Bible Dictionary
Joanna
Joanna was the wife of Chuza, an official of Herod Antipas. She was healed by Jesus, supported his ministry, accompanied the disciples, and was among the women who reported his empty tomb.
Definition
Joanna was the wife of Chuza, steward of Herod Antipas. Having been healed by Jesus, she became one of the women who supported Jesus and his disciples from her resources. She accompanied Jesus’ followers and was among the women who witnessed the empty tomb and reported it to the apostles.
Biblical Usage
Joanna ministered to Jesus during his ministry in Galilee. She was present when his body was laid in the tomb, helped prepare spices and ointments, found the grave empty, and told the apostles what had occurred. The name also belongs to an ancestor of Jesus in Luke’s genealogy.
Historical Background
Joanna’s husband, Chuza, held an official household position under Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee. The name means “grace” or “gift of God.”
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Whom Jehovah has graciously given. (1.) The grandson of Zerubbabel, in the lineage of Christ (Luke 3:27); the same as Hananiah (1 Chr. 3:19). (2.) The wife of Chuza, the steward of Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee (Luke 8:3). She was one of the women who ministered to our Lord, and to whom he appeared after his resurrection (Luke 8:3; 24:10).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(grace or gift of God) (in Revised Version spelled Joanan).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>jo-an'-a (Ioana, or Ioanna): The wife of Chuzas, Herod's steward. She was one of the "women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities" which "ministered unto him (King James Version, i.e. Jesus, or "them" the Revised Version (British and American), i.e. Jesus and His disciples) of their substance," on the occasion of Jesus' tour through Galilee (Lu 8:2,3). Along with other women she accompanied Jesus on His last journey from Galilee to Jerusalem, and was present when His body was laid in the sepulcher (Lu 23:55). She was thus among those who prepared spices and ointments, who found the grave empty, and who "told these things unto the apostles" (Lu 23:56-24:10).</p><p>C. M. Kerr</p>