Esli is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. His name appears in the lineage that traces Jesus' ancestry through His earthly father, Joseph, highlighting the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's descent.

Biblical Reference:

Esli is mentioned in the New Testament in the Gospel of Luke. The relevant passage is found in Luke 3:23-38, which provides a detailed genealogy of Jesus. Specifically, Esli is listed in Luke 3:25: "the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai" .

Genealogical Context:

The genealogy in Luke is distinct from the one presented in the Gospel of Matthew. While Matthew traces Jesus' lineage through King David's son Solomon, Luke traces it through David's son Nathan. This difference underscores the dual nature of Jesus' royal and prophetic heritage. Esli is part of this lineage, which emphasizes Jesus' rightful place in the line of David, fulfilling the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Esli's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus serves as a testament to the meticulous preservation of Jesus' ancestral line. Each name in the genealogy, including Esli, represents a link in the chain that connects Jesus to the promises made to Abraham and David. This lineage underscores the faithfulness of God in bringing about His redemptive plan through history.

The genealogies in the Gospels are not merely historical records but are deeply theological, affirming Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah. By tracing Jesus' lineage through figures like Esli, the Gospel of Luke highlights the continuity of God's covenantal promises and the unfolding of His salvation plan.

Name Meaning and Cultural Context:

The name Esli is of Hebrew origin, though its exact meaning is not definitively known. Like many names in biblical genealogies, it reflects the cultural and familial heritage of the Jewish people during the Second Temple period. The inclusion of Esli in the genealogy serves as a reminder of the diverse and often humble backgrounds from which God calls His servants.

Conclusion:

Esli, though a relatively obscure figure, plays a crucial role in the genealogy of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. His presence in the lineage underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the divine orchestration of history leading to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.Luke 3:25
Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge,
Nave's Topical Index

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus