Λάμεχ (Lamech)
Lamech
Lamech
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Lamech appears only once in the New Testament, listed in Luke’s genealogy of Jesus as an ancestor (Luke 3:36). It is a direct borrowing from the Hebrew לֶמֶךְ, preserving the identity of the patriarch who was the son of Methuselah and father of Noah.
Lexical sources note that the name carries the meaning "why thus with thee" or "unto bringing low." While this etymology is interesting, the primary function of the word in Scripture is simply to identify a specific individual in the line of descent. Its presence in Luke’s record highlights the continuity between the ancient patriarchs and the lineage of Christ.
Because it occurs only in this single genealogical list, Lamech serves as a link in the chain of generations rather than a figure with independent narrative action in the New Testament. The word itself does not carry theological weight beyond its role in establishing Jesus’ human ancestry.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Lamech appears in Luke’s genealogy as a quiet link between Noah and Abraham. In this single verse, he is simply listed as the father of Shem. This brevity reminds us that God’s plan unfolds through ordinary generations, not just famous heroes.
Jesus’ ancestry includes many unnamed or briefly mentioned figures. Their lives were part of a long line leading to Christ. This continuity shows that every person in history has a place in God’s story, even if their name is only recorded once.
When we read these lists, we see the faithfulness of God across centuries. He keeps His promises through time, connecting the past to the present. This steadiness offers comfort, knowing that our own lives are woven into His greater purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Lamech1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Λάμεχ1×
Key Verses
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Luke 3:36
the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,
This verse places Lamech in the direct line from Noah to Shem, confirming his role as a patriarchal ancestor in Jesus’ human lineage.