Sadoc is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. He is identified as one of the ancestors of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. The genealogy presented in Matthew is significant for establishing the legal and royal lineage of Jesus, tracing His descent from Abraham through David, thereby fulfilling Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.

Biblical Reference:

Sadoc is mentioned specifically in Matthew 1:14: "Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud" . In this passage, Sadoc is referred to as "Zadok," which is a variant of the name. The genealogy in Matthew is structured to highlight the legal right of Jesus to the throne of David, emphasizing His role as the promised King and Messiah.

Historical and Theological Context:

The genealogy in Matthew is divided into three sets of fourteen generations, from Abraham to David, from David to the Babylonian exile, and from the exile to Christ. Sadoc appears in the third section, which covers the period from the Babylonian exile to the birth of Jesus. This period is marked by a lack of direct biblical narrative, often referred to as the "silent years," yet it is crucial for maintaining the continuity of the Davidic line.

Sadoc's inclusion in this genealogy underscores the providential preservation of the Davidic lineage through times of obscurity and hardship. The genealogy serves to affirm God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, despite the apparent absence of prophetic activity during this era.

Name and Meaning:

The name "Sadoc" or "Zadok" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "righteous" or "just." This name is shared with other notable biblical figures, such as Zadok the priest during the reigns of David and Solomon. While the Sadoc in Matthew's genealogy is not the same as the priestly Zadok, the shared name may evoke themes of righteousness and divine favor, which are central to the messianic expectations fulfilled in Jesus.

Significance in the Genealogy:

Sadoc's role as an ancestor of Joseph highlights the importance of legal and covenantal heritage in the biblical narrative. Although Joseph was not the biological father of Jesus, his legal paternity established Jesus' rightful place within the house of David. This connection is vital for understanding the fulfillment of messianic prophecies, such as those found in Isaiah 11:1 and Jeremiah 23:5, which speak of a righteous Branch arising from David's line.

In summary, Sadoc's mention in the genealogy of Jesus serves as a testament to the divine orchestration of history, ensuring the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through the lineage of David. His inclusion in the Gospel of Matthew underscores the continuity of God's promises and the legitimacy of Jesus' messianic claims.Matthew 1:14
And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
Nave's Topical Index

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus