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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies because it helps uncover the deeper meanings and contexts of the Scriptures. The Greek word Ἑσρώμ (Hesrōm) is particularly significant as it is a transliteration of a Hebrew name found in genealogical records in the New Testament. This word is relevant for understanding the lineage of significant Biblical figures and provides insight into the Jewish heritage and ancestry of key individuals in the Bible. Recognizing the role and usage of Ἑσρώμ helps in interpreting passages that deal with genealogy, heritage, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Ἑσρώμ (Hesrōm) [hes-ROHM]
- Etymology: Derived from the Hebrew name חֶצְרוֹן (Hezron), which means “enclosed” or “surrounded by a wall.”
- Part of Speech: Proper noun (masculine); indeclinable in Greek.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Hezron: A personal name in the Bible, representing a descendant of Judah and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Similar Words: Χέβρων (Chebron) [kheh-BRON], which refers to “Hebron,” a city in the southern part of Israel. While Ἑσρώμ (Hesrōm) is a personal name, Χέβρων (Chebron) denotes a place. Both terms are linked to significant Biblical narratives but have different contexts—one relating to genealogy and the other to geography.
Further Insights: Ἑσρώμ (Hesrōm) is indeclinable in Greek, meaning it retains the same form regardless of its grammatical case. It is a transliterated proper noun, and as such, it does not follow typical Greek declension patterns.
Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Ἑσρώμ is listed as a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name חֶצְרוֹן (Hezron). BDAG notes its appearance in genealogical contexts within the New Testament, particularly in Matthew 1:3 and Luke 3:33, where it connects the lineage of Jesus back to the tribe of Judah.
Thayer’s: Defines Ἑσρώμ as “Hezron,” a descendant of Judah and an ancestor of David and Jesus. Thayer’s emphasizes the genealogical significance of the name, linking it to key Biblical figures and highlighting its importance in understanding the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies.
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Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on Ἑσρώμ as a personal name found in the genealogies of Matthew and Luke. Vine’s discusses its meaning in Hebrew and its transliteration into Greek, underscoring the importance of understanding such names for tracing Biblical lineages.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): As a lexicon primarily focused on classical Greek, LSJ does not provide extensive information on Ἑσρώμ. However, it notes that the term is used in the New Testament as a transliteration of a Hebrew proper name, relevant in genealogical records.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists Ἑσρώμ as “Hezron,” a name occurring in the genealogical record of Jesus Christ in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Strong’s emphasizes its importance for understanding the Jewish ancestry of Jesus.
Related Scripture References
- Matthew 1:3: “And Judah begat Pharez and Zarah of Thamar; and Pharez begat Esrom [Ἑσρώμ]; and Esrom begat Aram.”
- Luke 3:33: “Which was the son of Amminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom [Ἑσρώμ], which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Judah.”
These verses highlight Ἑσρώμ (Hezron) in the genealogical lines of Jesus, tracing His lineage back to Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Not applicable | Not applicable | The name Ἑσρώμ (Hesrōm) does not appear in classical Greek literature, as it is a transliteration of a Hebrew name used primarily in a Biblical context. |
Septuagint Examples:
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis | Book of Genesis 46:9 | “And the sons of Reuben; Hanoch, Phallu, Hezron (Ἑσρώμ), and Carmi.” |
| Numbers | Book of Numbers 26:6 | “The sons of Pharez were of Hezron (Ἑσρώμ), the family of the Hezronites: of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.” |
| 1 Chronicles | Book of 1 Chronicles 2:5 | “The sons of Pharez were Hezron (Ἑσρώμ) and Hamul.” |
Summary of Ἑσρώμ (G2074)
In summary, Ἑσρώμ (Hesrōm) is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name חֶצְרוֹן (Hezron), a significant figure in the genealogies of the New Testament. As an ancestor of Jesus Christ, Hezron plays a crucial role in connecting Jesus to the tribe of Judah and the fulfillment of Old Testament Messianic prophecies. While Ἑσρώμ does not appear in classical Greek literature, its use in the Septuagint and New Testament demonstrates its importance in Biblical genealogy. Understanding Ἑσρώμ provides valuable insights into the Jewish heritage of Jesus and the continuity between the Old and New Testaments.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the name Ἑσρώμ (Hesrōm), or Hezron, is one of the few Biblical names that appear in both the Old and New Testaments, bridging the genealogical records from Genesis to the Gospels? The inclusion of Hezron in the genealogies of Matthew and Luke reinforces the idea that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah, descended from the line of Judah, fulfilling the prophecies made throughout the Hebrew Scriptures.
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