Ananias
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Ananias in the Bible?
Ananias is a Greek form of the Hebrew name Hananiah, meaning 'Yahweh has been gracious.' In the New Testament, he is identified as a man in the Jerusalem community described in the Book of Acts.
SIGNIFICANCE
The narrative of Ananias in Acts 5 serves as a literary example of the early church's internal discipline and the perceived consequences of dishonesty within the community.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Ananias reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ananias in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ananias clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Ananias." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ananias/