Introduction

In the study of Biblical Greek, understanding the etymology and usage of specific names and terms is essential for a deeper comprehension of the text. One such name, Ἐλμωδάμ (Elmōdam), appears in the genealogies of the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke. Although this name is not widely known or frequently discussed, it holds significance in the context of the Biblical narrative. Understanding the meaning and background of Ἐλμωδάμ can enhance our interpretation of Biblical genealogies and provide insight into ancient naming conventions, reflecting both cultural and theological elements of the time.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: Ἐλμωδάμ (Elmōdam) [el-moh-DAHM]
• Etymology: The etymology of Ἐλμωδάμ is not definitively clear, but it is generally considered a proper name of Hebrew origin, likely combining elements that refer to God and possibly a term related to humanity or lineage.
• Part of Speech: Proper noun (masculine, indeclinable)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Personal Name: Ἐλμωδάμ is used as a personal name in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Luke.
• Genealogical Significance: The name signifies a member of the lineage leading to Christ, underscoring the importance of every individual in the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy.

Similar Words:

• Ἐλεάζαρ (Eleazar) [el-eh-AH-zar]: Another name from the same genealogy, meaning “God has helped,” reflecting a common Biblical theme of divine intervention and support.
• Ἐλισαῖος (Elisaios) [el-ih-SAY-os]: A name referring to the prophet Elisha, meaning “God is salvation,” showing a thematic connection in names starting with “El,” indicating divine association.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: As a proper noun, Ἐλμωδάμ is indeclinable in Greek, meaning it retains the same form regardless of its grammatical case. This is typical for many proper names of Hebrew origin in the Greek New Testament.
• Linguistic Features: The name Ἐλμωδάμ is a transliteration from Hebrew into Greek, and like many such names, it retains a distinct sound and form that reflects its Hebrew roots. The name’s structure indicates its likely function as a theophoric name, meaning it contains an element referring to God, which was common in Hebrew naming conventions.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG identifies Ἐλμωδάμ as a proper noun, a personal name in the genealogy of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel. It does not provide extensive detail beyond its mention in the genealogy, reflecting its specific and limited use.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon briefly notes Ἐλμωδάμ as a name in the genealogy of Christ, emphasizing its role in the genealogical record without delving into additional etymological or cultural significance.

Vines:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary lists Ἐλμωδάμ under proper names found in the New Testament, acknowledging its Hebrew origin but focusing primarily on its occurrence in the genealogy rather than providing in-depth analysis.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon, primarily focused on classical Greek, does not provide much detail on Ἐλμωδάμ, as it is a name unique to the Biblical text and not found in classical Greek literature.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance identifies Ἐλμωδάμ as a name in the genealogy of Jesus, tracing its Hebrew origin and emphasizing its role within the lineage outlined in the Gospel of Luke.

Scripture References:

• Luke 3:28 – “The son of Maili, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Kenan, the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of Ἐλμωδάμ (G1678: Elmōdam):

The name Ἐλμωδάμ appears in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Luke, serving as a link in the lineage that fulfills Biblical prophecy. While it is a relatively obscure name, its presence in the genealogy highlights the importance of every individual in God’s plan. The name, likely of Hebrew origin, reflects the cultural practice of theophoric naming, where names contain elements referring to God. Understanding Ἐλμωδάμ contributes to a deeper appreciation of the genealogical records in the Bible, emphasizing the continuity of God’s covenant through generations.

Did You Know?

The genealogy in Luke’s Gospel, where Ἐλμωδάμ is mentioned, traces the lineage of Jesus Christ back to Adam, emphasizing Jesus’ connection to all humanity, not just to the Jewish people. This universal aspect of Christ’s genealogy is significant in the Gospel’s broader message of salvation for all.