Lexical Summary Hannas: Annas Original Word: Ἅννας Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Annas. Of Hebrew origin (Chananyah); Annas (i.e. Ananias), an Israelite -- Annas. see GREEK Ananias see HEBREW Chananyah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Chananyah Definition Annas, a high priest NASB Translation Annas (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 452: ΑνναςΑννας (WH Ἅννας, see their Introductory § 408), Αννα (on this genitive cf. Winer's Grammar, § 8, 1, p. 60 (59)), ὁ (in Josephus, Ἀνανος; from Hebrew חָנַן to be gracious), a high priest of the Jews, elevated to the pontificate by Quirinius the governor of Syria circa Topical Lexicon Historical Background Annas, son of Seth, was appointed high priest by Roman governor Quirinius around A.D. 6 and served until A.D. 15, when Valerius Gratus removed him. Although officially deposed, Annas retained the honorific title and wielded considerable authority for decades, largely through his control of the high-priestly succession: five of his sons and his son-in-law Caiaphas later held the office. Josephus highlights both the extent of his influence and the wealth accrued through Temple commerce. Family Connections and Dynastic Influence Annas’ daughter married Caiaphas, the acting high priest during the public ministry of Jesus. This marriage cemented a powerful alliance that effectively placed the priesthood under one family’s control from A.D. 6 to A.D. 43. The Gospel writers regularly mention Annas and Caiaphas together, reflecting how the two functioned as a single power bloc (Luke 3:2). Appearances in Scripture Luke 3:2 places Annas alongside Caiaphas at the threshold of John the Baptist’s ministry: “during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness”. John 18:13 records that Jesus was “brought first to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year”. John 18:24 notes that “Annas sent Him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest”. Acts 4:6 lists Annas among the rulers who examined Peter and John after the healing of the lame man: “and Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and others from the high-priestly family”. Annas and the Trial of Jesus By receiving Jesus first, Annas acted as an unofficial gatekeeper for the Sanhedrin. The interrogation recorded in John 18 underscores his continued clout: though Caiaphas held the official office, Annas orchestrated the proceedings. The transfer to Caiaphas fulfilled procedural requirements for a formal Sanhedrin verdict, yet the initial hearing under Annas set the tone. His role illustrates the political maneuvering surrounding the crucifixion and fulfills prophetic anticipation that Messiah would be rejected by Israel’s leaders (Isaiah 53:3). Annas in the Early Church’s Persecution In Acts 4, Annas convenes the very body that only weeks earlier had condemned Jesus. Now he confronts Spirit-filled apostles whose boldness and miraculous power he cannot deny (Acts 4:13-14). His question, “By what power or what name did you do this?” (Acts 4:7), evokes the same hostility he displayed toward Jesus and showcases the continuity between the suffering of Christ and the suffering of His servants. Theological and Ministerial Significance 1. Persistence of Spiritual Opposition: Annas embodies entrenched religious resistance to divine revelation. Whether facing Jesus or His apostles, he suppresses truth to preserve institutional control. Spiritual Lessons • Religious titles cannot substitute for genuine submission to God; Annas held the highest office yet opposed the Messiah. Summary Annas stands as a pivotal figure linking the ministries of John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, and the early Church. His influence, though formidable, ultimately serves to highlight the invincibility of God’s redemptive purpose and the steadfastness required of those called to bear witness in hostile settings. Forms and Transliterations Ανναν Ἅνναν Αννας Ἅννας Annan Annas Hannan Hánnan Hannas HánnasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 3:2 N-GMSGRK: ἐπὶ ἀρχιερέως Ἅννα καὶ Καιάφα NAS: in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, KJV: Annas and Caiaphas INT: during [the] high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas John 18:13 N-AMS John 18:24 N-NMS Acts 4:6 N-NMS Strong's Greek 452 |