In brief
Susanna was a woman who followed Jesus during his ministry in Galilee. Luke names her with Mary Magdalene and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, among the women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases. With many others, she supported Jesus and the twelve out of her own means. What we remember of her is a gratitude that became faithful and generous service.
What does the name Susanna mean?
Susanna comes from the Hebrew Shoshanna, a name generally linked to the word for the lily or a similar flower. The Bible gives no explanation for the name of this disciple.
The story of Susanna
Jesus from town to town
Luke 8:1Luke describes Jesus going from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve are with him. This verse opens the introduction of a group of women who also follow the Lord.
A healed woman
Luke 8:2-3With Jesus are some women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases. Luke names Mary Magdalene, Joanna, the wife of Chuza, and then Susanna. The text does not say what Susanna had been healed of, but it places her among those touched by the power of Jesus.
She supported him with her means
Luke 8:3Susanna and many other women provided for them out of their own means. They gave concrete support to the ministry of Jesus and the twelve. Susanna is mentioned only once, but her name is written in the Gospel because she put what she owned at the service of the Lord.
What Susanna teaches us
- A woman healed by Jesus responds with gratitude and service.
- Supporting God's work with our resources is a ministry precious in his eyes.
- God notices and honors quiet servants whose names are barely known.
- Women had a real place among the disciples who followed Jesus.
Key verses
Susanna is among the women healed of evil spirits and diseases. Her life as a disciple begins with the experience of the grace and power of Jesus.
With Joanna and many others, Susanna supported Jesus out of her means. Her quiet generosity helped the proclamation of the kingdom of God.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Susanna in the Bible?
Susanna was a woman who followed Jesus in Galilee with the twelve. Luke 8:2-3 names her after Mary Magdalene and Joanna, among the women healed of evil spirits and diseases who supported Jesus out of their means. That is all the Bible says about her.
What does the name Susanna mean?
Susanna comes from the Hebrew Shoshanna. This name is generally linked to the word for the lily. The Bible does not comment on this name for the disciple of Luke 8, but it fittingly evokes the beauty of a life offered to the Lord.
Is this the same Susanna as in the book of Daniel?
No. The story of Susanna and the two elders is found in the Greek additions to Daniel, which are not part of the canon recognized by Protestants. The Susanna of Luke 8:3 is a disciple of Jesus, distinct from that account.