Ananias(3)
Ananias in the Bible — the high priest who ordered Paul struck (ACT 23:2). Ananias belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 2 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “or Ananiah, the cloud of the Lord”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 2 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Ananias was a male member of the tribe of Levi who served as the high priest during the time recorded in Acts 23:2. He is notably recognized for ordering that the apostle Paul be struck. Beyond this, Scripture does not provide additional personal details about him.
Names & Titles
The name Ananias means 'y-h-v-h is gracious,' reflecting a theophoric element common in Hebrew names. This name, recorded in Acts 23:2, identifies him plainly without additional titles or name variations.
Family
Scripture indicates that Ananias was a descendant of Elisheba, as inferred from the same passage in Acts 23:2. No other familial relationships are documented in the biblical record.
Significance
Ananias holds significance in the New Testament narrative as the high priest who exercised his authority by ordering Paul to be struck, illustrating the opposition faced by the early church leaders. His role underscores the tension between the Jewish religious establishment and the apostolic mission during this period.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- חֲנַנְיָה
- Transliteration
- chananəyah
- Meaning
- y-h-v-h is gracious
- Greek
- Ἁνανίας
- Reference
- ACT 23:2
- Strong's
- H2608
Family & Relationships (1)
descendant
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ananias in the Bible?
Ananias was a male member of the tribe of Levi who served as the high priest during the time recorded in Acts 23:2. He is notably recognized for ordering that the apostle Paul be struck. Beyond this, Scripture does not provide additional personal details about him.
What does the name Ananias mean?
The name Ananias means “or Ananiah, the cloud of the Lord” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.