### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Ναγγαί (Nangaí), transliterated as Nagge, is identified as likely stemming from a Hebrew origin. The Strong's definition specifically points to a comparison with the Hebrew term נֹגַהּ (nogah), corresponding to `{{H5051}}`. The Hebrew root `{{H5051}}` means "brightness," "splendor," or "radiance." Therefore, the name Nagge, if indeed derived from this root, would convey a meaning related to "my brightness" or "splendor," perhaps signifying one who shines or is illustrious. As a proper name, its semantic range is fixed to its referent, but its etymological root offers insight into the potential meaning intended by those who bore or were given the name in a Hebrew context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Nagge (Ναγγαί) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically within the meticulously recorded genealogy of Jesus Christ as presented in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 3:25]]**: "the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, the son of Jesus, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Kenan, the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God." (Nagge is listed as the son of Maath and father of Maath in some textual traditions, but generally appears as a direct ancestor of Jesus, several generations before Joseph).
In this extensive lineage, Nagge is presented as an ancestral figure in the line of David, through Nathan, leading to Joseph, the legal father of Jesus. The primary purpose of such genealogies in the Gospels is to establish the legitimate human descent of Jesus, particularly his Davidic lineage, which was crucial for Messianic claims. The individual names within these lists, including Nagge, serve to bridge the generations and affirm the continuity of God's redemptive plan through specific human families.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the proposed Hebrew root `{{H5051}}` (nogah), meaning "brightness" or "splendor." This connection highlights a potential semantic link to concepts of light, glory, or eminence, although this is an etymological observation rather than a contextual one within the New Testament.
Other related concepts include:
* **Genealogy (γενεαλογία, `{{G1076}}`)**: The broader literary genre and theological purpose within which Nagge's name is found. Genealogies serve to establish identity, inheritance, and divine promises.
* **Lineage of David**: Nagge is part of the specific line traced through Nathan, son of David, which is distinct from the line through Solomon found in Matthew's genealogy. Both genealogies converge at Zerubbabel (though with different fathers listed for him) and ultimately confirm Jesus' rightful claim to the Davidic throne.
* **Proper Names**: The study of Nagge is inherently tied to the study of biblical proper names, which often carry historical, cultural, and sometimes prophetic significance, even if not explicitly expounded upon in the text.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Nagge, as an individual name, is primarily subsumed within the larger theological purpose of the Lukan genealogy. This genealogy underscores several key theological truths:
1. **Messianic Identity**: By meticulously tracing Jesus' lineage back through David to Adam and ultimately to God, Luke establishes Jesus' credentials as the promised Messiah (descendant of David) and as the universal Savior (descendant of Adam, thus connected to all humanity). Nagge's inclusion, though brief, is a vital link in this chain of divine faithfulness.
2. **Divine Faithfulness**: The unbroken chain of generations, despite human failings and historical upheavals, testifies to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham and David concerning a future seed. Each name, including Nagge, represents a point in time where God's plan was moving forward.
3. **Humanity of Christ**: The genealogy emphasizes Jesus' full humanity, showing that He entered human history through a specific family line, experiencing the same human ancestral connections as any other person.
4. **Universality of Salvation**: Luke's genealogy extends back to Adam, connecting Jesus not just to Israel but to all of humanity, subtly hinting at the universal scope of His redemptive work.
While the name "Nagge" itself (meaning "brightness") is not explicitly commented upon in the text, its potential etymological meaning could be seen as a subtle, perhaps providential, foreshadowing of Christ as the "light of the world" ([[John 8:12]]) or the "bright and morning star" ([[Revelation 22:16]]), though this is an interpretive layer rather than a direct textual assertion. The primary significance remains its role in affirming the historical and theological continuity of God's redemptive narrative.
### Summary
Nagge (Ναγγαί, `{{G3477}}`) is a proper name appearing once in the New Testament, specifically in the Lukan genealogy of Jesus Christ ([[Luke 3:25]]). Etymologically, it is likely derived from the Hebrew `{{H5051}}` (nogah), meaning "brightness" or "splendor," suggesting a name associated with radiance or eminence. Its sole biblical occurrence places Nagge as an ancestor of Jesus through the line of Nathan, son of David. The theological significance of Nagge lies not in any specific action or teaching attributed to him, but in his crucial role as a link in the divinely orchestrated lineage that establishes Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah, a descendant of David, and ultimately, a son of Adam, connecting Him to all humanity. The inclusion of Nagge, like every name in the genealogy, serves to affirm God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and the historical reality of Christ's incarnation.
TRV