the son of Addi
Addi is another name in the genealogy of Jesus, and while not much is known about him specifically, his inclusion in the genealogy highlights the continuity of God's plan through generations. The genealogies in the Bible often include lesser-known figures, underscoring the idea that God's purposes are worked out through ordinary people. This reflects the biblical theme that God uses all kinds of people to fulfill His divine purposes, and each person in the genealogy plays a role in the unfolding of salvation history.

the son of Cosam
Cosam is a name that appears in the genealogy of Jesus, and like many names in biblical genealogies, there is limited information about him. The presence of such names in the genealogy serves to connect Jesus to the broader history of Israel and to demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promises through a specific lineage. The genealogies in the Gospels are not merely historical records but theological affirmations of Jesus' rightful place in the history of God's people.

the son of Elmadam
Elmadam is another figure in the genealogy of Jesus, and his name, like others, contributes to the continuity of the genealogical record. The inclusion of Elmadam and others in the genealogy highlights the importance of each generation in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The genealogies remind readers of the faithfulness of God in preserving the line through which the Messiah would come, despite the challenges and failures of human history.

the son of Er
Er is a name that appears in the genealogy of Jesus, and while specific details about him are not provided, his inclusion is significant in the context of biblical genealogies. The genealogies serve to link Jesus to the patriarchs and to the promises made to them. Each name in the genealogy represents a link in the chain of God's covenantal promises, culminating in the birth of Jesus, who fulfills the prophecies and expectations of the Old Testament. The genealogies affirm the historical reality of Jesus' lineage and His connection to the people of Israel.

Luke 3:28 opens with an ancestor about whom Scripture records nothing beyond his place in Jesus’ lineage. That very silence testifies to God’s quiet, steady faithfulness. Just as Acts 17:26 reminds us that the Lord “marked out their appointed times in history,” Melchi’s life, though hidden from us, was intentionally woven into God’s plan.

• His name sits between Neri (Luke 3:27) and Addi, bridging the generation that returned from exile with later, lesser-known descendants.

• Every link—well-known or obscure—confirms the covenant promise that Messiah would come through David’s house (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 11:1).

• Luke’s deliberate listing affirms the reliability of Scripture; nothing is accidental, everything purposeful (2 Timothy 3:16).

Addi follows Melchi, another figure not spotlighted elsewhere. The inclusion underscores that salvation history advances through ordinary people.

• Compare the faithful “unknowns” applauded in Hebrews 11:35-38; heaven values obedience over fame.

• Even without a recorded story, Addi’s life helped carry forward the line that would culminate in Jesus (Luke 1:32-33).

• His placement during the post-exilic period shows that God preserved a remnant (Ezra 9:8) and continued building toward redemption.

Cosam anchors the genealogy further back, reminding us that God’s promises survived centuries of upheaval.

• The span from Zerubbabel to Cosam covers turbulent years of rebuilding (Haggai 2:23), yet the line remained intact.

• Luke’s record affirms that Jesus’ heritage is rooted in real history, not myth (Luke 1:1-4).

• Each generation echoes Psalm 145:13—“The LORD is faithful in all His words.”

Elmadam stands in the lineage during a season when the prophetic voice was mostly silent.

• From Malachi to John the Baptist, about 400 years passed, yet God was still at work (Galatians 4:4).

• The mention of Elmadam signals that, though prophecy paused, providence did not.

• It underscores Romans 11:29: “God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.”

Er takes us deep into pre-exilic history, linking Jesus all the way back to Judah (Genesis 49:10).

• Luke’s backward-moving genealogy ultimately reaches “Adam, the son of God” (Luke 3:38), declaring Jesus as Savior for all humanity, not Israel only.

• The name Er recalls Judah’s firstborn (Genesis 38:3), though likely a different individual; still, it reminds us that God can redeem even the darkest family chapters.

• By preserving the name Er, Scripture illustrates Isaiah 46:10—God declares “the end from the beginning,” guiding every generation toward His redemptive goal.

Luke 3:28 strings together five little-known ancestors—Melchi, Addi, Cosam, Elmadam, and Er—forming a quiet but vital section of Jesus’ family tree. Their obscurity highlights God’s sovereign ability to work through ordinary people across unsettled centuries. Every name testifies to His unwavering commitment to fulfill the promises made to David, to Israel, and ultimately to the whole world. The verse assures us that no life surrendered to God is insignificant, and that His purposes march on—unbroken, unstoppable, and beautifully precise.

Parallel Commentaries ...