Luke 3:29

KJV

Which was [the son] of Jose, which was [the son] of Eliezer, which was [the son] of Jorim, which was [the son] of Matthat, which was [the son] of Levi,

KJV (with Strong's)

Which was the son of Jose {G2499}, which was the son of Eliezer {G1663}, which was the son of Jorim {G2497}, which was the son of Matthat {G3158}, which was the son of Levi {G3017},

Complete Jewish Bible

of Yeshua, of Eli`ezer, of Yoram, of Mattat, of Levi,

Berean Standard Bible

the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi,

American Standard Version

the son of Jesus, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 3:29 is a specific entry within the meticulous genealogy of Jesus Christ, as recorded by the evangelist Luke. This verse lists five ancestors in Jesus' lineage—Jose, Eliezer, Jorim, Matthat, and Levi—serving as a critical link in the extensive chain that traces Jesus' human ancestry backward from Joseph, through various generations, all the way to Adam, and ultimately to God Himself. It underscores the historical grounding of Jesus' identity and His deep connection to the entirety of human history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke presents Jesus' genealogy immediately following the pivotal events of [His baptism](/luke/3-21 "Luke 3:21 - Jesus' Baptism") and the divine affirmation of His Sonship in [Luke 3:22](/luke/3-22 "Luke 3:22 - The Voice from Heaven"), and just prior to the commencement of His public ministry. This placement is significant, as it establishes Jesus' identity and authority before His active work begins. Unlike [Matthew's genealogy](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), which traces Jesus' lineage forward from Abraham to Joseph, Luke's account, beginning in [Luke 3:23](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23 - The Start of Jesus' Genealogy"), traces it backward from Joseph (often understood as through Mary's line, or legally through Joseph) all the way to Adam. This reverse order emphasizes Jesus' universal humanity and His connection to all mankind, not solely the Jewish people, setting the stage for His global mission.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies were of immense importance in ancient Jewish society, serving as vital records for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, priestly qualifications, and, most critically, Messianic claims. For a figure claiming to be the Messiah, a verifiable lineage was indispensable. The phrase "which was [the son] of" (Greek: *tou*) is a standard genealogical convention, indicating direct paternal descent, though in some cases, it could also denote a legal or adoptive relationship. The inclusion of such detailed lists, even of seemingly obscure individuals like those in Luke 3:29, lent credibility and historical weight to the evangelist's claims about Jesus' true identity and His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of Luke's broader genealogy, contributes significantly to several key themes. Firstly, it provides **historical validation** for Jesus' identity. The meticulous recording of names, spanning generations, served to authenticate Jesus' claims as the Messiah and His rightful place within the unfolding biblical narrative. Each name, including those in [Luke 3:29](/luke/3-29 "Luke 3:29 - Ancestors of Jesus"), acts as a verifiable link in a divinely orchestrated chain. Secondly, it powerfully articulates the **universal humanity of Christ**. By tracing Jesus' ancestry back to Adam, the common progenitor of all humanity, Luke emphasizes that Jesus is truly the "Son of Man," the representative head of all mankind, capable of redeeming all people, not exclusively the descendants of Abraham or the nation of Israel, a theme central to Luke's Gospel (e.g., [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save the Lost")). Finally, the extensive list of names highlights **God's enduring faithfulness through generations**. It demonstrates God's long-term plan unfolding through human history, patiently working through countless individuals to bring about the promised Messiah in the fullness of time, showcasing His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jose (Greek, _Iōsḗ'_):** This name, a variant of Joseph, means "he will add" or "may Yahweh add." While not the famous Joseph, father of Jesus, its inclusion here signifies another individual in the long line of God's chosen instruments. The repetition of common names throughout the genealogy highlights the ordinary nature of many who played a part in God's extraordinary plan.
* **Eliezer (Greek, _Eliézer'_):** Derived from Hebrew, this name means "my God is help" or "God is my help." The presence of such a name, even in a simple genealogical list, subtly echoes the pervasive biblical theme of divine assistance and provision throughout salvation history. It serves as a reminder that God's hand was guiding this lineage, providing help and sustenance through each generation.
* **Levi (Greek, _Leuḯ'_):** Of Hebrew origin, meaning "attached" or "joined." While this individual is not the tribal patriarch Levi, the name itself carries significant biblical resonance, particularly with the priestly tribe. Its appearance here, like other names, underscores the intricate web of human lives that God wove together to bring about His ultimate redemptive purpose in Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which was [the son] of Jose":** This phrase initiates the backward tracing of Jesus' lineage from Joseph. The Greek word *tou* (τοῦ) functions as a genitive article, implying "of" or "the son of," and its consistent repetition emphasizes the direct, unbroken generational succession. Here, it identifies Jose as the immediate ancestor of the preceding name in the genealogy, establishing a clear link in the chain.
* **"which was [the son] of Eliezer":** Continuing the pattern, this clause identifies Eliezer as the father of Jose. The repetitive structure reinforces the meticulous nature of Luke's record, asserting the historical accuracy and verifiable nature of each step in Jesus' ancestry. It highlights the importance of each individual in the long, divinely guided process leading to Christ.
* **"which was [the son] of Jorim":** Jorim is named as the father of Eliezer. The inclusion of these less prominent names underscores Luke's commitment to a comprehensive and historically grounded genealogy, demonstrating that every generation, whether famous or obscure, played a part in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
* **"which was [the son] of Matthat":** Matthat is presented as the father of Jorim. This continuous linking by "son of" emphasizes the unbroken continuity of the lineage, assuring the reader that Jesus' human ancestry is fully traceable and legitimate, fulfilling the requirements for the Messiah.
* **"which was [the son] of Levi":** Finally, Levi is named as the father of Matthat. The consistent use of this formulaic expression throughout the genealogy, including in this verse, serves to underscore the meticulous and verifiable nature of the record Luke presents, reinforcing the historical accuracy and divine oversight of Jesus' lineage.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Luke 3:29, and indeed throughout the entire genealogy, is **Genealogy** itself, functioning as a structured literary form. This is not merely a list of names but a purposeful historical and theological statement. The repetitive phrase "which was [the son] of" (Greek: *tou*) is a form of **Repetition** or **Anaphora**, where the same grammatical construction is used at the beginning of successive clauses. This device creates a rhythmic, almost chant-like effect, emphasizing the unbroken chain of descent and the meticulous nature of the record. It lends a sense of authoritative historical progression. Furthermore, the entire genealogy serves as a **Historical Record**, asserting the verifiable human origins of Jesus, grounding His divine identity within the tangible reality of human history. The inclusion of these specific names, even if seemingly mundane, contributes to the overall **Authenticity** and credibility of Luke's Gospel, demonstrating the evangelist's commitment to factual detail in presenting the person of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 3:29, as an integral part of Jesus' genealogy, profoundly connects to the theological conviction that God works through specific individuals and historical processes to fulfill His redemptive purposes. The seemingly mundane listing of names like Jose, Eliezer, Jorim, Matthat, and Levi underscores God's meticulous sovereignty over history, demonstrating that every generation and every person, whether prominent or obscure, plays a role in His grand design. This lineage assures us that Jesus' arrival was not a random event but the culmination of centuries of divine preparation and faithfulness, fulfilling ancient promises. It highlights the intersection of human history with divine intentionality, affirming that God's plan for salvation unfolded precisely as He purposed, leading to the incarnate Son.

* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Book of the Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Romans 1:3-4](/romans/1-3-4 "Romans 1:3-4 - Christ's Davidic Descent and Divine Sonship")
* [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son in the Fullness of Time")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might initially appear dry or insignificant, Luke 3:29, as part of the broader genealogy, carries profound spiritual and practical significance for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's grand narrative of redemption is meticulously woven through the fabric of human history, involving countless ordinary lives. Just as Jose, Eliezer, Jorim, Matthat, and Levi were vital links in the chain leading to Christ, so too are our seemingly ordinary lives part of God's ongoing, unfolding plan. This verse encourages us to see our own lives, and the lives of those who came before us, as part of a larger, divinely orchestrated story. It fosters patience and trust in God's perfect timing, demonstrating that centuries of preparation were necessary to bring His promises to fruition. Ultimately, the meticulous record provides a historical grounding for our faith, offering confidence in Jesus' true identity as the promised Messiah, the Son of God, and the Son of Man, whose lineage is both human and divinely appointed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the historical depth of Jesus' lineage, as presented in Luke 3:29, deepen your appreciation for God's long-term faithfulness?**
* **In what ways does the inclusion of seemingly "ordinary" names in Jesus' genealogy encourage you about God's use of everyday people in His grand plan?**
* **How does the meticulous nature of this historical record bolster your confidence in the truthfulness and reliability of the Gospel accounts?**
* **Considering that Jesus' lineage traces back to Adam, what does this imply about His universal relevance and redemptive work for all humanity?**

### FAQ
**Why does Luke include such a long and detailed genealogy, especially one that goes back to Adam?**

Answer: Luke's decision to include a detailed genealogy, tracing Jesus' lineage back to Adam (and ultimately to God), serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides historical validation for Jesus' identity as the Messiah, demonstrating His legitimate human ancestry. Secondly, by extending the lineage to Adam, Luke emphasizes Jesus' universal humanity. Unlike Matthew, who focuses on Jesus' Jewish and royal lineage (through Abraham and David) to appeal to a Jewish audience, Luke presents Jesus as the "Son of Man," the representative head of all humanity, whose salvation is available to all people, Jew and Gentile alike. This broad scope aligns with Luke's overarching theme of God's universal salvation (e.g., [Luke 2:30-32](/luke/2-30-32 "Luke 2:30-32 - Simeon's Prophecy of Salvation for All Peoples")). Finally, it underscores God's faithfulness and meticulous planning throughout history, showing that Jesus' arrival was not a random event but the culmination of centuries of divine preparation.

**How does Luke's genealogy differ from Matthew's, and why are there discrepancies?**

Answer: Luke's genealogy ([Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")) differs from Matthew's ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")) in several key ways. Matthew traces Jesus' lineage forward from Abraham to Joseph, emphasizing His royal descent through David's son Solomon. Luke traces it backward from Joseph (or possibly Mary's father, Heli, if Joseph is listed as "son of Heli" by marriage) all the way to Adam. The discrepancies in names between David and Joseph are often explained by the possibility that Matthew presents Joseph's legal lineage (through Solomon), while Luke presents Mary's lineage (through Nathan, another son of David), or that Luke records a non-biological legal lineage. Both genealogies, however, unequivocally affirm Jesus' descent from David, which was essential for Messianic claims (e.g., [Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Descended from David")).

**What is the significance of the repetitive phrase "which was [the son] of" in this genealogy?**

Answer: The repeated phrase "which was [the son] of" (Greek: *tou*) throughout Luke's genealogy, including in [Luke 3:29](/luke/3-29 "Luke 3:29 - Ancestors of Jesus"), serves to emphasize the direct, unbroken succession of generations. This consistent grammatical structure creates a sense of meticulous historical record-keeping, reinforcing the authenticity and verifiable nature of Jesus' lineage. It underscores that Jesus' human ancestry is fully traceable and legitimate, fulfilling the requirements for the Messiah. This repetition also highlights the continuity of God's plan through history, showing how each individual, no matter how obscure, was a vital link in the chain leading to the Incarnation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 3:29, embedded within the broader genealogy, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah and the universal Son of Man. The meticulous tracing of Jesus' lineage, through generations of individuals like Jose, Eliezer, Jorim, Matthat, and Levi, culminates in Him who is both truly human and truly divine. This human lineage validates Jesus' identity as the "seed" promised to Abraham (as seen in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise Made to Abraham and His Seed, Christ")) and the "offspring" of David, through whom the eternal kingdom would be established ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Root and Offspring of David")). More profoundly, by tracing Jesus' ancestry back to Adam, Luke emphasizes that Jesus is the new Adam, the representative head of a new humanity. He is the one through whom all of fallen humanity can find redemption, having fully identified with our human condition, yet without sin ([Hebrews 2:14-17](/hebrews/2-14-17 "Hebrews 2:14-17 - Christ's Incarnation and Identification with Humanity")). Thus, this seemingly simple list of names points to the profound truth of the Incarnation, where the eternal Word "became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), entering human history precisely as God had ordained, to redeem all who believe.

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.