### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Iessaí**, represented by `{{G2421}}`, is the name for the Israelite **Jesse**. It appears **5 times** in **5 unique verses** in the Bible. The name's primary significance is its direct connection to the lineage of King David, positioning Jesse as a key ancestral figure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2421}}` is used exclusively to identify ancestry. The genealogies in both Matthew and Luke establish him as the son of **Ōbḗd `{{G5601}}`** and the father of **Dabíd `{{G1138}}`** ([[Matthew 1:5-6]]; [[Luke 3:32]]). In Acts, God's testimony identifies David specifically as "the son of **Jesse**" [[Acts 13:22]]. This identification extends into prophecy, where a coming ruler is called the "**root** of **Jesse**" who will rise to reign over the **Gentiles `{{G1484}}`** [[Romans 15:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the importance of Jesse's position in biblical lineage and prophecy:
* `{{G1138}}` **Dabíd**: This word refers to **Dabid (i.e. David), the Israelite king**. Jesse is consistently identified as the father of David, linking him directly to the royal line ([[Matthew 1:6]]; [[Acts 13:22]]).
* `{{G5601}}` **Ōbḗd**: This name identifies **Obed, an Israelite**. He is recorded as the father of Jesse, placing Jesse within the genealogy traced from his ancestors ([[Matthew 1:5]]; [[Luke 3:32]]).
* `{{G4491}}` **rhíza**: A word meaning a **"root"**. This is used figuratively to identify a future ruler who will come from Jesse’s lineage [[Romans 15:12]].
* `{{G450}}` **anístēmi**: This verb means **to stand up** or **arise**. It describes the action of the "root of Jesse," who is prophesied to **rise `{{G450}}`** and reign [[Romans 15:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2421}}` is centered on his role as an ancestor of both royalty and the Messiah.
* **Royal Progenitor:** Jesse's primary function is being the father of **Dabíd `{{G1138}}`** the **king `{{G935}}`** [[Matthew 1:6]]. This establishes him as the patriarch of Israel's most significant royal dynasty.
* **Genealogical Link to Christ:** The genealogies in Matthew and Luke use Jesse as a crucial link connecting the patriarchal lineage to Jesus ([[Matthew 1:5]]; [[Luke 3:32]]).
* **Messianic Prophecy:** Jesse is central to the prophecy cited in Romans, which speaks of a "**root `{{G4491}}`** of **Jesse**" who will **rise `{{G450}}`** to **reign over `{{G757}}`** the **Gentiles `{{G1484}}`**, in whom they will trust [[Romans 15:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2421}}` is a name whose importance is defined by its descendant, King David. While not a central actor himself, Jesse is an indispensable figure in salvation history, anchoring the genealogies found in the Gospels and serving as the "root" in a key Messianic prophecy. His name signifies the human lineage from which a king would come for Israel and a ruler would arise for all nations.
TRV