Jannai
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Topical Encyclopedia
Overview:
Jannai 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 through Joseph, His legal father, back to Adam. The name "Jannai" is of Hebrew origin, and while specific details about his life are not provided in the Scriptures, his inclusion in the genealogy highlights the continuity of God's covenantal promises through generations.

Biblical Reference:
Jannai is mentioned in the New Testament in the Gospel of Luke. The relevant passage is found in Luke 3:24, which states: "the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph," . This verse is part of a longer genealogical list that underscores Jesus' rightful place in the line of David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.

Genealogical Significance:
The genealogy in Luke is distinct from the one presented in the Gospel of Matthew. Luke's account traces Jesus' lineage through Mary, His mother, although it is presented as Joseph's genealogy due to the patriarchal customs of the time. Jannai's presence in this lineage serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God's promises to Israel and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through history.

Theological Implications:
Jannai's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus emphasizes the humanity of Christ and His connection to the people of Israel. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham and David, as Jesus is shown to be the legitimate heir to the throne of David. This lineage underscores the belief in Jesus as the Messiah, who comes not only for the Jews but for all humanity, bridging the Old and New Covenants.

Cultural and Historical Context:
While specific historical details about Jannai are not provided in the biblical text, his name appears during the intertestamental period, a time characterized by significant cultural and political changes in Judea. This era saw the influence of Hellenistic culture and the rise of various Jewish sects, setting the stage for the New Testament narrative.

Name Meaning and Etymology:
The name "Jannai" is derived from the Hebrew root "Yannai," which may mean "God is gracious" or "gift of God." This etymology reflects a common theme in biblical names, where the character and nature of God are often highlighted through the names of individuals.

Conclusion:
Jannai, though a relatively obscure figure, plays a crucial role in the biblical narrative by being part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ. His mention in the Gospel of Luke serves as a reminder of the intricate and purposeful unfolding of God's plan throughout history, culminating in the birth of the Savior.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
JANNAI

jan'-a-i (Iannai, Tischendorf, Tregelles, Westcott and Hort, The New Testament in Greek; Ianna, Textus Receptus of the New Testament; the King James Version Janna); An ancestor of Jesus in Luke's genealogy, the 5th before Joseph, the husband of Mary (Luke 3:24).

Greek
2388. Iannai -- Jannai, an Israelite
... Jannai, an Israelite. Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration:
Iannai Phonetic Spelling: (ee-an-nah') Short Definition: Jannai Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2388.htm - 6k
Library

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
... offensive. It appears that Rabbi Jannai, while travelling by the way, formed
acquaintance with a man, whom he thought his equal. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 3 in galilee at.htm

C. The Genealogy of Jesus. Ch. 3:23-38
... years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, 24 the
son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the genealogy of jesus.htm

Genealogy According to Luke.
... was counted as a son of Heli because he was his son-in-law] of Heli, 24 the son
of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/iv genealogy according to luke.htm

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... and the government now developed upon the only one of Simon's sons still left, known
as John Hyranus I.((Jochanan Horkenos, [6345] Jannai [6346] ), 135-105 bc ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm

The Child-Life in Nazareth
... [1134] Even the Talmud owns this, when, among the memorable sayings of the sages,
it records one of the School of Rabbi Jannai, to the effect that knowledge of ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ix the child-life in.htm

The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic ...
... the warning against prayers at the corner of streets was taken from life, appears
from the well-known anecdote [2548] concerning one, Rabbi Jannai, who was ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xviii the sermon on.htm

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ...
The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah. <. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix ix list of old.htm

Thesaurus
Jannai (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JANNAI. jan'-ai (Iannai, Tischendorf ... 3:24).
Multi-Version Concordance Jannai (1 Occurrence). Luke 3 ...
/j/jannai.htm - 7k

Janna (1 Occurrence)
... Luke 3:24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai,
the son of Joseph, (Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/j/janna.htm - 6k

Jan'na-i (1 Occurrence)
Jan'na-i. Jannai, Jan'na-i. Jannes . Multi-Version Concordance Jan'na-i
(1 Occurrence). ... Jannai, Jan'na-i. Jannes . Reference Bible.
/j/jan'na-i.htm - 6k

Levi (79 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai,
the son of Joseph, (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/l/levi.htm - 35k

Matthat (2 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai,
the son of Joseph, (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/m/matthat.htm - 7k

Melchi (2 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai,
the son of Joseph, (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/m/melchi.htm - 7k

Talmud
... Some of the most famous Palestinian Amoraim may be mentioned here (compare Introduction,
99;): 1st generation: Chanina bar Chama, Jannai, Jonathan, Osha'ya ...
/t/talmud.htm - 37k

Joseph (248 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai,
the son of Joseph, (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/j/joseph.htm - 91k

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

Luke 3:24
the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,
(WEB WEY ASV BBE NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Jannai

Related Terms

Jannes (2 Occurrences)

Jannai (1 Occurrence)

Janna: Ancestor of Joseph
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