Lexical Summary Naggai: Naggai Original Word: Ναγγαί Strong's Exhaustive Concordance NaggaiProbably of Hebrew origin (compare Nogahh); Nangae (i.e. Perhaps Nogach), an Israelite -- Nagge. see HEBREW Nogahh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably of Hebrew origin, cf. Nogah Definition Naggai, an Isr. NASB Translation Naggai (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3477: ΝαγγαίΝαγγαί (from נָגַהּ, to shine), ὁ, indeclinable (Vulg. (Naggae, and (so A. V.)) Nagge), Naggai, one of Christ's ancestors: Luke 3:25. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Luke 3:25 records the single New Testament mention of Ναγγαί: “ …the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai… ” This brief notice locates Naggai in the paternal ancestry of Jesus Christ as preserved by Luke. Place within the Davidic Lineage Luke traces Jesus’ legal descent back to David through Nathan (Luke 3:31), rather than through Solomon as in Matthew 1:6–7. Naggai stands in the post-exilic generations between Zerubbabel (Luke 3:27) and Joseph, the husband of Mary (Luke 3:23). His placement shows that even in the centuries when no canonical history was being written, God faithfully preserved the Davidic line foretold in 2 Samuel 7:12–16 and reaffirmed in Jeremiah 33:17. Historical Background The bearing of Naggai’s name after the Babylonian captivity testifies to the survival of Jewish identity during Persian and early Hellenistic rule. Genealogical tablets maintained by priestly and lay families (compare Ezra 2:62) likely preserved his record. Naggai would have lived roughly in the fifth or fourth century BC, in the generations shortly following Zerubbabel’s leadership in Judah (circa 520 BC). Theological Significance in the Genealogy of Christ 1. Continuity of Promise—Every link, including Naggai, confirms that the covenant with David moved unbroken through history to its fulfillment in Jesus (Acts 13:23). Possible Connection to Hebrew Names While no Old Testament verse names a Naggai directly, the root nagah (“to shine” or “to illuminate”) suggests a meaning connected with brightness. This would align with prophetic hopes of light arising for Israel (Isaiah 60:1–3), foreshadowed in those who carried the Messianic line. Ministry Applications • Assurance of God’s Memory—Believers often feel insignificant; Naggai reminds us that God remembers every servant who trusts Him, even when human history forgets (Malachi 3:16). Lessons for Believers 1. Small Roles, Great Purposes—Naggai’s sole biblical mention shows that our value is measured by God’s purpose, not worldly recognition (1 Corinthians 1:27–29). Related Scriptural Themes • Preservation of the Davidic covenant: 2 Samuel 7:12–16; Psalm 89:3–4 Forms and Transliterations Ναγγαι Ναγγαί Ναγγαὶ Nangai NangaíLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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