Lexical Summary Iessai: Jesse Original Word: Ἰεσσαί Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jesse. Of Hebrew origin (Yishay); Jessae (i.e. Jishai), an Israelite -- Jesse. see HEBREW Yishay NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Yishay Definition Jesse, the father of King David NASB Translation Jesse (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2421: ΙεσσαιΙεσσαι (Ἰεσσαιος in Josephus), ὁ (יִשַׁי (cf. B. D. American edition, under the word)), Jesse, the father of David the king (1 Samuel 16:1, 10; 1 Samuel 17:12 Alex.; Topical Lexicon Identity and Scriptural Setting The Greek form Ἰεσσαί designates Jesse, son of Obed and father of King David. Though only five times in the Greek New Testament, the name carries profound theological weight, serving as a hinge between covenantal history and New-Covenant fulfillment. Old Testament Legacy Recalled Jesse appears prominently in Samuel and Chronicles as the Bethlehemite through whom the Davidic line is established (1 Samuel 16:1–13; 1 Chronicles 2:12–15). His household provides the backdrop for God’s selection of “a man after My own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), establishing the promise that David’s throne would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:12–16). Every New-Testament usage of Ἰεσσαί intentionally evokes this promise. Genealogical Testimony in the Gospels Matthew and Luke trace Jesus’ earthly lineage to Jesse to ground messianic claims. • Matthew emphasizes royal succession: “Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king” (Matthew 1:5-6). Writing for a Jewish audience, Matthew places Jesse within a structured genealogy that highlights Jesus as legal heir to David’s throne. • Luke underscores universal salvation: “...the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon,... the son of Jesse” (Luke 3:32). By reversing the order and driving the line back to Adam, Luke frames Jesse as a pivotal ancestor linking the promised Seed to all humanity. Apostolic Preaching in Acts Paul, preaching in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, recalls divine approval of David: “After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out all My will’” (Acts 13:22). By naming Jesse, Paul roots the gospel narrative in Israel’s redemptive history, showing that Jesus, the descendant of David, fulfills God’s enduring purpose. Eschatological Hope in Romans Paul quotes Isaiah to affirm Gentile inclusion: “Again, Isaiah says: ‘The Root of Jesse will appear, One who will arise to rule over the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will put their hope’” (Romans 15:12; cf. Isaiah 11:10). Here Ἰεσσαί anchors messianic prophecy. The “Root” both precedes and springs from Jesse, testifying to Christ’s divine preexistence and human descent, uniting Jews and Gentiles in one hope. Theological Themes 1. Covenant Continuity: Naming Jesse underscores God’s faithfulness from the Davidic covenant to the New Covenant. Ministry Implications • Preaching and teaching should trace Christ’s credentials to Jesse, demonstrating scriptural coherence. Personal Application Believers may take courage that, just as God selected the humble household of Jesse for His redemptive purposes, He delights to use ordinary people today. The name Ἰεσσαί, though sparsely used, invites worship of the One who fulfills every promise made to the house of David and extends mercy to all nations. Forms and Transliterations Ιεσσαι Ἰεσσαί Ἰεσσαὶ Iessai Iessaí IessaìLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 1:5 NGRK: ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰεσσαί NAS: and Obed the father of Jesse. KJV: Obed begat Jesse; INT: was father of Jesse Matthew 1:6 N Luke 3:32 N Acts 13:22 N Romans 15:12 N |
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