### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Ἡλί (Hēlí), Strong's G2242, is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name עֵלִי (Eli, `{{H5941}}`). In its Hebrew origin, the name Eli carries the primary meaning of "my God" or "ascended/lofty." As a proper noun, Ἡλί (Hēlí) in the New Testament refers to a specific individual, the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, in Luke's genealogy of Jesus Christ. Its semantic range is therefore limited to this singular personal identification within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Ἡλί (Hēlí) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke:
* [[Luke 3:23]]: "And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli..."
This occurrence is situated within Luke's meticulously detailed genealogy of Jesus, which traces His lineage backward from Joseph to Adam, and ultimately to God. The inclusion of Heli as the father of Joseph (or more broadly, as a key figure in the lineage leading to Jesus) is a point of significant scholarly discussion when compared to Matthew's genealogy, which names Jacob as Joseph's father ([[Matthew 1:16]]).
Various interpretations exist to reconcile these two accounts. A common and widely accepted view is that Luke's genealogy traces Mary's lineage, with Joseph being referred to as Heli's "son" through his marriage to Heli's daughter, Mary. This understanding aligns with the Jewish custom of referring to a son-in-law as a "son" and allows for both genealogies to be accurate, with Matthew providing Joseph's legal line and Luke providing Mary's biological line, both converging on Jesus and affirming His Davidic ancestry. Regardless of the precise genealogical interpretation, Heli's inclusion underscores the divine orchestration of Jesus' human lineage, ensuring His rightful claim to the throne of David.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the Hebrew name Eli (עֵלִי, `{{H5941}}`), which is the source of the Greek transliteration. This is the name of the high priest in the Old Testament who served during the time of Samuel (e.g., [[1 Samuel 1:9]], [[1 Samuel 2:11]], [[1 Samuel 3:1]]). While the New Testament Heli is a distinct individual, the shared name links him to a significant figure in Israel's history.
Beyond the direct linguistic connection, Ἡλί (Hēlí) is conceptually linked to:
* **Genealogy (γενεαλογία, `{{G1076}}`):** The broader concept of tracing ancestral lines, crucial for establishing the Messiah's credentials.
* **Messianic Prophecy:** The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's descent from David (e.g., [[2 Samuel 7:12-16]], [[Isaiah 11:1]]).
* **Legitimacy:** The establishment of Jesus' legitimate claim as the heir to the Davidic throne.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Ἡλί (Hēlí) lies not in any specific action or teaching attributed to the individual, but in his indispensable role within the divinely appointed lineage of Jesus Christ. His presence in Luke's genealogy serves several crucial theological purposes:
1. **Affirmation of Messiahship:** By meticulously tracing Jesus' ancestry, Luke, like Matthew, demonstrates Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's descent from David. This genealogical link is foundational to Jesus' identity as the Christ.
2. **Divine Providence:** The inclusion of Heli, alongside every other name in the genealogy, highlights God's sovereign and meticulous orchestration of history. Every individual, even those mentioned briefly, plays a part in God's overarching plan of redemption, ensuring the precise lineage through which the Savior would come.
3. **Humanity of Christ:** The genealogy underscores the genuine humanity of Jesus. He was born into a real human family, with a tangible ancestry, connecting Him deeply to the human experience and the history of Israel.
4. **Reconciliation of Genealogies:** The name Heli becomes a key point in understanding the complementary nature of Matthew's and Luke's genealogies. The scholarly resolution, often positing Luke's as Mary's lineage, subtly emphasizes the unique nature of Jesus' birth and His dual claim to the Davidic throne through both legal and biological lines.
### Summary
Ἡλί (Hēlí), Strong's G2242, is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Eli (`{{H5941}}`), meaning "my God" or "ascended." Its sole appearance in the New Testament is in [[Luke 3:23]], where it identifies the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, in Jesus' genealogy. While a proper noun with no direct theological teaching attributed to the individual, Heli's inclusion is profoundly significant. It serves as a vital link in establishing Jesus' legitimate Davidic lineage, affirming His identity as the promised Messiah. Furthermore, it testifies to God's meticulous providence in orchestrating the precise human ancestry of His Son, ensuring the fulfillment of prophecy and underscoring the authentic humanity of Christ.
TRV