Joanna
Name Origin & Meaning
The feminine form of John (Yochanan) — 'Yahweh is gracious.' Joanna's position as wife of Herod's steward gave her access to royal wealth; her choice to use that wealth to support Jesus' ministry demonstrates that divine grace reaches into the palaces of power and calls their inhabitants to radical generosity.
First Biblical Appearance
“And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.”
Joanna named among the women who financially supported Jesus' ministry — a remarkable use of royal household resources for the Kingdom.
Biblical Significance
Joanna was the wife of Chuza, steward of Herod Antipas, and one of the women who supported Jesus' ministry out of their own means. She was healed by Jesus of some disease or infirmity. She is explicitly named as one of the women who witnessed the empty tomb on resurrection morning and reported it to the eleven. Luke names her twice — a mark of significance in a culture where women's testimony was legally devalued.
Notable Bearers
- Joanna wife of Chuza, disciple of Jesus
Personality & Character
Divine unity and new beginnings — the number of God's oneness and leadership
Spiritual symbolism drawn from Scripture and tradition
Modern Variants
A Blessing for This Name
May you use whatever position and resources you have been given — even royal ones — in the service of the One who is greater than any earthly king. May you be among those who fund the gospel and first witness the empty tomb.