### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Ἄννας (G452), transliterated as Ánnas, is a proper noun referring to a specific individual in the New Testament. Its base definition indicates its Hebrew origin, stemming from the name חֲנַנְיָה (Hananiah), which means "Yahweh has been gracious" or "graced by Yahweh." The definition also notes its equivalence to the Greek name Ἀνανίας (Ananias). As a proper noun, Ἄννας does not possess a broad semantic range in itself; its meaning is fixed to the historical figure it denotes. However, the etymology of the name, rooted in divine grace, offers a profound and often ironic contrast to the character's actions as depicted in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Annas served as High Priest from AD 6 to AD 15, appointed by the Roman legate Quirinius. Though deposed by the Roman procurator Valerius Gratus, he retained immense influence and power, effectively functioning as the patriarch of a powerful priestly family, with five of his sons and his son-in-law, Caiaphas, successively holding the high priesthood.
His appearances in the New Testament are pivotal:
* **[[Luke 3:2]]**: Annas is mentioned alongside Caiaphas as high priests during the time John the Baptist began his ministry. This joint reference, though seemingly irregular given Roman policy of a single high priest, underscores Annas's continued de facto authority and influence within the Jewish religious establishment.
* **[[John 18:13]]**: Following His arrest, Jesus is first brought to Annas. This initial appearance before Annas, rather than directly to Caiaphas (the current high priest), highlights Annas's enduring power and the respect (or fear) he commanded. The text explicitly notes that Annas was Caiaphas's father-in-law, emphasizing the familial and political intertwining of their authority.
* **[[John 18:19-23]]**: Annas questions Jesus about His disciples and teaching. Jesus refuses to answer questions about His teaching in secret, asserting that He spoke openly. Annas's questioning was likely an attempt to find grounds for a charge before the formal Sanhedrin trial, demonstrating a pre-meditated effort to condemn Jesus.
* **[[John 18:24]]**: After questioning, Annas sends Jesus bound to Caiaphas, the High Priest. This transfer marks the transition to the official Sanhedrin proceedings, yet Annas's initial interrogation was a crucial, albeit illegal, preliminary step in the process of Jesus's condemnation.
* **[[Acts 4:6]]**: Annas is again mentioned by name as present among the high-priestly family, including Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, when Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin after healing the lame man. His presence here signifies the continuity of the religious establishment's opposition, now directed at the burgeoning Christian movement.
Throughout these contexts, Annas emerges as a central figure in the Jewish hierarchy, wielding significant power and influence, even after his official tenure as High Priest. His actions consistently demonstrate an adversarial stance towards Jesus and His followers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Ἄννας (G452) is intrinsically linked to its Hebrew root חֲנַנְיָה (Hananiah), meaning "Yahweh has been gracious." This Hebrew name appears numerous times in the Old Testament, borne by various individuals, including prophets and officials. The Greek equivalent, Ἀνανίας (Ananias, `{{G367}}`), is also found in the New Testament, referring to Ananias of Damascus who ministered to Paul, Ananias the husband of Sapphira, and another high priest who persecuted Paul. While these individuals bear the same name, their characters and roles are distinct from Annas (G452).
Related concepts include:
* **High Priesthood**: The office held by Annas and his family, representing the pinnacle of Jewish religious and political authority.
* **Sanhedrin**: The Jewish supreme court, before which Jesus and later the apostles were tried, and of which Annas was a prominent member.
* **Religious Authority**: The exercise of spiritual and judicial power, often contrasted in the biblical narrative with true divine authority.
* **Corruption**: The misuse of religious office for personal or political gain, exemplified by Annas's illegal questioning of Jesus and his family's entrenchment in power.
* **Injustice**: The perversion of legal and moral principles, vividly displayed in the trials of Jesus and the apostles.
### Theological Significance
The figure of Annas carries profound theological significance, primarily as a representation of the entrenched religious establishment that actively rejected and condemned the Messiah. His name, "Yahweh has been gracious," stands in stark and poignant irony against his actions. Far from demonstrating God's grace, Annas embodies the very human institutions that resisted divine truth and righteousness. His pivotal role in the initial stages of Jesus's trial underscores the depth of the conspiracy against Christ, highlighting how religious power, when corrupted, can become the most formidable opposition to God's will.
Annas's continued influence, even after being officially deposed, illustrates the enduring nature of human power structures and their potential to subvert justice. His presence in [[Acts 4:6]] further emphasizes the continuity of this opposition, as the same religious authorities who condemned Jesus now sought to suppress the witness of His apostles. In this sense, Annas serves as a biblical archetype of those who, despite holding positions of spiritual leadership, ultimately fail to recognize or embrace God's redemptive work, preferring the maintenance of their own authority and traditions over the truth of the Gospel. His story serves as a sober reminder of the danger of religious formalism and the perversion of divine institutions when they become detached from genuine faith and obedience to God.
### Summary
Ἄννας (G452) refers to Annas, the powerful former Jewish High Priest and father-in-law of Caiaphas. Though his name etymologically means "Yahweh has been gracious," his actions in the New Testament stand in stark ironic contrast. He played a crucial, albeit illegal, role in the initial interrogation of Jesus following His arrest ([[John 18:13-24]]), demonstrating his continued influence and the pre-meditated nature of Jesus's condemnation by the religious elite. Annas also appeared as a key figure in the Sanhedrin's opposition to the early Christian movement ([[Acts 4:6]]). Theologically, Annas represents the corrupt religious establishment that rejected the Messiah and sought to suppress the truth, serving as a powerful example of how human authority can be tragically arrayed against divine purpose.
TRV