Johanan
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Johanan in the Bible?
Johanan appears in the biblical narrative as a captain of the guard and a leader of the remnant of Judah following the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BCE. He is primarily known for leading the group that fled to Egypt after the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, and for his subsequent interactions with the prophet Jeremiah regarding divine guidance.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Johanan's role clarifies the political instability and leadership vacuum that characterized the final years of the Judean monarchy, illustrating how prophetic warnings were often rejected by military leaders who prioritized immediate survival and political expediency over religious obedience.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Johanan in this passage?
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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.