Luke 3:28

KJV

Which was [the son] of Melchi, which was [the son] of Addi, which was [the son] of Cosam, which was [the son] of Elmodam, which was [the son] of Er,

KJV (with Strong's)

Which was the son of Melchi {G3197}, which was the son of Addi {G78}, which was the son of Cosam {G2973}, which was the son of Elmodam {G1678}, which was the son of Er {G2262},

Complete Jewish Bible

of Malki, of Addi, of Kosam, of Elmadan, of Er,

Berean Standard Bible

the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,

American Standard Version

the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 3:28 is an integral part of the extensive genealogy of Jesus Christ, meticulously recorded by the Gospel writer Luke. This verse, listing five specific ancestors—Melchi, Addi, Cosam, Elmodam, and Er—contributes to Luke's unique backward tracing of Jesus's lineage from Joseph (legally, from Jesus Himself) all the way to Adam and ultimately to God. Unlike other biblical genealogies that might focus on specific royal or priestly lines, Luke's comprehensive list underscores Jesus's true humanity and His universal connection to all of mankind, establishing His credentials as the Messiah for all nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 3:28 is situated within the broader genealogical record found in [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke's Genealogy of Jesus"). This genealogy immediately follows the account of Jesus's baptism and the divine affirmation of His sonship, serving as a profound theological statement about His identity. While Matthew's Gospel presents a forward-moving genealogy from Abraham to Jesus, emphasizing His royal Davidic and Abrahamic heritage, Luke's backward tracing, culminating in Adam and God, highlights Jesus's universal humanity and His role as the new head of humanity. The repetitive "which was [the son] of" structure throughout this section, including [Luke 3:28](/luke/3-28 "Luke 3:28 - Ancestors of Jesus"), creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect, underscoring the unbroken continuity of the lineage. This particular verse falls deep within the list, connecting Jesus to generations far removed from His immediate historical context, emphasizing the vast sweep of God's redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies were critically important in ancient Jewish culture, serving various functions such as establishing tribal identity, land inheritance, priestly qualifications, and, most significantly, messianic claims. For a claimant to be recognized as the Messiah, descent from King David was paramount, as promised in the Old Testament ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Davidic Covenant")). Luke, writing primarily for a Gentile audience, presents a genealogy that extends beyond Abraham and David to Adam, the progenitor of all humanity. This universal scope would resonate with a non-Jewish readership, demonstrating that Jesus's salvation is not limited to one ethnic group but is for all people. The names listed in [Luke 3:28](/luke/3-28 "Luke 3:28 - Ancestors of Jesus") are largely obscure outside of this list, reflecting the meticulous nature of ancient record-keeping and the deep historical roots of Jesus's family line, even through periods of national upheaval like the Babylonian exile, which often challenged the preservation of such records.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 3:28](/luke/3-28 "Luke 3:28 - Ancestors of Jesus"), as part of the broader genealogy, contributes significantly to several key themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully establishes **Jesus's Humanity**. By meticulously detailing His human lineage back to the very first man, Adam, Luke emphasizes that Jesus was truly and fully human, born into a real family line, and experienced life as a human being. This is crucial for understanding His role as the perfect mediator between God and humanity, as highlighted in [1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - The One Mediator"). Secondly, the genealogy underscores **God's Faithfulness and Providence**. The preservation of such a detailed record, despite the passage of centuries and numerous historical challenges, testifies to God's unwavering commitment to His promises, particularly the Davidic covenant concerning the Messiah's lineage, as seen in [Jeremiah 23:5-6](/jeremiah/23-5-6 "Jeremiah 23:5-6 - The Righteous Branch"). Finally, the backward tracing to Adam and God emphasizes the **Universal Scope of Salvation**. Unlike genealogies that might restrict the Messiah to a specific group, Luke's inclusion of all humanity in Jesus's lineage foreshadows the good news of salvation being extended to every nation, a central theme throughout the book of [Luke](/luke/1 "The Gospel of Luke").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Melchi (Greek, _Melchí'_):** Of Hebrew origin (מֶלֶךְ, _melek_, meaning "king," with a pronominal suffix, "my king"). This name, appearing twice in Luke's genealogy, carries a royal connotation, subtly reinforcing the messianic lineage connected to kingship, even if the individual was not a king himself. Its inclusion here points to the long and winding path through which God's promises of a kingly Messiah were preserved.
* **Elmodam (Greek, _Elmōdám'_):** Of Hebrew origin (perhaps for אַלְמוֹדָד, _Almodad_). While the exact meaning is uncertain, its Hebrew root suggests a connection to God's measure or extent. In the context of a genealogy, it represents another link in the chain, a life lived within God's overarching plan, contributing to the historical reality of Jesus's human ancestry.
* **Er (Greek, _Ḗr'_):** Of Hebrew origin (עֵר, _Er_). This is a simple, ancient Hebrew name. Its presence here, like the other names, signifies a real person in history, a tangible connection in the long line that led to Jesus. The very ordinariness of such names emphasizes that God works through common individuals across generations to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which was [the son] of Melchi":** This phrase, implied from the Greek genitive article "tou" (τοῦ), signifies direct paternal descent. Melchi is presented as an ancestor of Jesus, a real person in a long line of individuals. His inclusion highlights the meticulous nature of Luke's record-keeping, emphasizing the historical reality of Jesus's lineage.
* **"which was [the son] of Addi":** Continuing the chain, Addi is identified as the father of Melchi (or an earlier ancestor in the sequence, depending on the exact interpretation of the "son of" phrasing within the larger genealogy). This repetition underscores the unbroken line of descent and the careful tracing of each generation.
* **"which was [the son] of Cosam":** Cosam is another name in this specific segment of the genealogy, further extending the lineage backward. The inclusion of these less prominent names emphasizes that every link in the chain, no matter how seemingly obscure, was essential to God's unfolding plan for the Messiah.
* **"which was [the son] of Elmodam":** Elmodam continues the list, adding another generation to Jesus's human ancestry. The cumulative effect of these names reinforces the deep historical roots of Jesus, connecting Him to a vast human family tree.
* **"which was [the son] of Er":** Er completes this particular sequence within the verse, linking back to yet another ancestor. The consistent structure across these clauses provides a sense of certainty and historical grounding for Jesus's identity, demonstrating that His arrival was not an isolated event but the culmination of centuries of divine preparation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Luke 3:28](/luke/3-28 "Luke 3:28 - Ancestors of Jesus") and the broader genealogy is **Anaphora**, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. Here, the implied "which was [the son] of" creates a rhythmic, almost incantatory effect, emphasizing the unbroken chain of descent. This repetitive structure serves to underscore the meticulousness and certainty of the lineage being presented. Another device is **Enumeration**, the listing of names in a sequence. This technique provides a detailed, historical record, lending credibility and weight to Jesus's human origins. The entire genealogy itself functions as a **Historical Record** and a **Theological Statement**, using the literary form of a family tree to convey profound truths about Jesus's identity as both fully human and divinely appointed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke's meticulous genealogy, including the names in [Luke 3:28](/luke/3-28 "Luke 3:28 - Ancestors of Jesus"), serves as a profound theological statement about the Incarnation and God's sovereign plan. It demonstrates that Jesus was not a mythical figure but a real human being, born into a specific historical lineage, fully part of the human family. This emphasis on His genuine humanity is critical for understanding His role as the perfect high priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, our High Priest")). Furthermore, the tracing of His lineage back to Adam and ultimately to God highlights His universal significance, not just for Israel but for all humanity. It underscores God's faithfulness across generations, meticulously working through ordinary people to bring about His extraordinary redemptive purposes, culminating in the arrival of the Messiah.

* [Romans 5:12-19](/romans/5-12-19 "Romans 5:12-19 - Adam and Christ")
* [Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4-5 "Galatians 4:4-5 - God Sent His Son")
* [Hebrews 2:14-18](/hebrews/2-14-18 "Hebrews 2:14-18 - Jesus Shared in Our Humanity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might seem dry or irrelevant to the modern reader, [Luke 3:28](/luke/3-28 "Luke 3:28 - Ancestors of Jesus") and the broader genealogy offer profound insights for our lives. Firstly, it reminds us that God works through ordinary people across generations to accomplish His extraordinary plans. Each name in this list, no matter how minor their historical impact, was a vital link in God's unfolding story of salvation. This should encourage us that our own lives, seemingly small or insignificant in the grand scheme, are part of God's meticulous providence and contribute to His eternal purposes. Secondly, it underscores the meticulous nature of God's design; even the seemingly mundane details of ancestry are significant in His grand design. This invites us to trust in God's sovereignty over every detail of our lives, knowing He is working all things together for good. Finally, for believers, it reinforces the truth of Jesus's identity as both fully human and fully divine. His traceable human lineage establishes His credentials to be the Savior of all mankind, connected to every person through Adam ([Luke 3:38](/luke/3-38 "Luke 3:38 - The Genealogy Ends with Adam")). This deep connection to humanity means He understands our struggles, our joys, and our sorrows, making Him a compassionate and relatable Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Jesus's genealogy, including seemingly obscure names, deepen your appreciation for God's sovereign plan throughout history?**
* **In what ways does Jesus's full humanity, emphasized by His detailed ancestry, make Him a more relatable or comforting Savior for you?**
* **Considering that God used ordinary people like Melchi, Addi, Cosam, Elmodam, and Er in His grand plan, how does this encourage you about your own role in God's kingdom today?**

### FAQ

**Why does Luke's genealogy differ from Matthew's, especially in the names listed?**

Answer: The differences between Luke's and Matthew's genealogies are often attributed to their distinct purposes and audiences. Matthew, writing primarily for a Jewish audience, traces Jesus's lineage forward from Abraham through David and Solomon to Joseph, emphasizing Jesus's royal and legal claim to the Davidic throne ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). Luke, on the other hand, writing for a broader Gentile audience, traces Jesus's lineage backward from Joseph (or legally, from Jesus) through David and Nathan (another son of David) all the way to Adam and ultimately to God ([Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")). One common explanation for the differing names after David is that Matthew traces Joseph's legal lineage (the royal line), while Luke traces Mary's lineage (Jesus's biological line), with Joseph being "the son of Heli" (Mary's father) by marriage. Alternatively, both could be Joseph's lineage, but one through a legal adoption or levirate marriage, or simply different branches of the same family. Regardless of the precise explanation, both genealogies affirm Jesus's rightful place as the Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of His descent from David.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke's genealogy, with [Luke 3:28](/luke/3-28 "Luke 3:28 - Ancestors of Jesus") as a small but significant link, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in establishing Jesus's true humanity and His universal connection to all mankind. By tracing His lineage back to Adam, Luke presents Jesus not merely as the Jewish Messiah, but as the "second Adam" ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The Last Adam")), the new head of a redeemed humanity. This meticulous historical record underscores the profound truth of the Incarnation: that God truly became flesh and dwelt among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus's full participation in human history and His genuine human ancestry mean that He can fully identify with our struggles and weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, our High Priest")). This human lineage, meticulously preserved by divine providence, culminates in the one who would perfectly fulfill all messianic prophecies, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world, thereby reconciling humanity to God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, the seemingly dry list of names in [Luke 3:28](/luke/3-28 "Luke 3:28 - Ancestors of Jesus") becomes a testament to God's long-term plan to send His Son, fully human, to redeem all humanity.

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.