### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Ἐλμωδάμ (Elmōdám), Strong's G1678, is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates it is "of Hebrew origin (perhaps for אַלְמוֹדָד)." This suggests a potential etymological link to the Hebrew name Almodad `{{H486}}`, a descendant of Joktan mentioned in [[Genesis 10:26]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:20]]. While the precise meaning of Almodad is debated among scholars, often proposed meanings include "immeasurable" or "God is a measure." For Elmodam (G1678) itself, the semantic range is limited to its function as a unique identifier for an individual within a genealogical record. It does not carry a broader conceptual meaning beyond its nominative function.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Ἐλμωδάμ (Elmōdám) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke's genealogy of Jesus Christ:
* **[[Luke 3:28]]**: "the son of Er, the son of Elmodam, the son of Cosam, the son of Addi..."
In this passage, Elmodam is listed as an ancestor of Joseph, the legal father of Jesus. Luke's genealogy traces Jesus' lineage backward from Joseph all the way to Adam, emphasizing the historical continuity and universal scope of God's redemptive plan. Elmodam is situated as an intermediate figure within this extensive list, serving as a link in the unbroken chain of generations leading to the Messiah. His inclusion, alongside many other less prominent names, underscores the meticulous detail and historical grounding of the Gospel narrative.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic and conceptual connections for Elmodam (G1678) are:
* **Hebrew Origin (אַלְמוֹדָד, `{{H486}}`)**: The Strong's definition explicitly links Elmodam to the Hebrew Almodad. While the exact relationship (e.g., direct translation, variant spelling, or a different individual bearing a similar name) is not definitively stated, the connection points to a shared linguistic heritage. This highlights the deep roots of New Testament figures in Old Testament history and culture.
* **Genealogy**: As a name found exclusively within a biblical genealogy, Elmodam is intrinsically linked to the concept of lineage and ancestry. This connects it to other significant genealogies in Scripture, such as those in [[Matthew 1]], [[Genesis 5]], [[Genesis 10]], and the extensive lists in 1 Chronicles. These genealogies serve various purposes, including establishing covenantal lines, demonstrating historical continuity, and, crucially, validating the messianic claims of Jesus.
* **Proper Nouns**: Elmodam is a proper noun, a specific personal name. Its study falls within the broader category of biblical onomastics, the study of names. While the etymological meaning of many biblical names is rich with theological significance, for names like Elmodam, their primary importance lies in their historical and genealogical function.
### Theological Significance
Though Elmodam is an obscure figure with a single mention, his presence in the sacred text carries profound theological significance:
* **Divine Providence in History**: The meticulous recording of names like Elmodam in the genealogy of Jesus testifies to God's sovereign and meticulous oversight of human history. Every individual, even those seemingly insignificant from a human perspective, plays a part in God's overarching plan for salvation. His inclusion affirms that the lineage of the Messiah was not accidental but divinely orchestrated through countless generations.
* **Historical Veracity of the Gospel**: The inclusion of a specific, non-prominent name like Elmodam lends historical credibility to the Gospel of Luke. It grounds the narrative in a tangible, verifiable human history, emphasizing that the Incarnation was a real event within time and space, not a mythological construct.
* **The Humanity of Christ**: Elmodam's place in the human lineage of Jesus underscores the full humanity of the Son of God. Jesus was truly born into a specific family line, connecting Him to the entirety of human history and the Abrahamic covenant, fulfilling prophecies that the Messiah would come from the seed of David and Abraham.
* **Continuity of God's Plan**: The genealogy, with Elmodam as a link, demonstrates the unbroken continuity of God's redemptive plan from creation (Luke's genealogy extends to Adam) through the patriarchs, kings, and ordinary individuals, culminating in the birth of Jesus Christ. Every name in the list is a testament to God's faithfulness across millennia.
### Summary
Elmodam (G1678) is a proper noun, a personal name appearing only once in the New Testament, in the genealogy of Jesus Christ found in [[Luke 3:28]]. It is described as being of Hebrew origin, possibly related to Almodad `{{H486}}`. While its individual meaning is uncertain, its significance lies in its role as a link in the divinely ordained lineage of the Messiah. Theologically, Elmodam's inclusion in Luke's genealogy underscores the historical veracity of the Gospel, God's meticulous providence in orchestrating the human ancestry of Jesus, and the full humanity of Christ, connecting Him to the vast tapestry of human history and God's unfolding redemptive plan.
TRV