Ἰεσσαί (Iessai)
Iessai
Jesse
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Ἰεσσαί refers to Jesse, the father of King David. It is a proper noun of Hebrew origin that appears five times in the New Testament, primarily within genealogical records and historical references. In Matthew 1:5-6 and Luke 3:32, it anchors the lineage of Jesus back through David to his grandfather, establishing a crucial link in the ancestral chain.
Thayer’s Lexicon notes that the name is associated with the meaning "wealthy" or "rich." This etymological connection adds depth to the biblical narrative, as Jesse was a man of standing in Bethlehem, yet his son David would become Israel’s most significant king. The name also appears in Acts 13:22 and Romans 15:12, where Paul and Stephen cite Jesse’s lineage to highlight the Messianic promise fulfilled in Christ.
Although it is a simple personal name, its repeated use underscores the importance of heritage in biblical theology. By including Jesse in these lists, the New Testament writers affirm that Jesus’ authority as Messiah is rooted in historical reality and divine promise, connecting the royal line of David directly to the origins of the Israelite monarchy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jesse appears in the New Testament not as a character with dialogue, but as a vital link in the chain of history that leads to Jesus. In genealogies found in Matthew and Luke, we see him listed between Boaz and David. This simple inclusion reminds us that God’s plan works through real families and ordinary generations. It is comforting to know that our faith is rooted in actual human history, not just abstract ideas.
Paul and Stephen also reference Jesse to show how Jesus fulfills ancient promises. Isaiah spoke of a 'root from Jesse,' pointing to a future king who would bring hope to all nations. When we read these verses, we see that Jesus is the culmination of that long line. He is the one who rises from this humble background to rule over Gentiles and Jews alike.
For your daily life, this connection offers stability. You are part of a story much larger than yourself. Just as Jesse’s lineage led to the Messiah, your life is woven into God’s ongoing work in the world. Trust that He is faithful to His promises across generations, just as He was faithful to the house of David.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jesse2×
- of Jesse,1×
- of Jesse1×
- Jesse;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἰεσσαί,2×
- Ἰεσσαὶ2×
- Ἰεσσαί·1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 1:6
Jesse became the father of King David. David the king became the father of Solomon by her who had been Uriah’s wife.
This verse explicitly links Jesse to King David, establishing the royal lineage that the New Testament claims Jesus inherits.
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Romans 15:12
Again, Isaiah says, “There will be the root of Jesse, he who arises to rule over the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles will hope.”
Paul quotes Isaiah here to show that the 'root of Jesse' is Christ, extending hope beyond Israel to all Gentiles.
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Acts 13:22
When he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, to whom he also testified, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’
Stephen identifies David as 'the son of Jesse' to authenticate his identity as the chosen king God testified about.