Lexical Summary Eli: Eli Original Word: Ἠλί Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Heli. Of Hebrew origin (Eliy); Heli (i.e. Eli), an Israelite -- Heli. see HEBREW Eliy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Eli Definition Eli, an Isr. NASB Translation Eli (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2242: ἩλίἩλί (Rst Ἠλί (on the breathing in manuscripts see Tdf Proleg., p. 107), T Tr WH ἡλει (see WH's Appendix, p. 155, and under the word εἰ, ἰ)), indeclinable, Heli, the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary: Luke 3:23. Topical Lexicon Name And Background Heli (Greek Ἠλί) represents a Greek form of the ancient Hebrew name Eli, “my God.” Though the linguistic details are Hebrew, the New Testament preserves the name only in Greek form, highlighting a faithful transmission of family records into the Koine era. Single New Testament Occurrence Luke 3:23 records: “Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry, being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph, the son of Heli.” This solitary mention anchors Heli within the inspired genealogy that Luke traces from Jesus back to Adam. Place In The Genealogy Of Jesus Heli is situated one generation prior to Joseph and therefore stands at the doorway between the Davidic line and the immediate family into which Jesus was born. Whether taken as Joseph’s biological father or as Mary’s father (making Joseph the son-in-law), Heli’s place ensures that Jesus’ earthly family descends from David through another branch besides Matthew’s line through Jacob. Harmonising The Two Genealogies Matthew 1 presents Joseph “son of Jacob,” while Luke 3 presents Joseph “son of Heli.” The long-standing conservative explanations include: Either view retains the inerrancy and congruity of Scripture by recognising that Hebrew lineage could be recorded through legal as well as biological ties. Historical Bridging Figure Heli lived during the late Second Temple period, between Zerubbabel’s post-exilic generation (Luke 3:27) and the birth of Jesus. This was an era when genealogical registers were zealously guarded (Ezra 2:62), providing credible documentation for a family in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4). The simple preservation of Heli’s name testifies to the continuity of Davidic hope amid centuries of foreign rule. Prophetic And Theological Significance 1. Validation of Messianic Prophecy: By rooting Jesus in David’s household through Heli, Luke confirms promises such as 2 Samuel 7:16 and Isaiah 11:1. Lessons For Ministry And Faith • God sees the obscure: Heli left no recorded exploits, yet his faithful place in the family line mattered for world redemption. Related Names In Scripture Heli should not be confused with Eli the priest of Shiloh (1 Samuel 1–4) or Elijah the prophet (1 Kings 17). The shared root underscores a common confession—“my God”—across eras and ministries. Summary Though mentioned only once, Heli (Strong’s Greek 2242) safeguards a vital link in the inspired record of Jesus’ ancestry. His name affirms God’s meticulous faithfulness, the harmony of the Gospel genealogies, and the reach of salvation promised through the house of David to the ends of the earth. Forms and Transliterations Ηλει Ἡλεί Ἠλὶ ηλιασθέντων eli elì Ēli ĒlìLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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