The Greek word Nērí, represented by G3518, is of Hebrew origin and serves as the name for Neri, an Israelite. Its usage in scripture is highly specific, appearing just 1 times across 1 unique verses. The name's sole function is to identify an individual within a key biblical genealogy.
The single occurrence of G3518 is found in the Gospel of Luke. The verse establishes a direct ancestral relationship, stating that Salathiel was "the son of Neri" Luke 3:27. In this context, Nērí is presented as the father of Salathiel and the grandfather of Zorobabel within this specific genealogical record, anchoring his place in the lineage traced by Luke.
Several related words appear alongside Nērí in the same genealogical context:
- G4528 Salathiḗl (of Hebrew origin (שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל); Salathiel (i.e. Shealtiel), an Israelite:--Salathiel): He is explicitly identified as the son of Nērí Luke 3:27.
- G2216 Zorobábel (of Hebrew origin (זְרֻבָּבֶל); Zorobabel (i.e. Zerubbabel), an Israelite:--Zorobabel): Listed as the grandson of Nērí through the line of Salathiel Luke 3:27.
- G2490 Iōannâs (a form of Ἰωάννης; Joannas, an Israelite:--Joannas): The great-grandson of Nērí in this lineage Luke 3:27.
- G4488 Rhēsá (probably of Hebrew origin (apparently for רְפָיָה); Resa (i.e. Rephajah), an Israelite:--Rhesa): A descendant of Nērí who appears immediately after Joanna in the same verse Luke 3:27.
The significance of G3518 is entirely tied to its role in biblical genealogy.
- Genealogical Marker: Nērí is a crucial marker in the lineage presented in Luke's Gospel, connecting Salathiel to his paternal ancestors.
- Father of Salathiel: The primary importance of Nērí is his identification as the father of Salathiel G4528 in Luke's account Luke 3:27. This is distinct from the genealogy in Matthew, which records Jechonias as the father of Salathiel Matthew 1:12.
- Ancestral Line: Through his inclusion in this record, Nērí is cemented as a figure in the ancestral line documented in the New Testament.
In summary, G3518 Nērí is a proper name with a singular but vital purpose. Its sole appearance in the Bible serves to establish a specific link in the genealogy recorded in Luke's Gospel. By identifying the father of Salathiel within this lineage, the name plays a necessary role in the meticulous documentation of the ancestral line found in Luke 3:27.
TRV