Ναγγαί (Nangai)
Nangai
Naggai
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Naggai appears only once in the New Testament, listed among the ancestors of Jesus in Luke’s genealogy (Luke 3:25). It is a proper noun with no verb or adjective form, serving simply to identify one link in the long chain of generations leading to Christ. The word itself carries no independent theological weight beyond its place in this historical record.
Lexical sources suggest the name likely derives from Hebrew, possibly meaning "illuminating" or "light," though this etymology is not certain. Because it occurs so rarely and only in a list of names, there are no additional nuances or contextual shades of meaning to explore. Translators consistently render it as Naggai or Nagge, preserving the phonetic sound rather than attempting to translate a definition that may not be fully recoverable.
This single occurrence highlights the specificity of Luke’s account, which traces Jesus’ human lineage back through many generations. The presence of such ordinary names reminds readers that the incarnation involved real, historical people with ordinary identities. Naggai stands as one small but essential part of that vast, documented heritage.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Naggai appears in Scripture as a single link in the long chain of ancestors leading to Jesus Christ. Found only in Luke’s genealogy, this name reminds us that God’s plan unfolded through real people with ordinary lives. While we may not know much about Naggai personally, his inclusion shows that every generation mattered to God.
This brief mention invites you to consider the value of your own place in history. Just as Naggai was essential to the lineage of Christ, your life and faith contribute to the ongoing story of God’s people. You are part of a larger narrative that connects past, present, and future in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Naggai1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ναγγαὶ1×
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 Naggai as the son of Esli, anchoring him firmly within the historical lineage that Luke traces back to Adam.