### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Ἐσρώμ (Esrṓm), Strong's `{{G2074}}`, functions exclusively as a proper noun, serving as a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name חֶצְרוֹן (Chetsrôn), Strong's `{{H2696}}`. Its core meaning is therefore the identification of a specific individual. While the Hebrew root of Chetsrôn may relate to concepts such as "enclosure" or "village," this etymological background is secondary to its primary role as a personal name within the New Testament context. In every occurrence, Ἐσρώμ refers to a particular patriarchal figure, a key link in the ancestral lineage of Jesus Christ. Its semantic range is thus confined to this specific nominative function.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Ἐσρώμ (Esrṓm) appears exclusively within the genealogical records of Jesus Christ in the New Testament Gospels. Its occurrences are limited to two passages:
* [[Matthew 1:3]]: "and Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram." (KJV uses "Esrom" for Hezron).
* [[Luke 3:33]]: "the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah..." (KJV uses "Esrom" for Hezron).
In both instances, Esrom (Hezron) is identified as the son of Perez and the father of Ram (or Aram). His placement within these genealogies is purely functional, serving as a vital link in the chain of generations leading from Abraham and Judah to Joseph, the legal father of Jesus. The meticulous inclusion of such names underscores the historical and familial continuity deemed essential by the Gospel writers in establishing Jesus' credentials as the promised Messiah, particularly his descent from the tribe of Judah as prophesied. His role is to bridge one generation to the next, affirming the unbroken line.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to Ἐσρώμ (Esrṓm) is its Hebrew original, חֶצְרוֹן (Chetsrôn), Strong's `{{H2696}}`. This Hebrew name appears numerous times in the Old Testament, referring to:
* **Hezron, son of Reuben:** [[Genesis 46:9]], [[Exodus 6:14]], [[Numbers 26:6]], [[1 Chronicles 5:3]].
* **Hezron, son of Judah:** This is the figure transliterated as Esrom in the New Testament genealogies. He is mentioned in [[Genesis 46:12]], [[Numbers 26:21]], [[Ruth 4:18]], and various passages in 1 Chronicles (e.g., [[1 Chronicles 2:5]], [[1 Chronicles 2:9]], [[1 Chronicles 2:18]], [[1 Chronicles 2:21]], [[1 Chronicles 2:24]], [[1 Chronicles 2:25]], [[1 Chronicles 4:1]]).
Beyond the specific name, the concept of **genealogy** itself is profoundly related, as are themes of **lineage**, **ancestry**, and the **messianic line**. The careful preservation and recording of these names highlight the importance of **covenant faithfulness** and **divine providence** in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through specific human families and generations.
### Theological Significance
While Esrom himself is not depicted as an actor in any biblical narrative, his inclusion in the genealogies of Jesus carries significant theological weight. His presence underscores:
1. **Divine Faithfulness:** The meticulous tracing of the lineage demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham and Judah concerning a chosen seed through whom all nations would be blessed. Esrom represents one of the many links God preserved to ensure the unbroken continuity of this line.
2. **Historical Veracity of the Messiah:** The inclusion of seemingly obscure figures like Esrom lends historical credibility to the claims of Jesus' identity. The Gospels present Jesus not as a mythical figure, but as a real person with a verifiable ancestry, rooted deeply in the history of Israel.
3. **Inclusivity of God's Plan:** The genealogies, though sometimes seen as dry lists, are a testament to God working through ordinary human beings across generations. Every name, including Esrom, contributes to the grand tapestry of salvation history, demonstrating that God's plan unfolds through the lives of individuals, even those whose specific deeds are not recorded.
4. **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** Esrom's place as a descendant of Judah and an ancestor of David (through Ram) is crucial for establishing Jesus' rightful claim to the Davidic throne and his identity as the promised Son of David, a key messianic prophecy.
### Summary
Ἐσρώμ (Esrṓm), Strong's `{{G2074}}`, is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name חֶצְרוֹן (Hezron), Strong's `{{H2696}}`. He is a pivotal figure in the genealogies of Jesus, specifically identified as the son of Perez and the father of Ram (Aram). His inclusion in [[Matthew 1:3]] and [[Luke 3:33]] is not due to any personal actions recorded in the New Testament, but rather to his essential role in establishing the historical continuity and divine preservation of the messianic lineage. Esrom's presence in these sacred lists affirms God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, underscoring the historical reality of Jesus' descent and validating His identity as the long-awaited Messiah.
TRV