Ἐλμωδάμ

Elmadam

Definition

Ἐλμωδάμ (Elmadam) is a proper name appearing only once in the New Testament, in the genealogy of Jesus Christ recorded in Luke 3:28. He is identified as the son of Er and the father of Cosam. As a name in a genealogical list, it serves to establish a specific link in the lineage from King David to Jesus. No other meanings or senses are attested for this word in biblical Greek; its sole function is to denote this individual ancestor within the historical record of Jesus's human descent.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exactly once in the New Testament, in Luke 3:28, within the genealogy that traces Jesus's ancestry back to Adam. Its usage is purely genealogical, serving as a connective name in a list that establishes Jesus's legal and historical lineage through his supposed father, Joseph. There are no patterns of usage beyond this single, specific context.

Etymology

The name Ἐλμωδάμ (Elmadam) is a Greek transliteration of a Hebrew or Aramaic name. Its exact etymology is uncertain, but it likely originates from a Semitic compound. Some scholars suggest a possible connection to Hebrew roots meaning 'God is measure' or 'God of the people,' but these are speculative. In the Greek New Testament, it is simply adopted as a proper name without translation.

Semantic Range

While the name Elmadam itself is not theologically loaded, its inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3:23-38) is theologically significant. It underscores the Gospel's presentation of Jesus as fully human, with a traceable ancestry that connects him to all humanity (via Adam) and fulfills the Davidic messianic promises. Understanding that this is a real person in a historical list reinforces the truth of the Incarnation.

In the cultural context of first-century Judaism and the Greco-Roman world, genealogies were vital for establishing identity, heritage, inheritance rights, and social status. For the Jewish audience, a detailed genealogy proving descent from David was essential for any claim to the Messiahship. The inclusion of names like Elmadam, otherwise unknown, adds a layer of historical specificity and authenticity to Luke's record, differentiating it from a symbolic or mythical lineage.

There are no direct synonyms, as this is a unique proper name. Other names in the same genealogical context serve a similar connective function, such as: Ἰωσήφ (Iōsēph, G2501) — Joseph, the husband of Mary; and Δαυίδ (Dauid, G1138) — King David, a key ancestral figure.

Word Details

Scripture References