Pronunciation Guide: ah-DEE

Basic Definition

Strong’s G78: Ἀδδί (Addi) is a proper name appearing in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Luke’s Gospel, representing one of the ancestors in the lineage from David to Jesus through Mary’s line. The name occurs during the period between the exile and Jesus’s birth.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Proper Noun
• Language Origin: Hebrew
• Usage Context: Narrative (Genealogical)
• Primary Function: Personal Name
• Biblical Genre: Historical Narrative

Word Morphology:

• Ἀδδί (nominative singular) – Addi
• Ἀδδί (indeclinable) – remains unchanged in all cases

Word Origin & History

The name Ἀδδί appears to be of Hebrew origin, though its exact etymology remains somewhat uncertain. It likely derives from the Hebrew root עָדָה (adah), meaning “to adorn” or “to pass on,” which could suggest the notion of adorning oneself with righteousness or passing on a godly heritage.

In the broader context of Hellenistic Jewish culture, the name represents the Greek transliteration of a Hebrew personal name, demonstrating the linguistic bridge between Hebrew and Greek cultures that characterized the intertestamental period.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Personal name in the genealogical record
• Link in the ancestral chain leading to Jesus
• Representative of the post-exilic period in Israel’s history

Translation Options:

1. “Addi” – Most common transliteration, maintaining the name’s connection to its Greek form
2. “Addai” – Alternative transliteration reflecting possible Aramaic influence
3. “Adi” – Simplified modern form, though less historically accurate

Biblical Usage

Ἀδδί appears exclusively in Luke 3:28 as part of Jesus’s genealogy through Mary’s line. This placement is significant as it occurs in the portion of the genealogy that spans the post-exilic period, demonstrating God’s faithfulness in preserving the Messianic line even through times of national disruption and restoration.

The name’s singular appearance in Scripture highlights the importance of seemingly minor figures in God’s grand narrative of redemption. Like many names in biblical genealogies, Ἀδδί represents a vital link in the chain of generations leading to the Messiah.

Key References:

• Luke 3:28 – “the son of Addi” son of Addi

Cultural Insights

In the context of Jewish genealogical records, names served not only as personal identifiers but as testament to God’s faithfulness across generations. During the post-exilic period, maintaining accurate genealogical records became increasingly important as Jews sought to preserve their identity and heritage following the disruption of exile.

The presence of Ἀδδί in Luke’s genealogy reflects the careful preservation of family records by Jewish families, even through periods of significant political and social upheaval. This meticulous record-keeping would later prove crucial in establishing Jesus’s legitimate claim to the Davidic throne.

Theological Significance

The inclusion of Ἀδδί in Jesus’s genealogy demonstrates God’s sovereign management of history and His faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises. Though this individual’s life details are not recorded, his place in the Messianic line testifies to how God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways to accomplish His purposes.

The name’s presence in Luke’s genealogy, which traces Jesus’s lineage back to Adam, emphasizes the universal scope of God’s redemptive plan. Every name in this genealogy, including Ἀδδί, serves as a witness to God’s detailed providence in preparing for the coming of His Son.

Personal Application

Each person named in Jesus’s genealogy reminds us that God works through generations of faithful individuals to accomplish His purposes. Like Ἀδδί, we may not see our names recorded in Scripture, but our faithfulness can impact future generations in ways we may never fully comprehend.

Our lives, though perhaps seemingly ordinary, are part of God’s larger story of redemption. This truth should encourage us to live faithfully, knowing that our role in God’s plan extends beyond what we can see in our lifetime.

Related Words

• γενεαλογία (genealogia) [gen-eh-al-og-EE-ah] – genealogy, family lineage. See G1076
• πατριά (patria) [pat-ree-AH] – family, lineage. See G3965
• γένος (genos) [GEN-os] – family, offspring, race. See G1085

Did you Know?

• The name Ἀδδί appears in Luke’s genealogy, which is traditionally understood to trace Jesus’s lineage through Mary, while Matthew’s genealogy traces it through Joseph, providing two complementary perspectives on Jesus’s royal and legal rights.
• The preservation of names like Ἀδδί in genealogical records demonstrates the remarkable accuracy of Jewish record-keeping, which was crucial for establishing priestly and royal lineages.
• The position of Ἀδδί in the post-exilic portion of Jesus’s genealogy represents a period of approximately 400 years of Jewish history, during which God continued to preserve His chosen line despite the absence of prophetic voices.

Remember This

Every name in Jesus’s genealogy, including Ἀδδί, testifies to God’s unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to bring forth the Messiah through the line of David.