see GREEK Ionas. (ionam) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2494.htm - 6k
Library

Doubtful Fragments on the Pentateuch.
... And Amos delivered it to Obadia. And Obadia delivered it to Jonan the prophet, the
son of Mathi, the son of Armelah, who was the brother of Elias the prophet. ...
/.../doubtful fragments on the pentateuch.htm

Thesaurus
Jonan (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JONAN. jo'-nan. See JONAM. Multi-Version
Concordance Jonan (1 Occurrence). Luke 3:30 the son ...
/j/jonan.htm - 6k

Jonas (11 Occurrences)
... JONAS (1). jo'-nas (Ionas; the King James Version, Jonan): (1) Son of Eliasib (1
Esdras 9:1). (2) Corresponds in 1 Esdras 9:23 to "Eliezer" in Ezra 10:23. ...
/j/jonas.htm - 12k

Jonam (1 Occurrence)
... jo'-nam (Ionam, Westcott and Hort, The New Testament in Greek; Ionan, Textus Receptus
of the New Testament; the King James Version Jonan): An ancestor of Jesus ...
/j/jonam.htm - 6k

Juda (11 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan,
the son of Eliakim, (Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/j/juda.htm - 12k

Levi (79 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:30 the 'son' of Levi, the 'son' of Simeon, the 'son' of Juda, the 'son'
of Joseph, the 'son' of Jonan, the 'son' of Eliakim, (YLT). ...
/l/levi.htm - 35k

Eliakim (14 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan,
the son of Eliakim, (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/e/eliakim.htm - 15k

Eli'akim (12 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:30 the 'son' of Levi, the 'son' of Simeon, the 'son' of Juda, the 'son'
of Joseph, the 'son' of Jonan, the 'son' of Eliakim, (See RSV). ...
/e/eli'akim.htm - 9k

Simeon (48 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of
Jonan, the son of Eliakim, (WEB KJV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/simeon.htm - 35k

Joseph (248 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan,
the son of Eliakim, (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/j/joseph.htm - 91k

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Jonan (1 Occurrence)

Luke 3:30
the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son of Eliakim,
(WEB KJV DBY WBS YLT)

Subtopics

Jonan

Jonan: An Ancestor of Christ

Related Terms

Jonas (11 Occurrences)

Jonam (1 Occurrence)

Juda (11 Occurrences)

Levi (79 Occurrences)

Eliakim (14 Occurrences)

Eli'akim (12 Occurrences)

Simeon (48 Occurrences)

Joseph (248 Occurrences)

Judah (802 Occurrences)

Jonam
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