Elmadam (found in some versions as Elmodam) is a figure appearing in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. While he is not a central character in the narrative of the New Testament, his inclusion in the lineage of the Messiah is a vital link in the chain of biblical history.
The Scriptural Record
Elmadam is mentioned exclusively in the Gospel of Luke:
“Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er,” (Luke 3:28, KJV)
In the King James Version, the name is rendered as Elmodam. Most modern translations and the Greek manuscripts (Westcott and Hort) prefer Elmadam.
His Place in the Lineage
He appears in the post-Davidic section of the genealogy. According to Luke’s record:
- His Father: Er
- His Son: Cosam
- His Position: He is roughly the 6th generation before Zerubbabel and belongs to the line of Nathan, the son of David.
Unlike the genealogy in the Gospel of Matthew, which traces the legal/royal line through Solomon, Luke’s genealogy is widely understood by theologians to trace the biological lineage of Mary, proving that Jesus was “of the seed of David according to the flesh” (Romans 1:3).
Etymology and Meaning
The name is of Hebrew origin, and while its exact meaning is debated among scholars, there are two primary interpretations:
- “God of Measure”: Derived from the Hebrew El (God) and madad (to measure). This suggests a significance related to the “extension” or “stature” granted by God.
- “The God of Blood”: Some etymologists suggest the name combines El with me-dam (from blood), a term used in the Levitical law.
- Connection to Almodad: Some scholars believe Elmadam is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Almodad (found in Genesis 10:26), though these represent two different individuals in history.
Historical and Theological Significance
Though Elmadam is a “hidden” figure, he represents the “Silent Years” of Israel’s history. Between the time of David and the birth of Christ, many of these men lived in relative obscurity, yet they were meticulously preserved by God to fulfill the Messianic promise. His presence in the Bible serves as a testament that God remembers every individual in the fulfillment of His divine plan.