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Neri

biblical_person theological_term standard

Neri is a biblical person named in Jesus’ genealogy in Luke 3:27 as the father of Shealtiel. Scripture gives no further clear information about him.

At a Glance

Biblical person in Luke’s genealogy of Jesus

Key Points

Description

Neri is named in Luke 3:27 as part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, where he is identified as the father of Shealtiel. The Bible does not supply additional narrative detail about his life, role, or background. His significance is therefore primarily genealogical rather than theological. Interpreters sometimes discuss how Luke’s genealogy relates to Old Testament royal lines and to the genealogy in Matthew, but those broader questions should not be turned into claims beyond what the text actually states. Neri should be understood as a biblical person-name, not as a theological concept.

Biblical Context

Luke places Neri in the ancestral line leading to Jesus. The genealogy highlights Jesus’ real historical lineage and connects Him to Israel’s story.

Historical Context

Outside Luke 3:27, there is no secure historical record that adds to Neri’s identity. Any reconstruction beyond Scripture is uncertain.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Genealogies in Jewish Scripture often served legal, covenantal, and royal purposes, especially in tracing legitimate descent and inheritance. Neri’s mention fits that broader biblical pattern.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

The name is rendered from Greek in Luke’s genealogy; the exact Hebrew background is not stated in the text.

Theological Significance

Neri’s importance lies in the reliability and historicity of Jesus’ genealogy in Luke. His brief mention supports the biblical presentation of Christ’s true human ancestry.

Philosophical Explanation

As a named individual in a genealogy, Neri illustrates how Scripture preserves ordinary historical persons as part of God’s redemptive purposes, even when no further biography is provided.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not infer more about Neri than Luke states. The relationship between Luke’s genealogy and other genealogical records should be handled carefully and without speculation.

Major Views

Most interpreters agree that Neri is a minor genealogical figure mentioned only in Luke 3:27. The main discussion concerns the genealogy’s structure, not Neri’s own biography.

Doctrinal Boundaries

Neri is not presented as a doctrinal figure. His mention should be read as part of the historical genealogy of Jesus, not as the basis for theological speculation.

Practical Significance

Neri reminds readers that Scripture records even obscure names as part of God’s providential care in history. The genealogies of Jesus affirm the reality of His human lineage and the continuity of God’s promises.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Neri

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