Bible Dictionary

Jesse

A biblical Hebrew proper name of uncertain etymology; Jesse was the father of David.

Quick Reference

Total Entries

516

Entry Position

267 of 516

Letter

J

Meaning

A biblical Hebrew proper name of uncertain etymology; Jesse was the father of David.

Key Scriptures

  • Ruth 4:17-22
  • 1 Samuel 16:1-13
  • 1 Samuel 17:12-20
  • 1 Samuel 20:27-30
  • 2 Samuel 20:1
  • 1 Chronicles 2:12-15
  • Isaiah 11:1-10
  • Isaiah 11:10
  • Matthew 1:5-6
  • Acts 13:22-23
  • Romans 15:12

Original Language

Hebrew

יִשַׁי

Yishai

uncertain; etymology uncertain

Greek

Ἰεσσαί

Iessai

Jesse

Meaning

A biblical Hebrew proper name of uncertain etymology; Jesse was the father of David.

Biblical Usage

Jesse was the son of Obed and the father of David. He lived in Bethlehem and had several sons and daughters. Samuel was sent by the LORD to anoint one of Jesse’s sons, and David was chosen.

Jesse is also mentioned in later prophetic and New Testament passages. Isaiah speaks of the stem and root of Jesse, and the New Testament identifies Jesus Christ with the promised Davidic line associated with Jesse.

Key References

  • Ruth 4:17-22
  • 1 Samuel 16:1-13
  • 1 Samuel 17:12-20
  • 1 Chronicles 2:12-15
  • Isaiah 11:1-10
  • Matthew 1:5-6
  • Acts 13:22-23
  • Romans 15:12
  • Obed
  • Boaz
  • Ruth
  • David
  • Bethlehem

Study More

Continue your Bible study by exploring related Scriptures, dictionary terms, and connected topics.

Scriptures

  • Ruth 4:17-22
  • 1 Samuel 16:1-13
  • 1 Samuel 17:12-20
  • 1 Samuel 20:27-30
  • 2 Samuel 20:1
  • 1 Chronicles 2:12-15
  • Isaiah 11:1-10
  • Isaiah 11:10
  • Matthew 1:5-6
  • Acts 13:22-23
  • Romans 15:12

Related Terms

Obed Boaz Ruth David Bethlehem

Study Topics

people men Ruth David Bethlehem genealogy