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Ἡλί (Hēli)

Hēli

Heli

G2242 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The name Hēli appears only once in the New Testament, recorded as the father of Joseph in Luke 3:23. The lexicon sources identify it as a proper noun of Hebrew origin, corresponding to Strong’s H5941. Its meaning is given as "ascending," though this etymological detail is noted without extensive theological commentary in the provided texts.

Its sole occurrence places it within the genealogy of Jesus, linking Joseph to his lineage. While Matthew and Luke offer different ancestral lines for Jesus, Luke specifically names Hēli here. The entry is brief, treating the word strictly as a historical identifier rather than a term with broader semantic range or metaphorical usage in the text.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Heli appears in the New Testament only once, recorded as the father of Joseph in Luke’s genealogy. While we do not know much about him personally, his inclusion reminds us that God works through ordinary families and historical lines to bring about His purposes. This single mention connects Jesus to a long chain of ancestors, showing that salvation history is grounded in real human lives.

For your faith, this detail encourages trust in God’s patience and precision. He does not rush; He weaves together generations, known and unknown, to fulfill His promises. You can find comfort in knowing that your own life, with all its ordinary moments, is part of a larger story that God is writing.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • of Heli1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • Ἠλὶ1×

Key Verses

  • Luke 3:23
    Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years old, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,

    This verse identifies Heli as the father of Joseph in Jesus’ lineage, highlighting Luke’s specific genealogical account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Heli mean?

Heli is a proper noun of Hebrew origin, corresponding to Strong’s H5941. Its meaning is generally understood as 'ascending' or 'exalted,' though the New Testament text itself treats it primarily as a historical identifier rather than a term with theological symbolism.

Why is Heli mentioned only once in the Bible?

Heli appears only in Luke 3:23 as part of Jesus’ genealogy. Unlike major figures such as Abraham or David, he is listed briefly to connect Joseph to his ancestral line. His single mention serves a structural role in tracing Jesus’ human heritage.

How does Heli fit into the different genealogies of Jesus?

Matthew and Luke provide different ancestral lines for Jesus. Luke specifically names Heli as Joseph’s father, while Matthew lists Jacob. Christians have understood these differences in various ways, often seeing them as tracing different branches of Jesus’ family or legal lineages.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Luke 1 verse
Luke 3:23

Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years old, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son…