Learn more about Neri

Introduction to Neri

The name “Neri” appears in the New Testament as a key link in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, specifically in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 3:27). It is a shortened form of the Hebrew name “Neriah,” meaning “My Lamp,” “My Light,” or potentially “Yahweh is My Light.” This obscure figure surfaces briefly but carries theological significance as an ancestor in the Davidic line leading to Jesus. Though little else is told about him in scripture, Neri’s placement in the lineage reinforces the continuity of God’s covenantal promise through generations.

Neri Pronunciation

NAIR-ee or NAIR-eye, with the emphasis on the first syllable. In Hebrew, נֵרִי (Nēri) retains the “ee” sound at the end.

Neri in the Bible

Neri is mentioned only once in the biblical canon, but his inclusion is significant:

• Luke 3:27: “the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri” (NIV).

This places Neri as the father of Shealtiel (grandfather of Zerubbabel), situating him within the post‑exilic community whose remnant returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. He is part of the biological line traced in Luke, contrasting with Matthew’s legal/legal‑royal lineage through Solomon. Scholars note that Luke’s genealogy likely traces Jesus’s bloodline through Mary, stressing both Davidic descent and universal connection :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.

Historical and Genealogical Context

Neri’s era corresponds with the Babylonian exile and the return under Zerubbabel’s leadership. While his life details are not recorded, his lineage anchors Jesus in the line of David through Nathan, emphasizing the fulfillment of covenant promises (2 Samuel 7). Theological discussions also entertain the hypothesis of levirate lineage or legal vs. biological paternity, particularly involving Shealtiel and Jeconiah, suggesting Neri may represent a biological link when the royal line failed to produce heirs :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

Related Themes and Meanings

• Light and Lamp Symbolism: The Hebrew root “נֵר” (ner) means “lamp” or “candle.” Names like Neriah and Neri reflect light imagery—“Yahweh is my lamp” or “my light”—which resonates with Jesus being described as the “light of the world” (John 8:12) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
• Covenantal Fulfillment: Neri’s presence in Luke’s genealogy underscores God’s fidelity to His covenant with David and the enduring nature of divine promises.
• Legacy Through Obscurity: Though little-known, figures like Neri illustrate that every generation contributes to God’s redemptive plan—even those without fame.

Trivia & Interesting Facts

• Some genealogical records (1 Chronicles 3) suggest that names might represent legal heirs rather than direct biological descent, supporting theories around Levirate marriage :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Genealogy in Luke traces through Nathan, not Solomon, emphasizing a blood lineage distinct from the legal royal line :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• The name Neri appears in modern times in Israel as a unisex given name meaning “my candle” or “my lamp” :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Other biblical dictionaries like Hitchcock, Smith, and Nave confirm Neri as a shortened form of Neriah, meaning “Jehovah is my lamp” :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

Additional Observations

Though not mentioned in Old Testament accounts, Neri’s Greek transcription Νηρί (Nēri) and inclusion in Luke's genealogy speak to the New Testament author’s intent to affirm Jesus’ Jewish roots and divine heritage through centuries of faithful observers—even the unseen ones.