406. Andreas
Lexical Summary
Andreas: Andrew

Original Word: Ἀνδρέας
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Andreas
Pronunciation: an-DRAY-as
Phonetic Spelling: (an-dreh'-as)
KJV: Andrew
NASB: Andrew
Word Origin: [from G435 (ἀνήρ - man)]

1. manly
2. Andreas, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Andrew.

From aner; manly; Andreas, an Israelite -- Andrew.

see GREEK aner

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from anér
Definition
"manly," Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Christ
NASB Translation
Andrew (13).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 406: Ἀνδρέας

Ἀνδρέας, Ἀνδρέου, , Andrew (a Greek name (meaning manly; for its occurrence, see Pape, Eigennamen, under the word; B. D. under the word , at the beginning)), a native of Bethsaida in Galilee, brother of Simon Peter, a disciple of John the Baptist, afterward an apostle of Christ: John 1:40, 44 (); ; Matthew 4:18; Matthew 10:2; Mark 1:16, 29; Mark 3:18; Mark 13:3; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13.

Topical Lexicon
Identity and Early Life

Andrew, son of Jonah and brother of Simon Peter, was a Galilean fisherman from Bethsaida (John 1:44). His name, of Greek derivation, reflects the Hellenistic culture woven through first-century Galilee. Scripture presents him as spiritually earnest, already a disciple of John the Baptist before meeting Jesus (John 1:35-40). This background explains his readiness to recognize “the Lamb of God” and to transfer his allegiance to Messiah.

First Encounters with Jesus

Andrew is the first recorded follower to introduce another person to Christ. “He first found his brother Simon and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ ” (John 1:41). This impulse to bring others to Jesus becomes Andrew’s signature characteristic throughout the New Testament.

Andrew in the Synoptic Gospels

The Synoptics consistently group Andrew with Peter, James, and John, highlighting his inclusion among the core fishermen called by the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18; Mark 1:16; Luke 5:1-11). At Peter’s house in Capernaum he witnessed Jesus heal his mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31). On the Mount of Olives he was one of the four who privately questioned Jesus about the end of the age (Mark 13:3-4), indicating a trusted, inquisitive position within the Twelve.

Andrew in the Gospel of John

John emphasizes Andrew’s mediating role:
• Introducer of Peter (John 1:41-42).
• Presenter of the boy with five loaves and two fish, facilitating the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:8-9).
• Intermediary for Greek seekers who wished to see Jesus during Passion Week (John 12:20-22).

Each scene portrays Andrew noticing individuals on the periphery and connecting them to Christ, revealing an evangelistic instinct attentive to both Jews and Gentiles.

Andrew in the Book of Acts

Acts 1:13 lists Andrew among those steadfastly continuing “with one accord in prayer.” Although Acts records no speeches or miracles by him, his presence in the upper room affirms his perseverance after the resurrection and his participation in Pentecost’s outpouring.

Role Among the Twelve

Andrew is named in all four apostolic lists (Matthew 10:2; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). The order varies, yet he invariably appears within the first group of four, suggesting leadership while submitting to his more public brother. Scripture reveals no rivalry, only complementary service.

Missional and Evangelistic Focus

Andrew’s three Johannine appearances form a pattern: he recognizes value where others overlook it (an unlettered fisherman, a child’s lunch, foreign inquirers) and confidently brings them to Jesus. His example models personal evangelism: notice individuals, believe Christ can use small resources, and act as a bridge rather than a barrier.

Typological and Theological Connections

Andrew’s mediation between Greeks and Jesus foreshadows the Gospel’s global reach (John 12:22; compare Isaiah 49:6). His early discipleship under the Baptist underscores continuity between prophetic preparation and apostolic witness. By pointing to Christ rather than self, Andrew epitomizes humble service—an apostolic trait later commended by Paul (2 Corinthians 4:5).

Historical and Post-Biblical Tradition

Extrabiblical sources locate Andrew’s later ministry north of the Aegean, with martyrdom in Patras on an X-shaped cross. While not canonical, such testimonies illustrate the early church’s esteem for his missionary zeal and steadfastness unto death.

Lessons for Contemporary Discipleship

1. Prompt obedience: Andrew “immediately left the nets” (Matthew 4:20).
2. Relational evangelism: he begins with family, then expands outward.
3. Faith in small offerings: the boy’s lunch, though modest, became abundant in Christ’s hands.
4. Bridge-building across cultural lines: his welcome to Greeks anticipates the church’s universal mission.

Related Old Testament Themes

Andrew’s role mirrors Old Testament figures who introduce leaders to key callings—such as Eli guiding young Samuel (1 Samuel 3) or Jonathan encouraging David (1 Samuel 18). These parallels reinforce the biblical motif of lesser-known servants pivotal to redemptive history.

Use in the Early Church

Though silent in later narratives, Andrew’s consistent listing among the Twelve legitimized apostolic succession and the universal scope of the Gospel. Churches bearing his name from the early centuries onward testify to his enduring influence on Christian identity and outreach.

Thus the thirteen New Testament mentions of Ἀνδρέας/Ἀνδρέαν/Ἀνδρέου collectively portray a disciple whose quiet faithfulness, relational sensitivity, and missionary vision continue to inspire the church’s witness today.

Forms and Transliterations
Ανδρεα Ἀνδρέᾳ Ανδρεαν Ἀνδρέαν Ανδρεας Ἀνδρέας ανδρεία ανδρείαν ανδρείοι ανδρείος ανδρείου ανδρείων Ανδρεου Ἀνδρέου ανδρία ανδρίαν Andrea Andréāi Andrean Andréan Andreas Andréas Andreou Andréou
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 4:18 N-AMS
GRK: Πέτρον καὶ Ἀνδρέαν τὸν ἀδελφὸν
NAS: Peter, and Andrew his brother,
KJV: Peter, and Andrew his brother,
INT: Peter and Andrew the brother

Matthew 10:2 N-NMS
GRK: Πέτρος καὶ Ἀνδρέας ὁ ἀδελφὸς
NAS: Peter, and Andrew his brother;
KJV: Peter, and Andrew his brother;
INT: Peter and Andrew the brother

Mark 1:16 N-AMS
GRK: Σίμωνα καὶ Ἀνδρέαν τὸν ἀδελφὸν
NAS: Simon and Andrew, the brother
KJV: Simon and Andrew his brother
INT: Simon and Andrew the brother

Mark 1:29 N-GMS
GRK: Σίμωνος καὶ Ἀνδρέου μετὰ Ἰακώβου
NAS: of Simon and Andrew, with James
KJV: of Simon and Andrew, with James
INT: of Simon and Andrew with James

Mark 3:18 N-AMS
GRK: καὶ Ἀνδρέαν καὶ Φίλιππον
NAS: and Andrew, and Philip,
KJV: And Andrew, and Philip,
INT: and Andrew and Philip

Mark 13:3 N-NMS
GRK: Ἰωάννης καὶ Ἀνδρέας
NAS: and John and Andrew were questioning
KJV: John and Andrew asked him
INT: John and Andrew

Luke 6:14 N-AMS
GRK: Πέτρον καὶ Ἀνδρέαν τὸν ἀδελφὸν
NAS: Peter, and Andrew his brother;
KJV: Peter,) and Andrew his brother,
INT: Peter and Andrew the brother

John 1:40 N-NMS
GRK: Ἦν Ἀνδρέας ὁ ἀδελφὸς
NAS: [speak] and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon
KJV: him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's
INT: Was Andrew the brother

John 1:44 N-GMS
GRK: τῆς πόλεως Ἀνδρέου καὶ Πέτρου
NAS: of the city of Andrew and Peter.
KJV: the city of Andrew and Peter.
INT: the city of Andrew and Peter

John 6:8 N-NMS
GRK: μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ Ἀνδρέας ὁ ἀδελφὸς
NAS: of His disciples, Andrew, Simon
KJV: his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's
INT: disciples of him Andrew the brother

John 12:22 N-DMS
GRK: λέγει τῷ Ἀνδρέᾳ ἔρχεται Ἀνδρέας
NAS: and told Andrew; Andrew
KJV: and telleth Andrew: and again
INT: tells Andrew came Andrew

John 12:22 N-NMS
GRK: Ἀνδρέᾳ ἔρχεται Ἀνδρέας καὶ Φίλιππος
NAS: Andrew; Andrew and Philip
KJV: and again Andrew and Philip
INT: Andrew came Andrew and Philip

Acts 1:13 N-NMS
GRK: Ἰάκωβος καὶ Ἀνδρέας Φίλιππος καὶ
NAS: and James and Andrew, Philip
KJV: John, and Andrew, Philip, and
INT: James and Andrew Philip and

Strong's Greek 406
13 Occurrences


Ἀνδρέᾳ — 1 Occ.
Ἀνδρέαν — 4 Occ.
Ἀνδρέας — 6 Occ.
Ἀνδρέου — 2 Occ.

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