Root of Jesse
“Root” means descendant, branch of the family. The Messianic king was to be of the family of Jesse the father of David. In Romans 15:12, Paul quotes Isaiah 11:10. Jesus is a branch or descendant of the family of Jesse, as well as of David. And in the book of Acts, Paul makes it clear once again that the ‘root of Jesse,’ God’s promise to David, is indeed the Messiah and savior, Jesus Christ.”1
“Isaiah says, ‘There shall be a Root of Jesse, He who arises to rule [as King] over the Gentiles, in Him shall the Gentiles hope.’” ~Romans 15:12 AMP
“And it shall be in that day that the Root of Jesse shall stand as a signal for the peoples; of Him shall the nations inquire and seek knowledge, and His dwelling shall be glory [His rest glorious]!” ~Isaiah 11:10 AMPC
“I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will do all My will. From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought…a Savior, Jesus.” ~Acts 13:22-23 NASB
What is the meaning of ‘Root of Jesse’ in the Bible?
“The term root of Jesse figuratively stands for the Messiah. Jesse was King David’s father. Jesus was descended from the line of Jesse and his son David. The Hebrew word ‘root’ implies a root that remains alive and sends up a shoot or branch. Paul specifically acknowledged Jesus Christ as the root of Jesse in whom to put our hope.”2
And in the book of Revelation, Jesus states,
“I, Jesus, have sent My messenger (angel) to you to witness and to give you assurance of these things for the churches (assemblies). I am the Root (the Source) and the Offspring of David, the radiant and brilliant Morning Star.” ~Revelation 22:16 AMPC
Jesus speaks of Himself as the root (or descendant) of Jesse and David, but He also refers to Himself as the Vine and us as His branches.
Root, Vine, Branch
Jesus said He was the vine, and we are the branches, and we need to abide in Him and His love if we desire for our branch to bear fruit.
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.”
“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.” ~John 15:1-9 NASB
Jesus descended from the Root of Jesse and David. We descend from Jesus if we have believed on Him as Savior. By the power of His Holy Spirit, we can now bear the fruit of the Spirit of God: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”3
Recommendations:
How to Find God – Strength with Dignity
Hearing God’s Voice? – Strength with Dignity
3 Outstanding Faith Reasons to Abide in Christ – Strength with Dignity
References:
1 Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. “Entry for ‘ROOT OF JESSE'”. “International Standard Bible Encyclopedia”. 1915. Published by Bible Study Tools. Retrieved September 2, 2022, from Root Of Jesse Definition and Meaning – Bible Dictionary (biblestudytools.com)
2 What is the meaning of root of Jesse in the Bible? Published by Got Questions. Retrieved September 2, 2022, from What is the meaning of the root of Jesse in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org
3 Galatians 5:22-23 NASB
Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631.
Amplified Bible, Classis Edition (AMPC) Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation.
New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB 1995), copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
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Every Friday, I join an online Christian writing community, Five Minute Friday. We are given a one-word prompt and write – unscripted, unedited, pure free-write – for 5 minutes. The prompt this week is root.
14 thoughts on “Root of Jesse – the Messiah”
It must be nice to be a root
of a fam’ly tree,
to look at baby pictures (cute!)
but this was not for me.
I never got to be a child,
I grew up in the hills,
running fast and running wild
to give the locals chills.
So I guess I’m free to chose
those I will call me kin,
and since I ken He won’t refuse
I think I shall begin
with JC as Bro’ I never had,
and adopt the Lord as Dad
And He is the best Dad of all, Andrew!
Lisa, good scripture. Good to see God as the root/source of all eh? I know that song!! Sang along! FMF11
I’m so thankful He is our root/source, Annette! He anchors us!
Jesus’s roots hold us in His mercy and grace but then as you remind us, He is also the branch that allows us the privilege of producing fruit for Him! Amazing! Thank you Lisa!
He is amazing, Cindy!
This was a wonderful reminder for me today. I tend to wander off and start relying on my own strength time after time. Abiding in Christ and remembering that I am connected to the vine changes everything!
Abiding in Christ does make all the difference, Stacey!
Many times, I find myself bookmarking your posts for further Bible Study. Thank you, Lisa. This is very insightful.
I’m so glad you have been encouraged!
Lisa, Wonderful, love this. Thank you for your reminder stay with our Root, our Vine.
He sustains us, Deborah!
Excellent reminder and inspiration. Thanks so much for linking up at the Unlimited Link Party 89. Shared.
I’m so glad you were inspired, Dee!