Luke 3:30

KJV

Which was [the son] of Simeon, which was [the son] of Juda, which was [the son] of Joseph, which was [the son] of Jonan, which was [the son] of Eliakim,

KJV (with Strong's)

Which was the son of Simeon {G4826}, which was the son of Juda {G2455}, which was the son of Joseph {G2501}, which was the son of Jonan {G2494}, which was the son of Eliakim {G1662},

Complete Jewish Bible

of Shim`on, of Y'hudah, of Yosef, of Yonam, of Elyakim,

Berean Standard Bible

the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,

American Standard Version

the son of Symeon, the son of Judas, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 3:30 is a specific entry within Jesus Christ's meticulously recorded genealogy, tracing His lineage backward through Joseph, His legal father, to Simeon, Juda, Joseph, Jonan, and Eliakim. This verse, part of a longer list from Luke 3:23-38, serves to establish Jesus's historical rootedness, His full humanity, and His connection to a specific human family line, underscoring God's precise orchestration of salvation history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 3:30 is situated within a lengthy genealogical record that immediately follows two pivotal events in Jesus's life: His baptism by John the Baptist and the divine affirmation of His sonship (Luke 3:21-22). This placement is significant; after Jesus is declared "Son of God" by the Father, Luke systematically demonstrates His earthly lineage, grounding His divine identity in human history. The genealogy itself runs from [Luke 3:23](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23 - Jesus's Age and Genealogy Begins") to [Luke 3:38](/luke/3-38 "Luke 3:38 - Genealogy to Adam"), presenting a reverse chronological order from Joseph back to Adam. This particular verse, Luke 3:30, is one of many stepping stones in this comprehensive list, linking specific generations in the long chain leading to the Messiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies were of paramount importance in ancient Jewish society, serving as vital documents for establishing identity, inheritance rights, tribal affiliation, and claims to specific offices or royal lines, particularly for the Messiah. Unlike modern records, ancient genealogies sometimes focused on legal rather than strictly biological descent, or could omit generations for thematic purposes. Luke's presentation, tracing lineage through Joseph, aligns with the cultural understanding of legal fatherhood. The inclusion of names like "Juda" (Judah) would immediately evoke the tribal heritage, connecting Jesus to the royal line from which the Messiah was prophesied to come, reinforcing His legitimacy within the Jewish framework.
* **Key Themes:** Luke's genealogy, including [Luke 3:30](/luke/3-30 "Luke 3:30 - Genealogy of Jesus"), contributes significantly to several key themes within his Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Jesus's True Humanity**, demonstrating that He was genuinely born into a specific human family, countering any Gnostic or docetic notions that might deny His physical reality. Secondly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, particularly the promise that the Messiah would descend from [King David](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12 - Davidic Covenant"). Though Luke's genealogy differs from Matthew's, both affirm this essential Davidic connection. Finally, and uniquely to Luke, the genealogy extends all the way back to [Adam](/luke/3-38 "Luke 3:38 - Genealogy to Adam"), emphasizing Jesus's **Universal Significance** as the Savior not just for Israel, but for all humanity, connecting Him to the entire human race as the "second Adam" who redeems the first.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Simeon (Greek, _Symeṓn'_):** Of Hebrew origin (Shimon), meaning "he has heard." This name appears multiple times in biblical history, notably as one of Jacob's sons and the patriarch of a tribe of Israel. In this context, it refers to an ancestor in Jesus's lineage, serving as a link in the chain of God's faithfulness through generations.
* **Joseph (Greek, _Iōsḗph'_):** Of Hebrew origin (Yosef), meaning "he will add" or "may he add." This is a highly significant name in biblical history, most famously associated with the son of Jacob who became a ruler in Egypt, and, of course, Jesus's legal father. The inclusion of this particular Joseph in the lineage underscores the continuity of names and the historical depth of the family line leading to Christ.
* **Eliakim (Greek, _Eliakeím'_):** Of Hebrew origin (Elyakim), meaning "God raises up" or "God establishes." This name carries a powerful theological resonance, suggesting divine appointment and the establishment of a covenant line. Its presence in the genealogy subtly reinforces the idea that God is actively involved in orchestrating the lineage that would bring forth the Messiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which was [the son] of Simeon":** This phrase, implied from the Greek genitive case, indicates direct descent. Simeon is presented as the immediate ancestor of the subsequent name in this segment of the genealogy, establishing a clear link in the chain.
* **"which was [the son] of Juda":** Following Simeon, Juda is listed, further extending the lineage backward. The name "Juda" (Judah) immediately connects this line to the tribe of Judah, from which the Messiah was prophesied to come, subtly affirming Jesus's tribal legitimacy even at this early point in the list.
* **"which was [the son] of Joseph":** Another Joseph appears in the lineage, demonstrating the commonality of names within ancient families and reinforcing the historical depth of the ancestry. Each name serves as a vital link, ensuring the unbroken continuity of the family line.
* **"which was [the son] of Jonan":** Jonan is another ancestor, continuing the backward progression. While less prominent in broader biblical narratives, his inclusion is crucial for maintaining the precise historical sequence that Luke meticulously records.
* **"which was [the son] of Eliakim":** Eliakim concludes this specific segment of the genealogy, serving as the father of Jonan. The cumulative effect of these repeated phrases and names is to build an undeniable historical and familial foundation for Jesus, demonstrating His genuine human heritage.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Luke 3:30, and indeed throughout the entire genealogy, is **Genealogy** itself. This structured list of ancestors serves to establish historical legitimacy, lineage, and identity, a common and crucial feature in ancient Near Eastern literature. Furthermore, the verse employs **Repetition** through the implied phrase "which was [the son] of" (Greek: _tou_ + genitive name). This anaphoric structure creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect, emphasizing the unbroken chain of descent and the meticulous nature of Luke's record. This repetitive pattern underscores the continuity of God's work through generations, highlighting His faithfulness in bringing His promises to fruition through a specific, historically verifiable lineage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke's genealogy, including Luke 3:30, is far more than a mere list of names; it is a profound theological statement. It asserts the historical reality of Jesus Christ, rooting Him firmly in human history and demonstrating God's sovereign control over the unfolding of time and generations. Each name, whether prominent or obscure, represents a link in God's meticulously planned redemptive history, culminating in the incarnation of His Son. The inclusion of specific names and the tracing of the lineage back to Adam underscore Jesus's universal significance as the Savior for all humanity, not just for Israel. This careful record assures believers that God's promises are not abstract but are concretely fulfilled through a verifiable historical person.

* [Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Jesus, Descendant of David")
* [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son")
* [Hebrews 2:17](/hebrews/2-17 "Hebrews 2:17 - Jesus Made Like His Brothers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of ancient names might initially seem remote from daily life, Luke 3:30 and the broader genealogy offer profound spiritual nourishment. They serve as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness across countless generations. Just as God meticulously orchestrated the lineage of Jesus, He is actively involved in the details of our lives and the unfolding of history. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when His work seems slow or imperceptible. It grounds our faith in the historical reality of Jesus, assuring us that our salvation is not based on myth but on the tangible, verifiable actions of God in time. Furthermore, it invites us to consider our own place within God's ongoing story, recognizing that we too are part of a divinely ordered narrative, called to live faithfully in our generation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical rootedness of Jesus, as emphasized in genealogies like Luke's, strengthen your faith in His reality and mission?**
* **What does this verse, as part of a long lineage, teach you about God's patience and faithfulness in bringing His purposes to pass over long periods of time?**
* **How might understanding Jesus's connection to all humanity, through a genealogy tracing back to Adam, impact your view of His universal saving work?**

### FAQ
**Why does Luke's genealogy differ from Matthew's, and how does Luke 3:30 fit into this?**

Answer: Luke's genealogy, including [Luke 3:30](/luke/3-30 "Luke 3:30 - Genealogy of Jesus"), differs from Matthew's primarily in its direction and scope. Matthew traces Jesus's lineage forward from Abraham to Joseph ([Matthew 1:1-16](/matthew/1-1-16 "Matthew 1:1-16 - Genealogy of Jesus")), emphasizing His royal, Davidic, and Jewish identity. Luke, however, traces Jesus's lineage backward from Joseph all the way to Adam ([Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")), highlighting His universal humanity and connection to all mankind. The specific names in [Luke 3:30](/luke/3-30 "Luke 3:30 - Genealogy of Jesus") (Simeon, Juda, Joseph, Jonan, Eliakim) are unique to Luke's list in this segment, reflecting his distinct purpose, which many scholars believe may trace Mary's lineage or a different legal line, while Matthew traces Joseph's biological line through David's royal succession. Both genealogies, despite their differences, affirm Jesus's rightful claim as the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 3:30, as a segment of Jesus's genealogy, points profoundly to Christ's fulfillment of God's redemptive plan by establishing His genuine humanity and historical credentials. By meticulously listing His ancestors, Luke underscores that Jesus was truly "born of a woman, born under the law" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son")), a real person rooted in time and space, capable of representing humanity. This lineage confirms His Davidic descent, fulfilling the Old Testament promises that the Messiah would come from the "seed of David according to the flesh" ([Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Jesus, Son of David")). Furthermore, Luke's unique extension of the genealogy back to Adam ([Luke 3:38](/luke/3-38 "Luke 3:38 - Genealogy to Adam")) emphasizes Jesus's role as the "second Adam," who comes to undo the sin of the first Adam and redeem all humanity ([Romans 5:12-19](/romans/5-12-19 "Romans 5:12-19 - Adam and Christ Compared")). Thus, every name in this list, including those in [Luke 3:30](/luke/3-30 "Luke 3:30 - Genealogy of Jesus"), serves as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in preparing the way for the Incarnation, ensuring that the Savior who would "make propitiation for the sins of the people" ([Hebrews 2:17](/hebrews/2-17 "Hebrews 2:17 - Jesus Made Like His Brothers")) was indeed fully human, fully historical, and fully qualified to reconcile humanity to God.

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.