Luke 3:28

Luke 3:28 is part of the extensive genealogy of Jesus presented by the Gospel writer Luke. Unlike Matthew's genealogy, which traces Jesus's lineage forward from Abraham to Joseph, Luke meticulously traces it backward from Joseph (legally, from Jesus) all the way to Adam and ultimately to God Himself (Luke 3:23-38).

Context

This verse lists five specific ancestors in Jesus's lineage: Melchi, Addi, Cosam, Elmodam, and Er. These names appear deep within Luke's long list, indicating a period likely after the Babylonian exile or even earlier, connecting Jesus through many generations to the earliest periods of human history. Luke’s genealogy serves to establish Jesus’s rightful place in human history and his connection to all of humanity, not just the Jewish people. It highlights Jesus's true humanity, showing that he was fully part of the human family, with a real, traceable ancestry.

Key Themes

• Historical Continuity and Divine Plan: The inclusion of such detailed genealogies underscores the belief that God works through history and generations to bring about His purposes. Each name, though seemingly obscure to a modern reader, represents a link in a chain ordained by God.
• Jesus's Humanity: By providing a detailed human lineage, Luke emphasizes that Jesus was truly man, born into a real family line, experiencing life as a human being. This is crucial for understanding His role as mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).
• God's Faithfulness: The preservation of these records, even through challenging times, points to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises concerning the Messiah's lineage, particularly the Davidic covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The repeated phrase "which was [the son] of" is implied from the Greek word tou (τοῦ), which is a genitive article meaning "of" or "belonging to." The English translators add "the son" for clarity, indicating direct paternal descent. The careful repetition of this structure emphasizes the direct, unbroken line of ancestry.

Practical Application

While a list of names might seem dry, Luke's genealogy, including verses like 3:28, offers profound insights:

• It reminds us that God uses ordinary people throughout history to accomplish His extraordinary plans. Each name in this list, no matter how minor their historical impact, was part of God's unfolding story.
• It underscores the meticulous nature of God's providence. Even the seemingly mundane details of ancestry are significant in His grand design.
• For believers, it reinforces the truth of Jesus's identity as both fully human and fully divine, establishing His credentials to be the Savior of all mankind, connected to every person through Adam (Luke 3:38).