Luke 3:26 - Printer Friendly

ESV: the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda,

NIV: the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josek, the son of Joda,

NASB: the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda,

CSB: son of Maath, son of Mattathias, son of Semein, son of Josech, son of Joda,

NLT: Naggai was the son of Maath. Maath was the son of Mattathias. Mattathias was the son of Semein. Semein was the son of Josech. Josech was the son of Joda.

KJV: Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda,

NKJV: the son of Maath, the son of Mattathiah, the son of Semei, the son of Joseph, the son of Judah,

Luke presents a genealogy tracing Jesus' earthly ancestry all the way back to Adam. His purpose is to show that Jesus' ministry is universal, as Jesus is fully human. This genealogy also establishes that Christ's claim to David's throne is legitimate, as He is a descendant of David (2 Samuel 7:12–16).

The men mentioned in this verse are entirely obscure, having no other appearance in recorded Scripture. Mattathias, however, shares this name with one of his descendants (Luke 3:25) and a name very similar to others in this lineage (Luke 3:24, 29, 31).

Luke 3:23–38 traces the earthly ancestry of Jesus, apparently focusing on direct family lines. That is, Luke might be following literal birth, rather than by legal means such as adoption. Scholars differ on the precise meaning of these lines, but a common interpretation is that Luke is establishing Mary's ancestry. This establishes Jesus' physical relationship to His ancestor David (2 Samuel 7:12–16). Matthew's genealogy shows Joseph's descent from David, making his adoptive son, Jesus, a legal member of that line.

The early part of Luke's gospel shifts back and forth between the histories of Jesus and John the Baptist. Chapter 3 starts with historical and prophetic context about John. It then depicts some of John's interactions with local religious leaders. Luke gives only a brief description of Jesus' baptism. He also touches on John's criticism of Herod the Tetrarch, which would eventually result in John's execution (Matthew 14:10–12). The chapter ends with a genealogy of Christ.

Chapters 1 and 2 provided early history for both John the Baptist and Jesus. Chapter 3 establishes John's preaching ministry and its connection to Jesus Christ. The chapter ends with a genealogy which some believe runs through Mary's side of the family. Chapter 4 transitions from Jesus' baptism into His public ministry, by describing His fasting in the wilderness and temptation by Satan.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.

Accessed 11/24/2024 8:10:35 AM