Semei: An Ancestor of Jesus
Jump to: Nave'sGreekSubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Semei, also spelled as Shemei or Shimei, is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. His name appears in the Gospel of Luke, which traces the lineage of Jesus through Mary, His mother, back to Adam. This genealogy is distinct from the one found in the Gospel of Matthew, which traces Jesus' legal lineage through Joseph, His earthly father.

Biblical References:

Semei is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. The relevant passage is found in Luke 3:23-38, where the lineage is traced from Jesus back to Adam. In this genealogy, Semei is listed as an ancestor of Jesus, appearing in the line between Mattathias and Joseph, the husband of Mary. The Berean Standard Bible records this lineage as follows:

"the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda..." (Luke 3:25-26).

Historical and Theological Context:

The genealogy in Luke is significant for several reasons. It emphasizes Jesus' human ancestry, connecting Him to all of humanity through Adam. This lineage underscores the belief in Jesus as the Savior for all people, not just the Jewish nation. By tracing Jesus' lineage through Mary, the Gospel of Luke highlights the fulfillment of God's promises through a humble and faithful servant, Mary, who bore the Messiah.

Semei's inclusion in this genealogy, though brief, is part of the broader tapestry of God's redemptive plan. Each name in the genealogy represents a link in the chain of God's covenantal faithfulness, leading to the birth of Jesus Christ. The presence of Semei in this lineage serves as a reminder of the continuity of God's promises throughout generations.

Genealogical Significance:

The genealogies in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke serve different theological purposes. Matthew's genealogy emphasizes Jesus' legal right to the throne of David, highlighting His role as the promised King and Messiah. In contrast, Luke's genealogy underscores Jesus' universal mission and His identification with all of humanity.

Semei's place in the genealogy reflects the diverse and often unexpected ways God works through history. The inclusion of various individuals, some well-known and others obscure, demonstrates that God's purposes are accomplished through a wide array of people, each playing a unique role in the unfolding of His divine plan.

Conclusion:

While Semei may not be a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his mention in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke is a testament to the intricate and purposeful design of God's redemptive history. Through Semei and countless others, God's promise of a Savior was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who came to redeem and restore all of creation.
Nave's Topical Index
Luke 3:26
Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda,
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
4584. Semein -- Semein, an Israelite
... Definition: Semein Definition: Semein, an ancestor of Jesus. Word Origin of Hebrew
origin Shimi Definition Semein, an Isr. NASB Word Usage Semein (1). Semei. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4584.htm - 6k
Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Semei
Top of Page
Top of Page