Ἤρ (Ēr)
Ēr
Er
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Ēr appears only once in the New Testament, listed in the genealogy of Jesus found in Luke 3:28. In this context, he is identified as the son of Jose and the father of Elmodam. The entry serves a structural purpose, bridging generations in the long list of ancestors that traces Christ’s lineage back to Adam.
Etymologically, the name derives from the Hebrew word ‘ēr, which means "watchful" or "vigilant." While the name itself carries this meaning, the biblical text does not provide any narrative details about Er’s life or character. He is mentioned solely as a link in the chain of descent, highlighting the historical continuity of Jesus’ family line rather than offering personal insight into his actions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you read through the genealogy in Luke 3, names like Ēr might feel like mere footnotes. Yet this name, meaning watchful or vigilant, reminds us that God’s plan unfolds through ordinary lives. Each person listed here played a vital role in preserving the lineage that would lead to Jesus.
Even though we know little about Er personally, his inclusion shows that every generation matters. God uses faithful ancestors to build the foundation for His promises. This continuity encourages us that our own lives, however quiet, are part of a larger story of redemption.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Er1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἢρ1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 3:28
the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmodam, the son of Er,
This verse places Er as the son of Elmodam and father of Elmodam in Jesus' ancestral line, highlighting his role as a generational link.