Lexical Summary Iaret: Jared Original Word: Ἰάρετ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jared. Of Hebrew origin (Yered); Jared (i.e. Jered), an antediluvian -- Jared. see HEBREW Yered NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Yered Definition Jared, the father of Enoch NASB Translation Jared (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2391: ΙαρεδΙαρεδ (T WH Ἰάρετ, Lachmann Ἰαρεθ; (on the accent in manuscripts see Tdf. Proleg., p. 103)), ὁ (Heb. יֶרֶד descent), Jared, indeclinable proper name (Ἰαραδης (Ἰαρεδες, Bekker edition) in Josephus, Antiquities 1, 2, 2), the father of Enoch (Genesis 5:15, 18; 1 Chronicles 1:2 (here A. V. Jered)): Luke 3:37. Topical Lexicon Biblical OccurrenceStrong’s Greek 2391 (Ἰάρετ) appears once in the New Testament, within the messianic genealogy recorded in Luke 3:37: “the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan”. The evangelist’s inclusion of Jared situates Jesus Christ firmly within the primeval patriarchal line traced back to Adam, underscoring the continuity of God’s redemptive plan from creation to the Incarnation. Genealogical Role Jared is the sixth generation from Adam and the father of Enoch (Genesis 5:15–18; 1 Chronicles 1:2). Scripture records his lifespan as nine hundred sixty-two years, making him one of the longest-lived antediluvians. His placement between Mahalalel and Enoch marks a critical hinge in the genealogy: through him the line passes to Enoch, whose walk with God and subsequent translation (Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5) foreshadow themes of communion with God and ultimate triumph over death—fulfilled perfectly in Jesus Christ. Historical Context Living in the pre-Flood era, Jared occupied a world increasingly characterized by human corruption (Genesis 6:5). Yet the genealogical notices in Genesis 5 repeatedly emphasize the faithfulness of this family line, contrasting it with the growing wickedness around them. Jared’s generation thus embodies the preservation of a godly remnant through whom the knowledge of the LORD is maintained until the Flood and beyond. Theological Significance 1. Preservation of Promise God’s covenantal promise of a Redeemer (Genesis 3:15) required an unbroken line from Adam to Christ. Jared’s inclusion demonstrates the meticulous providence of God in safeguarding that line across millennia. 2. Continuity of Faith The succession from Jared to Enoch to Methuselah to Noah illustrates a chain of believers who passed down revelation and worship. Luke’s genealogy affirms that the same faith is foundational to the New Covenant community. 3. Typology of Descent and Ascent The traditional association of Jared’s name with “descent” contrasts vividly with the “ascent” of Enoch, his son, who “was no more” because God took him (Genesis 5:24). This juxtaposition points ahead to the incarnational descent of Christ (Philippians 2:7) and His resurrection ascent (Acts 1:9), themes Luke highlights both in his Gospel and in Acts. Intertestamental and Septuagint Witness The Septuagint (LXX) spells the name Ἰάρεδ, mirroring the form in Luke. Jewish tradition during the Second Temple period regarded the antediluvian patriarchs as historical figures whose lives provided moral exemplars and prophetic foreshadowings. Their portrayal in apocryphal literature (e.g., Book of Jubilees) further testifies to their enduring theological importance at the time the New Testament was written. Lessons for Ministry Today • God’s Redemptive Precision: Jared’s single mention in Luke reminds believers that every individual in God’s plan matters, even those whose accounts appear brief. Conclusion Although Jared receives only a fleeting reference in the New Testament, his placement within Luke’s genealogy anchors the life and mission of Jesus Christ to the earliest chapters of human history. Jared embodies the quiet but indispensable faithfulness through which God advances His redemptive agenda, affirming the reliability of Scripture and the unbroken thread of grace that culminates in the Gospel. Forms and Transliterations Ιαρετ Ἰάρετ Iaret IáretLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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