MANAEN măn’ ĭ ən (Μαναήν, G3441, Gr. form of the Heb. name “Menahan,” comforter, consoler). Named fourth among the five “prophets and teachers” in the Antiochene church when Barnabas and Saul were “set apart” for missionary work (Acts 13:1). His position indicates a man of spiritual power and influence. Of him nothing further is known beyond Luke’s designation of him as “a member of the court [σύντροφος, G5343] of Herod the tetrarch [Antipas].” The relation to Antipas has been interpreted as “foster-brother” (ASV), “childhood companion” (Berkeley), or “courtier” (cf. RSV). Whatever the precise meaning, it was a relationship of honor and distinction. But it points to a striking contrast between the lives of the two men. He may have been related to an earlier Manaen, an Essene, who was a friend of Herod the Great (Jos. Antiq. XV. 10. 5).

Bibliography W. M. Furneaux, Acts of the Apostles (1912), 192; F. F. Bruce, Acts of the Apostles (1953), 253; J. Moulton and J. Milligan, Vocabulary of the Greek New Testament (1952), 615.