Ἐλμωδάμ

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word Elmōdám, represented by G1678, is defined as an Israelite name of Hebrew origin. The name appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the New Testament, where it identifies a specific individual in a genealogical record.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The single appearance of Elmōdám G1678 is in the genealogy of Jesus Christ recorded in the Gospel of Luke. Within this lineage, his role is to connect two generations. He is identified as the son of Cosam and the father of Er, marking his specific place in the ancestral line traced back from Joseph Luke 3:28.

Related Words & Concepts

Several other names are directly associated with Elmōdám in its immediate context:

• G2973 Kōsám: Defined as "Cosam (i.e. Kosam) an Israelite," he is listed as the father of Elmodam Luke 3:28.
• G2262 Ḗr: Meaning "Er, an Israelite," he is identified as the son of Elmodam Luke 3:28.
• G78 Addí: Defined as "Addi, an Israelite," he is the father of Cosam and thus the grandfather of Elmodam Luke 3:28.
• G3197 Melchí: Meaning "Melchi (i.e. Malki), the name of two Israelites," he is an ancestor in the same lineage, appearing as the father of Addi Luke 3:28.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of G1678 is derived entirely from its inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus.

• Historical Link: Elmodam serves as a vital link in the chain of ancestry, contributing to the historical record that grounds Jesus's human lineage.
• Genealogical Detail: The presence of a name like Elmodam, which appears nowhere else, underscores the detailed and specific nature of the lineage presented in Luke's gospel.
• Human Ancestry: His inclusion reinforces the humanity of Jesus, showing a line of descent through ordinary individuals who were part of Israel's history.

Summary

In summary, G1678 Elmōdám is a name whose sole function in scripture is to identify an ancestor of Jesus Christ. Its importance is not found in a broader definition or usage but in its specific role as a generational connector in the genealogy of Luke 3:28. The name helps establish the historical and human line from which Jesus came, linking his father, Cosam, to his son, Er.