Addi
A descendant of David in the tribe of Judah, listed as an ancestor of Jesus Christ in the genealogy provided by the Gospel of Luke.
Addi is named only in Luke's genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3:28). The page sits in the New Testament because that is the only book that records the name — but Addi lived during the divided monarchy, not in the first century.
Addi is a figure mentioned exclusively within the New Testament genealogical records. He appears in the lineage of Jesus Christ as recorded by the physician Luke, who traces the ancestry of Jesus through the Davidic line. As with many figures in this specific section of the genealogy, there is no narrative record of Addi’s life, deeds, or character outside of his vital role in maintaining the biological and legal succession leading to the Messiah.
Chronologically, Addi lived during the centuries following the reign of King David but preceding the Babylonian exile. He represents a link in the 'silent generations'—individuals who, while not appearing in the historical narratives of the Old Testament, were preserved in family records to substantiate the messianic claims of Jesus of Nazareth.
Background and Family
Addi is situated within the genealogical record found in Luke 3:23–38. According to the text, Addi was the son of Cosam and the father of Melchi. His lineage is firmly rooted in the tribe of Judah, the royal tribe of Israel. Specifically, Addi belongs to the branch of the family tree descending from David’s son, Nathan, rather than the more prominent Solomonic line recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.
While the Hebrew equivalent of the Greek name Addi (Ἀδδί) is not explicitly provided in the text, scholars often associate it with the Hebrew names Adi (meaning 'ornament') or Adiel ('ornament of God'). However, as the Bible provides no further details on his personal life, his identity is defined strictly by his biological place in the line of Judah.
Major Life Events
There are no major life events recorded for Addi in the biblical canon. His appearance in Luke 3:28 is his only mention in Scripture. Like many individuals in the post-Davidic, pre-exilic period of the genealogy, he lived during a time when the Davidic dynasty was active, yet he was likely part of a cadet branch that did not hold the throne. His life was characterized by the preservation of his heritage during the complex political and spiritual climate of the Divided Monarchy.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Addi’s primary biblical relationship is his placement between his father, Cosam, and his son, Melchi. Through his ancestry, he is a descendant of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the kingly figure of David. Through his descendants, he is an ancestor of Joseph (the legal father of Jesus) or, as many scholars argue regarding Luke’s specific list, a direct ancestor of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Spiritual Significance
Although Addi is a 'minor' figure in terms of narrative weight, his spiritual significance lies in the doctrine of the Incarnation and the fulfillment of prophecy. The inclusion of Addi in the genealogy of Jesus serves to demonstrate that Jesus was truly human, possessing a documented human ancestry that spans centuries.
Furthermore, Addi represents the faithfulness of God in preserving a specific bloodline through the 'hidden' years of Israel’s history. For the original readers of Luke’s Gospel, the name Addi provided evidence that Jesus met the genealogical requirements to be the Messiah, proving he was a true 'Son of David' according to the flesh.
Spiritual Significance
Addi’s significance is entirely genealogical and Christological. By being included in the Gospel of Luke, he serves as a link in the chain that connects Jesus to King David and ultimately to Adam. This establishes the legal and biological credentials of Jesus as the promised Messiah and the 'Second Adam.'
His presence in the text reinforces the historical reality of the biblical narrative, showing that the ancestry of Jesus was not a mythological construct but was comprised of real individuals, even those who lived lives of quiet obscurity outside the spotlight of recorded history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Addi mentioned in the Bible?
Addi is mentioned only once in the Bible, in Luke 3:28, as part of the genealogy of Jesus.
Who was Addi's father?
According to the Gospel of Luke, Addi was the son of Cosam.
Who was Addi's son?
Addi is recorded as the father of Melchi in the lineage of Jesus.
What tribe did Addi belong to?
Addi belonged to the tribe of Judah, as he was a descendant of King David.
What does the name Addi mean?
The name is likely derived from a Hebrew root meaning 'ornament' or 'adorned.'
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Luke 3:28
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Luke 3:28