Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies as it allows for a deeper interpretation of the Scriptures and a broader understanding of ancient Greek culture. The Greek word Ἠλί (Ēlí) is significant because it represents a proper noun—a name that appears in the New Testament. This name carries theological weight and connects the Greek text to its Hebrew origins, revealing the layered meanings and contexts behind Biblical narratives.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: Ἠλί (Ēlí), pronounced [ay-LEE].
• Etymology: Derived from the Hebrew name אֵלִי (‘Eli’), which can mean “ascension” or “my God.”
• Part of Speech: Proper noun (masculine); it functions as a name.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Eli: Refers to the name Eli, a high priest of Israel in the Old Testament. It is a proper noun used in both Greek and Hebrew texts.
• My God: The name may imply a meaning related to “God” from its Hebrew root.

Similar Words: Ἐλίας (Ēlías), pronounced [el-EE-as], also derived from Hebrew, refers to Elijah, meaning “my God is Yahweh.” While Ἠλί (Ēlí) refers to Eli, a priest known for his role in Samuel’s early life and his tragic end, Ἐλίας (Ēlías) is associated with the prophet Elijah, who is notable for his miracles and prophecies. Both names have divine connotations but are tied to different figures and contexts in Biblical narratives.

Further Insights: As a proper noun, Ἠλί (Ēlí) is indeclinable in Greek. It retains its form regardless of grammatical case due to its origin as a transliteration from Hebrew. This retention of form demonstrates the respect for Hebrew tradition in the Greek New Testament.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: The BDAG lexicon identifies Ἠλί (Ēlí) as a transliteration of the Hebrew name “Eli.” It emphasizes his role as a high priest and judge of Israel, who plays a significant part in Samuel’s story in the Old Testament.

Thayers: Thayer’s Lexicon highlights Ἠλί (Ēlí) as the name of a prominent priest during Samuel’s time, noting his importance in the religious narrative and his tragic downfall due to his sons’ misconduct.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary describes Ἠλί (Ēlí) in the context of the Old Testament, focusing on his spiritual leadership and the consequences of his failures as a priest.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon does not provide an extensive entry for Ἠλί (Ēlí) because it is a transliterated Hebrew name, rather than a classical Greek term.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance defines Ἠλί (Ēlí) as “ascension” and directly links it to its Hebrew origin, referencing the figure of Eli from the Old Testament.

Related Scripture References

• Luke 3:23: “When He began His ministry, Jesus Himself was about thirty years of age, being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph, the son of Eli (Ἠλί).”
• Matthew 27:46: “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Ἠλί (Ēlí), Ἠλί (Ēlí), λεμὰ σαβαχθανί?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?'”
• Mark 15:34: “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, ‘Ἠλί (Ēlí), Ἠλί (Ēlí), λεμὰ σαβαχθανί?’ which is translated, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'”

Classical Usage

Summary of Ἠλί (G2242: Ēlí)

The Greek word Ἠλί (Ēlí) is a transliteration of the Hebrew name Eli, meaning “ascension” or “my God.” It is a proper noun used in the New Testament and Septuagint to refer to the high priest Eli, a significant figure in Israelite history who served during the time of the prophet Samuel. The use of this name in the New Testament links Jewish tradition and identity with the Greek-speaking world of the early Christians, preserving the cultural and religious context of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Did You Know?

• Ἠλί (Ēlí) is one of the few names in the New Testament that serves as a direct connection to Old Testament figures, linking both Testaments through a common cultural and religious heritage.
• The phrase “Ἠλί (Ēlí), Ἠλί (Ēlí), λεμὰ σαβαχθανί?” in Matthew 27:46 has been subject to much theological discussion about Jesus’ sense of abandonment and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy from Psalm 22.
• The name Eli appears not only in the Greek New Testament but also in the Hebrew Old Testament, underlining the importance of understanding Biblical Greek in the context of its Hebrew roots.