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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies because it helps uncover the layers of meaning embedded in the original texts. The Greek word Ἑσλί (Heslí) is particularly significant as it is a personal name that appears in genealogical contexts in the New Testament. Knowing the origins and usage of names like Ἑσλί enhances our understanding of the historical and cultural background of the Scriptures, providing deeper insights into the narratives and lineages presented in the Bible.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Ἑσλί (Heslí) [heh-SLEE]
- Etymology: Of Hebrew origin; possibly related to the Hebrew root עָצַל (atsal), meaning “to reserve” or “to protect.”
- Part of Speech: Proper noun (masculine); indeclinable.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Hesli: A proper noun used as a personal name in genealogies.
Similar Words: Ἐλισάβετ (Elisábet) [eh-lee-SA-bet] is another Greek transliteration of a Hebrew name found in Biblical genealogies. While Ἑσλί (Heslí) and Ἐλισάβετ (Elisábet) are both names that originate from Hebrew, the former is much less common and has a different linguistic and cultural significance.
Further Insights: Since Ἑσλί (Heslí) is a proper noun, it is indeclinable and does not change form according to case, number, or gender. Proper nouns in Greek, especially those of Hebrew origin, often retain their original forms without modification.
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Ἑσλί is listed as a proper name found in genealogical records. BDAG emphasizes that this name is of Hebrew origin and appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the genealogy of Jesus.
Thayer’s: Notes that Ἑσλί is a male proper noun of Hebrew origin, used in the genealogical listing found in the Gospel of Luke. Thayer’s indicates that the name is part of the lineage presented in Luke 3, which traces the ancestry of Jesus.
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Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on the rare occurrence of Ἑσλί in the New Testament, suggesting its significance in understanding the genealogical records that connect Jesus to the house of David and Abraham.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): While primarily focused on classical Greek vocabulary, LSJ acknowledges that Ἑσλί appears in the Greek New Testament as a transliteration of a Hebrew name, without further elaboration.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Identifies Ἑσλί as a name of Hebrew origin, meaning “reserved” or “protected.” It provides the reference to its occurrence in the New Testament and traces its etymology back to the Hebrew language.
Related Scripture References
- Luke 3:25: “The son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli [Ἑσλί], the son of Naggai.”
This verse presents the use of Ἑσλί in the context of the genealogy of Jesus as recorded by Luke, showing the importance of maintaining and preserving genealogical records in Jewish culture and the theological implications of Jesus’ ancestry.
Classical Usage
Since Ἑσλί is a Hebrew name transliterated into Greek and used specifically in a Biblical context, there are no examples of this word in classical Greek literature. However, it can be seen in the context of Septuagint literature where Hebrew names are commonly transliterated into Greek forms.
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | There are no known instances of Ἑσλί appearing in classical Greek texts. |
Septuagint Examples:
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | There are no known occurrences of Ἑσλί in the Septuagint, as it is primarily a New Testament genealogical name. |
Summary of Ἑσλί (G2069)
In summary, Ἑσλί (Heslí) is a Greek transliteration of a Hebrew proper noun, appearing only once in the New Testament in the genealogy of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of Luke. While its specific Hebrew origin is somewhat obscure, it likely carries the meaning of being “reserved” or “protected.” Understanding the use and significance of Ἑσλί helps scholars and students of the Bible grasp the importance of genealogies in Biblical texts and the cultural heritage of names in Jewish and early Christian traditions.
Did You Know?
Did you know that genealogical records, like the one in which Ἑσλί (Heslí) appears, were vital for establishing claims to heritage, tribal identity, and lineage in ancient Jewish society? These records were not only important for social and legal reasons but also had profound theological implications, especially in connecting Jesus to the lineage of David and Abraham as part of God’s covenant promises.
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