Ἐσλί (Esli)
Esli
Esli
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Esli appears only once in the New Testament, listed as an ancestor of Jesus in Luke’s genealogy (Luke 3:25). It is a Greek transliteration of a Hebrew personal name, identified in the text as the son of Nagge and the father of Nahum. This single mention places him within the long chain of generations that connects the Gospel narrative back to Abraham and ultimately to Adam.
Lexical sources indicate that Esli means "reserved of Jehovah." While the name itself carries this theological weight, its primary function in Scripture is genealogical rather than narrative. It serves as a link in the historical record, confirming the human lineage of Christ without adding independent commentary or action. Translators consistently render it simply as Esli, preserving the proper noun status without attempting to translate the meaning into the English text.
The brevity of this entry highlights the structure of Luke’s account, which emphasizes Jesus’ full humanity by tracing his roots through ordinary names like Esli. Unlike figures who speak or act, Esli represents the quiet continuity of generations. His inclusion underscores the biblical theme that God works through historical families and recorded lineages to fulfill His purposes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Esli appears just once in the New Testament, tucked into the genealogy of Jesus in Luke 3:25. It is a Greek form of a Hebrew name meaning "reserved of Jehovah." While he does not speak or perform miracles, his inclusion is vital because it anchors Jesus firmly in human history.
This single mention reminds us that God’s plan unfolds through ordinary families and quiet lives. Esli represents the faithful continuity of generations, showing that every person in the lineage matters to God’s story. His life was part of the long chain connecting Jesus back to Abraham and Adam.
For your faith, this offers comfort. You are part of a larger spiritual family and history. God values each link in the chain, no matter how unseen it may seem. This continuity assures us that God is faithful across time, working through real people to bring about His purposes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Esli1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἑσλὶ1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 3:25
the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai,
This verse lists Esli as the son of Nahum and father of Naggai, placing him directly in the lineage leading to Jesus.