Brief Overview of Σεμεΐν (Strong’s G4584: Semein)

Strong’s G4584: A proper name appearing in Luke’s genealogy of Jesus, representing the Greek form of a Hebrew name. Its inclusion in Christ’s lineage demonstrates the careful preservation of family records and the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy through specific ancestral lines.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σεμεΐν appears in Luke 3:26 as part of Jesus’ genealogy through Mary’s line. The name, likely derived from Hebrew origins, represents one of the ancestors in Christ’s human lineage. Its inclusion in Luke’s precise genealogical record demonstrates the historian’s attention to detail and the importance of establishing Jesus’ legitimate descent from David. Early church writers saw such names as evidence of God’s faithfulness in preserving the Messianic line. Today, it reminds us of God’s detailed preparation throughout history for the coming of His Son.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σεμεΐν, Semein, sem-eh-EEN
• Detailed pronunciation: stress on final syllable: ‘sem’ as in semi, ‘eh’ as in set, ‘een’ as in seen
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Hebrew origin, possibly related to שמע (shema, “to hear”)
• Greek transliteration with characteristic -ν ending

D – Defining Meanings

• Personal name in Jesus’ genealogy
• Greek form of Hebrew name
• Ancestral figure in Messianic line

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a proper noun

Translation Options:

• “Semein” – Direct transliteration
• “Semei” – Alternative English rendering
• “Shemei” – Hebraized form

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Συμεών (Sumeōn, soo-meh-ONE) – Simeon See G4826
• Σαλαθιήλ (Salathiēl, sa-la-thee-ALE) – Salathiel See G4528
• Σήμ (Sēm, same) – Shem See G4590

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive
• Number: Singular only (as a personal name)
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Indeclinable

As an indeclinable proper noun, Σεμεΐν maintains the same form regardless of its grammatical function in the sentence.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies Σεμεΐν as a figure in Jesus’ genealogy. Thayer’s notes its place in Luke’s genealogical record. LSJ has limited information due to its specific biblical usage. Strong’s connects it to possible Hebrew origins. Moulton-Milligan provides no papyri references, suggesting its rare usage outside biblical contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda,” Luke 3:26

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σεμεΐν, though appearing only once in Scripture, represents God’s faithful preservation of the Messianic line. Its presence in Luke’s genealogy demonstrates how God worked through ordinary people across generations to bring about His plan of salvation. This name reminds us that every person in Jesus’ lineage played a role in God’s redemptive story, pointing to Christ as the fulfillment of divine promises.

D – Did You Know?

1. The name appears only in Luke’s genealogy, suggesting it may come from Mary’s family line.
2. It represents one of the few names in biblical genealogies preserved in Greek transliteration.
3. The precise pronunciation has been preserved through careful scribal tradition.

Strong’s G4584: A proper name appearing in Luke’s genealogy of Jesus, representing the Greek form of a Hebrew name. Its inclusion in Christ’s lineage demonstrates the careful preservation of family records and the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy through specific ancestral lines.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: genealogy, Luke’s Gospel, Jesus’ ancestry, Messianic line, biblical names, Hebrew names, Greek transliteration, genealogical records, Mary’s lineage, biblical history, ancestral records, Davidic line​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​