How does the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 1:24 connect to Jesus' lineage in Matthew?

Setting the Scene: Two Genealogies, One Family Story

The chronicler opens Israel’s history by tracing mankind from Adam to Abraham (1 Chronicles 1). Matthew begins his Gospel with Abraham and moves forward to Jesus (Matthew 1). Put together, the two lists create one seamless line from the dawn of humanity to the Savior.

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The Key Names in 1 Chronicles 1:24

“Shem, Arphaxad, Shelah.” (1 Chronicles 1:24)

These three patriarchs form the first link in the post-Flood chain that will ultimately reach Abraham—and, through him, Jesus.

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From Shelah to Abraham: Filling the Gap

1 Chronicles 1:25-27 and Genesis 11:12-26 fill in the generations Matthew does not repeat.

• Shelah

• Eber

• Peleg

• Reu

• Serug

• Nahor

• Terah

• Abram (Abraham)

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Where Matthew Picks Up the Thread

“This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac…” (Matthew 1:1-2)

Matthew starts with Abraham because his Gospel highlights Jesus as the promised Seed of Abraham (Genesis 22:18) and the royal Son of David (2 Samuel 7:12-13).

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Bridging 1 Chronicles and Matthew: The Complete Line to Jesus

• Shem

• Arphaxad

• Shelah

• (intermediate names above)

• Abraham → Isaac → Jacob → Judah → Perez → Hezron → Ram → Amminadab → Nahshon → Salmon → Boaz → Obed → Jesse → David → Solomon … (continuing the list in Matthew 1) … → Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ (Matthew 1:16).

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Why This Connection Matters

• Continuity: Scripture’s separate genealogies lock together like adjoining puzzle pieces, proving a single, unbroken historical record.

• Covenant Flow: Shem receives Noah’s blessing (Genesis 9:26-27); Abraham receives the covenant promise (Genesis 12:1-3); David receives the royal promise (2 Samuel 7:12-13). Jesus stands at the end of this covenant stream, fulfilling them all (Luke 1:31-33).

• Messianic Credentials: By showing Jesus rooted in Shem’s line and Abraham’s covenant family, both Old and New Testaments testify that He is the promised Redeemer for all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Key Takeaways for Today

• The Bible’s genealogies are more than lists; they confirm God’s faithful preservation of the Messianic line.

• 1 Chronicles 1:24 may seem distant, yet it holds the opening link that eventually reaches the manger in Bethlehem.

• Every name underscores God’s meticulous sovereignty—assuring believers that He keeps His promises right down to the smallest detail.