John

Etymology

From 'Yochanan' — 'Yo' (Yahweh) and 'chanan' (to be gracious, to show favour). The most widely used biblical name in history, carried by two pivotal New Testament figures and translated into virtually every language on earth.

Who they were

Two Johns shaped the New Testament, and the name they share — God is gracious — defines both their lives. John the Baptist was the prophet who prepared the way for Jesus, living in the wilderness, wearing camel hair, eating locusts and wild honey. He baptised Jesus in the Jordan, saw the Spirit descend like a dove, and declared, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.' He was later imprisoned by Herod Antipas for condemning Herod's marriage to his brother's wife, and was beheaded at the request of Herodias' daughter. Jesus said no one born of women was greater than John. John the Apostle, son of Zebedee, was the disciple 'whom Jesus loved' — the one who leaned against Jesus at the Last Supper, stood at the cross, ran to the empty tomb, and recognised the risen Jesus on the shore of Galilee. He is traditionally credited with the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the book of Revelation. His Gospel begins with the most theologically profound words in the New Testament: 'In the beginning was the Word.' His first epistle contains the simplest and greatest summary of Christianity: 'God is love.' Between them, the two Johns — the wild prophet and the intimate disciple — frame the entire New Testament story.

Character qualities

• Radical prophetic courage (Baptist)
• Intimate devotion (Apostle)
• Willingness to decrease (Baptist)
• Depth of theological insight (Apostle)

Key verse

John 1:14

Where they appear

Themes

Variants & related forms

Jon · Jack · Johnny · Ian · Sean · Juan · Jean · Giovanni · Ivan · Hans · Jan · Yochanan

Related names