Ἀράμ (Aram)
Aram
Ram
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The proper name Aram appears in the genealogies of Jesus in Matthew 1:3 and Luke 3:33. It is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Ram, which means "high" or "exalted." In these lists, Aram is identified as the son of Hezron and the father of Amminadab, linking the lineage of Judah to later generations.
Although the name occurs only twice in the New Testament, its presence highlights the careful preservation of ancestral records. The variation in spelling between Matthew and Luke reflects different textual traditions, with some manuscripts reading Arneus instead of Aram. This minor difference does not alter the identity of the individual or his place in the family tree.
The meaning "high" adds a subtle layer to the name within the context of Christ's ancestry. It stands as a reminder that every ancestor, regardless of their obscurity, played a role in the fulfillment of God’s promises. The genealogy serves not just as a list of names, but as a historical thread connecting Israel’s past to the coming Messiah.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Aram, meaning "high" or "exalted," appears in the genealogies of Jesus in Matthew and Luke. It marks a specific link between Hezron and Amminadab, showing how God carefully preserved every generation in Christ’s lineage. This detail reminds us that no ancestor is too obscure to matter in God’s plan.
Even though Aram is not a widely known figure, his inclusion highlights the faithfulness of God across centuries. Each name in these lists represents a real person who lived out their life in trust, contributing to the story of salvation. We can find comfort in knowing that God values every individual and their role in His greater purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ram;1×
- Ram1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἀράμ·1×
- Ἀρὰμ1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 1:3
Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron. Hezron became the father of Ram.
This verse identifies Aram as the son of Hezron, establishing his place in the lineage of Judah.
-
Matthew 1:4
Ram became the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon. Nahshon became the father of Salmon.
Here Aram is named as the father of Amminadab, continuing the chain toward the Messiah.