Topical Encyclopedia
The genealogy of Jesus Christ is a significant aspect of the New Testament, providing insight into His earthly lineage and fulfilling Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. The genealogies are primarily recorded in two Gospels: Matthew and Luke, each serving distinct purposes and audiences.
Matthew's GenealogyThe Gospel of Matthew presents the genealogy of Jesus in the opening chapter, emphasizing His legal right to the throne of David. Matthew traces Jesus' lineage through Joseph, His legal father, establishing Jesus as a descendant of Abraham and David, thus fulfilling the Messianic prophecies.
Matthew 1:1-17 begins with, "This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." The genealogy is structured in three sets of fourteen generations: from Abraham to David, from David to the Babylonian exile, and from the exile to Christ. This structure highlights key moments in Israel's history and underscores Jesus' role as the culmination of God's covenant promises.
Matthew's account includes notable figures such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and King David. It also uniquely mentions several women, including Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba (referred to as "the wife of Uriah"), each of whom played a critical role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The inclusion of these women, some of whom were Gentiles, underscores the universal scope of the Gospel.
Luke's GenealogyThe Gospel of Luke provides a different genealogical account in
Luke 3:23-38 , tracing Jesus' lineage through Mary, His biological mother, back to Adam, the first man. This genealogy emphasizes Jesus' connection to all humanity, highlighting His role as the Savior for both Jews and Gentiles.
Luke 3:23 begins, "Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry. He was regarded as the son of Joseph, the son of Heli."
Luke's genealogy is presented in reverse order, starting with Jesus and moving backward through history. Unlike Matthew, Luke does not divide the genealogy into distinct sections but rather presents a continuous line. This account includes significant figures such as Adam, Seth, Noah, Shem, and Abraham, linking Jesus to the broader narrative of human history and God's plan for salvation.
Theological SignificanceThe genealogies of Jesus serve several theological purposes. They affirm Jesus' rightful place in the Davidic line, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would come from the house of David (
2 Samuel 7:12-16;
Isaiah 11:1). They also demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage through which the Savior would come, despite human sin and failure.
Furthermore, the genealogies highlight the dual nature of Jesus as both fully divine and fully human. By tracing His lineage through both Joseph and Mary, the Gospels affirm His legal and biological ties to humanity, while His conception by the Holy Spirit (
Matthew 1:18-25;
Luke 1:26-38) underscores His divine origin.
In summary, the genealogies of Jesus Christ in Matthew and Luke provide a rich tapestry of His heritage, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and affirming His identity as the promised Messiah and Savior of the world.
Nave's Topical Index
Matthew 1:1-17The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Nave's Topical IndexLuke 3:23-38
And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus Christ
... ST. MATTHEW Chaps. I to VIII MATTHEW'S GENEALOGY OF JESUS CHRIST. 'The book
of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/matthews genealogy of jesus christ.htm
C. The Genealogy of Jesus. Ch. 3:23-38
... the ministry of Christ. Therefore, when the career of John has been related, when
the ministry of Jesus is about to be recorded, Luke gives his genealogy to ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the genealogy of jesus.htm
Whether Christ's Genealogy is Suitably Traced by the Evangelists?
... of Christ; Luke the priestly personality: so that in Matthew's genealogy is signified
the assumption of our sins by our Lord Jesus Christ": inasmuch as by his ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christs genealogy is suitably.htm
Genealogy of Jesus According to Matthew.
... A Matthew 1:1-17. ^a 1 The book of the generation [or genealogy] of Jesus Christ,
the son of David [the Messiah was promised to David"II. Sam. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/iii genealogy of jesus according.htm
How Christ could be Said by the Apostle to be Without Genealogy.
... genealogy," when the Gospel of the Evangelist Matthew begins with the Saviour's
genealogy, saying: "The book of the generations of Jesus Christ, the Son of ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter xv how christ could.htm
Faustus Recurs to the Genealogy and Insists Upon Examining it as ...
... question is of the account to be given of Jesus. ... The genealogy must be examined as
regards its consistency ... of arguing from the supposition of Christ's death to ...
/.../faustus recurs to the genealogy.htm
The Birth of Christ in Its Relations to the Jewish Theocracy.
... the new light which emanated from Jesus; and the ... grounds; on the contrary, the doctrine
that Christ was not ... Although Luke's genealogy is not directly stated as ...
/.../section 13 the birth of.htm
The Harmony of the Gospels.
... Joseph, why Christ's genealogy traced down to him and not to Mary,
[370]102. Joseph of Arimath??a begs the body of Jesus, [371]208. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/the harmony of the gospels.htm
The Action of Jesus Christ in the Souls of Men.
... races of men can be distinguished the origin, race, and genealogy of this ... it contains
only what is necessary to relate concerning the advent of Jesus Christ. ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/section v the action of jesus.htm
The Genealogical Question is Again Taken up and Argued on Both ...
... 2. Augustin replied: As regards what Faustus calls his principal reason for not
receiving the genealogy of Jesus Christ, a complete refutation is found in the ...
/.../the genealogical question is again.htm
Resources
What is the Jesus Family Tomb? Has the lost tomb of Jesus Christ been discovered? | GotQuestions.orgIs Jesus the Messiah? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God send Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgJesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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