Esli
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Esli in the Bible?
An ancestor of Jesus in Luke's genealogy, identified as the father of Mary and the 10th generation before Joseph.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Eli clarifies the maternal lineage of Jesus in Luke's account, distinguishing it from the paternal lineage presented in Matthew and highlighting the theological emphasis on Jesus' human ancestry through Mary.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Esli reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Esli in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Esli clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Esli." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/esli/