Luke 3:27

KJV

Which was [the son] of Joanna, which was [the son] of Rhesa, which was [the son] of Zorobabel, which was [the son] of Salathiel, which was [the son] of Neri,

KJV (with Strong's)

Which was the son of Joanna {G2490}, which was the son of Rhesa {G4488}, which was the son of Zorobabel {G2216}, which was the son of Salathiel {G4528}, which was the son of Neri {G3518},

Complete Jewish Bible

of Yochanan, of Reisha, of Z'rubavel, of Sh'altiel, of Neri,

Berean Standard Bible

the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri,

American Standard Version

the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 3:27 forms a segment of the extensive genealogy of Jesus Christ, meticulously traced backward from Jesus to Adam by the evangelist Luke. This particular verse lists five generations: Joanna, Rhesa, Zorobabel, Salathiel, and Neri, each identified as the "son" of the preceding individual. As part of a larger lineage, this verse underscores Jesus's authentic human ancestry, connecting Him to specific historical figures and reinforcing His full humanity within God's unfolding redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke's Gospel strategically places this comprehensive genealogy immediately following Jesus's baptism and divine affirmation as the Son of God, and just before the commencement of His public ministry. This placement serves as a crucial bridge, establishing Jesus's earthly credentials and human identity before He fully steps into His divine mission. Unlike Matthew's genealogy, which traces forward from Abraham, Luke's account traces backward from Jesus all the way to Adam, emphasizing Jesus's universal connection to all humanity rather than solely His Jewish lineage. The repetitive "which was [the son] of" structure reinforces the meticulous nature of the record, highlighting the unbroken chain of generations leading to the Messiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, genealogies were far more than mere lists of names; they were vital legal and social documents. They established tribal affiliation, validated claims to land, confirmed priestly or royal heritage, and, most critically, authenticated messianic claims. Luke's genealogy, often considered to reflect Mary's lineage or a legal lineage through Joseph tracing back through Nathan (another son of David), aims to connect Jesus with all mankind, portraying Him as the "Son of Man" who comes for all peoples, not just Israel. The inclusion of figures like Zorobabel and Salathiel, prominent in post-exilic Jewish history, grounds Jesus's lineage firmly within the historical narrative of God's covenant people, linking Him directly to the promises of restoration.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of Luke's broader genealogy, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel. It powerfully asserts the **full humanity of Jesus**, demonstrating that He was genuinely rooted in human history and born into a specific family line, making Him relatable to all people. This deep connection to human history is crucial for understanding His role as Savior, capable of empathizing with human struggle. Furthermore, the meticulous listing of names illustrates the **continuity and faithfulness of God's redemptive plan**, which unfolds through generations, demonstrating that God works consistently through time and human history to accomplish His divine purposes, culminating in the Messiah. Finally, the genealogy, including the names in [Luke 3:27](/luke/3-27 "Luke 3:27 - Jesus's Genealogy"), underscores **Messianic fulfillment**, showing how God's ancient promises find their ultimate culmination in Jesus. Figures like Zorobabel, who led the return from Babylonian exile and was instrumental in the [rebuilding of the Temple](/ezra/3-2 "Ezra 3:2 - Zerubbabel and the Temple Foundation"), were key in the continuation of the covenant line, paving the way for the ultimate Son of David.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Zorobabel (Greek, _Zorobábel'_):** This name, meaning "seed of Babylon" or "born in Babylon," refers to Zerubbabel, a pivotal figure in Old Testament history. He was a leader of the first group of exiles who returned from Babylon to Jerusalem and played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the Second Temple (cf. [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Rebuilding the Altar and Temple Foundation") and [Haggai 1](/haggai/1 "Haggai 1 - Call to Rebuild the Temple")). His inclusion in Jesus's genealogy connects Jesus directly to the post-exilic restoration and the continuation of the Davidic line, even in a time of national weakness.
* **Salathiel (Greek, _Salathiḗl'_):** Of Hebrew origin, meaning "I have asked God" or "prayer of God," Salathiel is identified in both Matthew's and Luke's genealogies as the father of Zerubbabel. He was a son of Jeconiah (or Jehoiachin), a king of Judah who was taken into Babylonian captivity. Salathiel's presence in the lineage highlights the continuity of the royal Davidic line through the challenging period of the Babylonian exile, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human failure and national upheaval.
* **Joanna (Greek, _Iōannâs'_):** A form of the Hebrew name John, meaning "Yahweh is gracious," Joanna is a less prominent figure historically than Zorobabel or Salathiel, appearing only in Luke's genealogy. Her inclusion, along with other names unique to Luke's record, underscores the meticulous detail with which Luke traces Jesus's lineage. While not a figure of national leadership, her presence signifies the unbroken chain of ordinary individuals through whom God's redemptive plan progressed, demonstrating that every link in the ancestral chain, whether famous or obscure, was part of God's sovereign design.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which was [the son] of Joanna":** This phrase initiates the backward tracing of Jesus's lineage from a point further back than the previous verse. It establishes Joanna as an ancestor, a link in the chain leading to Jesus. The repetitive "son of" (implied in the Greek) emphasizes the direct generational succession and the meticulous nature of the record, highlighting the physical and historical reality of Jesus's human descent.
* **"which was [the son] of Rhesa":** Continuing the backward progression, Rhesa is identified as Joanna's father. Like Joanna, Rhesa is a name unique to Luke's genealogy, further illustrating Luke's distinct and comprehensive tracing of Jesus's ancestry, possibly through Mary's line or a legal lineage. Each name, regardless of its historical prominence, represents a divinely ordained step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
* **"which was [the son] of Zorobabel":** This clause connects the lineage to Zorobabel (Zerubbabel), a significant Old Testament figure from the post-exilic period. His inclusion firmly links Jesus's ancestry to the historical period of Israel's return from Babylon and the rebuilding of the Temple. This connection underscores the continuity of God's covenant promises and the Davidic line through a time of national restoration, emphasizing that Jesus's coming was the culmination of long-awaited hope.
* **"which was [the son] of Salathiel":** Salathiel is identified as Zorobabel's father, further extending the lineage back through the time of the Babylonian exile. As a descendant of King Jeconiah, Salathiel's presence reinforces Jesus's royal heritage and His rightful claim to the throne of David, even as the line passed through periods of national subjugation and exile. This demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises concerning the Davidic covenant ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")).
* **"which was [the son] of Neri":** Neri is presented as Salathiel's father. This particular link is notable because Matthew's genealogy identifies Salathiel's father as Jeconiah. This discrepancy is a point of scholarly discussion, often resolved by understanding Luke's genealogy as tracing a different line (e.g., Mary's lineage or a legal lineage through Joseph's adoptive father) or by recognizing the fluidity of ancient genealogical records, which sometimes included adoptive or legal relationships. Regardless, Neri's inclusion continues the unbroken chain, emphasizing the depth and breadth of Jesus's human roots.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's presentation of this genealogy, including [Luke 3:27](/luke/3-27 "Luke 3:27 - Jesus's Genealogy"), employs several key literary devices. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the recurring phrase "which was [the son] of" (implied by the Greek *tou*). This serves to emphasize the direct, generational succession and the meticulous, almost legalistic, nature of the record. It creates a rhythmic, almost hypnotic, effect that underscores the vastness of time and the unbroken chain of lineage leading to Jesus. The entire genealogy itself functions as a **Literary Framework** or **Structural Device**, anchoring Jesus's identity not only in divine affirmation (at His baptism) but also in concrete human history. By tracing the lineage backward to Adam, Luke employs **Universalism** as a thematic device, broadening Jesus's appeal beyond a purely Jewish audience to encompass all humanity. This contrasts with Matthew's more focused approach. Furthermore, the inclusion of both well-known figures (like Zorobabel and Salathiel) and more obscure names (like Joanna, Rhesa, and Neri) highlights the **Inclusivity** of God's plan, demonstrating that every individual, regardless of their historical prominence, plays a part in the unfolding of His divine purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 3:27, as part of the broader genealogy, profoundly underscores the theological truth of Jesus's full humanity and His rootedness in historical continuity. It affirms that Jesus was not a phantom or a mythological figure, but a man born into a specific family, experiencing the same human condition as those whose names precede Him in the lineage. This deep connection to human history is essential for His role as the ultimate High Priest, one who can sympathize with our weaknesses because He was tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin. The genealogy also speaks to God's unwavering faithfulness across generations, demonstrating His sovereign hand in guiding human history towards the fulfillment of His redemptive promises. Each name, whether prominent or obscure, represents a link in a divinely orchestrated chain, culminating in the arrival of the Messiah, proving that God's plan is meticulously unfolding through time.

* [Hebrews 2:17](/hebrews/2-17 "Hebrews 2:17 - Jesus Made Like His Brothers"): "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people."
* [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son"): "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,"
* [Romans 15:8](/romans/15-8 "Romans 15:8 - Christ a Minister to the Circumcision"): "Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 3:27, while appearing as a simple list of names, invites us to profound reflection on God's intricate and expansive plan for humanity. It reminds us that our lives, no matter how seemingly insignificant, are interwoven into a grand narrative that spans generations and culminates in Christ. Just as each name in this genealogy was a necessary link in the chain leading to Jesus, so too is every individual's life part of God's ongoing work in the world. This verse encourages us to appreciate the long history of God's interaction with humanity, fostering a sense of awe at His faithfulness and patience. Furthermore, Jesus's undeniable connection to our shared human experience through this lineage means He fully understands our struggles, temptations, and joys. This deep empathy should draw us closer to Him, trusting that He is not a distant deity but one who has walked in our shoes, fully human yet fully divine. It calls us to consider our own place in God's story, recognizing that our lives, too, contribute to His unfolding purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's detailed human genealogy, as seen in this verse, deepen your understanding of His humanity and His ability to relate to your own struggles?**
* **What does the meticulous nature of this genealogy reveal about God's faithfulness and His long-term plan for humanity?**
* **How might recognizing your own place within God's grand historical narrative influence your daily living and sense of purpose?**
* **Considering the inclusion of both prominent and obscure names, what does this genealogy teach us about the value of every individual in God's eyes?**

### FAQ
**Why do Luke's and Matthew's genealogies differ, especially around figures like Salathiel and Zorobabel?**

Answer: The differences between Luke's and Matthew's genealogies of Jesus have been a subject of scholarly discussion for centuries. While both agree on Jesus's descent from David and Abraham, their paths diverge significantly between David and Joseph. The most widely accepted explanations are: 1) **Matthew traces Joseph's legal lineage (through Solomon's line), emphasizing Jesus's royal claim to the Davidic throne for a Jewish audience.** His genealogy is structured to highlight the kingly succession. 2) **Luke, on the other hand, is generally understood to trace Mary's lineage (through Nathan, another son of David), or perhaps Joseph's actual biological lineage, or a legal lineage distinct from Matthew's.** Luke's genealogy goes all the way back to Adam, emphasizing Jesus's universal humanity as the "Son of Man" for all peoples. The discrepancy regarding Salathiel and Neri (Luke) versus Salathiel and Jeconiah (Matthew) is often explained by the possibility of levirate marriage (where a brother marries his deceased brother's widow to raise up offspring for the deceased) or by one being a legal father and the other a biological father. Regardless of the precise explanation, both genealogies ultimately affirm Jesus's legitimate descent from David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's lineage (cf. [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - A Shoot from Jesse's Stump") and [Jeremiah 23:5](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5 - A Righteous Branch")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 3:27, as an integral part of Jesus's backward-traced genealogy, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in establishing the undeniable humanity of the Son of God. This meticulous listing of ancestors from various periods of Israelite history, including figures like Zorobabel and Salathiel who symbolize restoration and the continuation of the Davidic line, culminates in Jesus as the ultimate heir and fulfillment of all God's promises. By tracing Jesus's lineage through these human generations, Luke powerfully demonstrates that the eternal Son of God truly "became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). This human lineage was essential for Jesus to become the perfect High Priest, capable of sympathizing with our weaknesses because He Himself was "in every respect tempted as we are, yet without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). His rootedness in human history, affirmed by this genealogy, ensures that His atoning sacrifice on the cross was a real, historical event performed by a real human being who could represent humanity before God, thus securing our redemption and offering us new life in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). The entire genealogy, therefore, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness across millennia, orchestrating every detail of human history to bring forth the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, the one through whom all humanity can find reconciliation with God ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 1:12

And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;