### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Ἀδδί (Addí), transliterated as Addí, is a proper noun found in the New Testament. It is assigned Strong's number `{{G78}}`. The base definition indicates it refers to "Addi, an Israelite." The Strong's entry suggests a probable Hebrew origin, specifically comparing it to the Hebrew word עֲדִי (ʿadiy), Strong's number `{{H5716}}`. This Hebrew root means "ornament," "jewel," or "finery." While Addí itself is a personal name and thus its semantic range is limited to identifying an individual, its proposed etymological root introduces a layer of potential meaning, suggesting someone who might have been considered an "ornament" or a "jewel" within their lineage or community. However, as a proper noun in a genealogical list, its primary function is identification rather than conveying a descriptive quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Addí (Ἀδδί) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke's genealogy of Jesus Christ:
* [[Luke 3:28]]: "the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, the son of Jose, 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 Jonan, 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..." (KJV, partial quote for context).
In this sole occurrence, Addí is listed as an ancestor of Jesus, appearing several generations before Joseph, the husband of Mary. Luke's genealogy traces Jesus' lineage backward from Joseph (or perhaps Mary, through Joseph's line as a legal father) all the way to Adam and, ultimately, to God. Addí's inclusion serves a critical function within this genealogical framework: to provide an unbroken chain of descent, affirming Jesus' legitimate human lineage. No further biographical details or narrative context are provided for Addí, indicating that his significance lies solely in his position within the ancestral line leading to the Messiah.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, Addí does not have direct synonyms or antonyms. However, its proposed link to the Hebrew word עֲדִי (ʿadiy, `{{H5716}}`), meaning "ornament" or "jewel," connects it to a broader semantic field related to beauty, value, and adornment. This Hebrew root appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, often referring to precious items or honor.
More broadly, Addí is related to the biblical concept of *genealogy* itself. Genealogies are crucial in both the Old and New Testaments for establishing identity, inheritance, tribal affiliation, and, most significantly, the lineage of the Messiah. The genealogies in Matthew (tracing from Abraham to Jesus) and Luke (tracing from Jesus to Adam) serve to demonstrate Jesus' rightful claim as the Christ, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. The inclusion of names like Addí, even without narrative elaboration, underscores the meticulous preservation of ancestral records and the divine oversight of history leading to the incarnation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Addí, despite the paucity of information about him, is profound when viewed within the larger tapestry of God's redemptive plan. His inclusion in Luke's genealogy highlights several key theological truths:
1. **Divine Providence in History:** Every name in the genealogy, including Addí, represents a link in the chain of God's sovereign plan to bring forth the Messiah. It underscores that God works through generations, orchestrating human history to fulfill His purposes.
2. **Humanity of Christ:** The detailed lineage emphasizes Jesus' genuine humanity and His rootedness in the human family, tracing His ancestry all the way back to Adam, affirming His solidarity with all humanity.
3. **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** While Addí himself is not the subject of prophecy, his existence within the Messianic line contributes to the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the Davidic lineage (though Luke traces a different line than Matthew, both converge on Jesus' identity).
4. **Significance of the "Unknown":** The fact that Addí is merely a name in a list, without any accompanying narrative, reminds us that even individuals whose lives are unrecorded or seemingly insignificant in human terms play a vital role in God's grand narrative. Their very existence, their birth, life, and death, served a purpose in the unfolding of salvation history.
5. **Subtle Etymological Hint:** If the connection to "ornament" or "jewel" holds, it could subtly suggest that even this obscure ancestor was, in God's eyes, a valuable part, an "adornment," to the lineage that would ultimately produce the greatest "Jewel" of all—Jesus Christ.
### Summary
Addí (Ἀδδί, `{{G78}}`) is a proper noun appearing exclusively in [[Luke 3:28]] as a direct ancestor of Jesus Christ in Luke's extensive genealogy. While no biographical details are provided for him, his inclusion is crucial for establishing the unbroken human lineage of Jesus, tracing back to Adam. The name's probable Hebrew origin, עֲדִי (ʿadiy, `{{H5716}}`), meaning "ornament" or "jewel," offers a potential, albeit unstated, layer of meaning. Theologically, Addí represents a vital, divinely ordained link in the chain of salvation history, emphasizing God's meticulous providence, the true humanity of Christ, and the often unseen but indispensable contributions of individuals to God's overarching redemptive plan.
TRV