Luke 3:31

KJV

Which was [the son] of Melea, which was [the son] of Menan, which was [the son] of Mattatha, which was [the son] of Nathan, which was [the son] of David,

KJV (with Strong's)

Which was the son of Melea {G3190}, which was the son of Menan {G3104}, which was the son of Mattatha {G3160}, which was the son of Nathan {G3481}, which was the son of David {G1138},

Complete Jewish Bible

of Mal'ah, of Manah, of Mattatah, of Natan, of David,

Berean Standard Bible

the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,

American Standard Version

the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 3:31 forms a vital segment of Jesus's backward-traced genealogy, specifically highlighting His direct descent through Melea, Menan, Mattatha, and Nathan, culminating in His connection to King David. This verse underscores Jesus's royal lineage, affirming His rightful claim as the promised Messiah and King, and serves as a testament to God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling ancient prophecies concerning the Davidic covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the extensive genealogy of Jesus Christ found in [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke's Genealogy of Jesus"). Preceding this genealogical record, Luke details the baptism of Jesus and the divine affirmation of His sonship, where a voice from heaven declares, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased" ([Luke 3:22](/luke/3-22 "Jesus's Baptism and Divine Affirmation")). The genealogy immediately follows this pivotal event, serving to establish Jesus's earthly credentials and human lineage in light of His divine identity. By tracing Jesus's ancestry backward from Joseph (understood as the legal father, or through Mary's line) all the way to Adam, Luke emphasizes Jesus's universal humanity and His connection to all of creation, in contrast to Matthew's forward-tracing, Abraham-to-Jesus, Jewish-centric genealogy. This particular verse, [Luke 3:31](/luke/3-31 "Luke 3:31 - The Lineage to David"), is crucial as it bridges the gap from lesser-known ancestors directly to the highly significant figure of King David, a linchpin in Messianic prophecy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies held immense significance in ancient Jewish society, serving not merely as historical records but as proofs of identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliation. For the Messiah, a direct lineage from King David was a non-negotiable requirement, rooted in prophecies like [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David") and [Jeremiah 23:5](/jeremiah/23-5 "Prophecy of the Righteous Branch"). Luke, writing primarily for a Gentile audience, meticulously includes this lineage to demonstrate that Jesus fulfills these Jewish expectations, thereby validating His Messianic claims to a broader world. The meticulous nature of these lists, often preserved within family records, lent historical credibility to the claims made about an individual. The cultural expectation was that the Messiah would be a "Son of David," and Luke's genealogy, particularly this verse, directly addresses and affirms that expectation, grounding Jesus's identity in verifiable historical and cultural frameworks.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 3:31](/luke/3-31 "Luke 3:31 - The Lineage to David") contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the **Messianic Lineage** of Jesus. By explicitly connecting Jesus to King David, the verse directly fulfills Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's royal descent. This connection asserts Jesus's legitimate claim to the throne of Israel, not merely as a spiritual leader but as a divinely appointed king, echoing the promises made to David in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "God's Covenant with David"). Another theme is **Divine Faithfulness**. The meticulous tracing of generations, spanning centuries, illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. From the initial promise of a seed in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium") to the specific Davidic covenant, God orchestrates history to bring about the Messiah "in the fullness of time" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "The Fullness of Time")). Finally, the genealogy, including this verse, underscores Jesus's **Universal Humanity**. While affirming His Jewish roots and Davidic kingship, Luke's genealogy extending to Adam in [Luke 3:38](/luke/3-38 "Luke 3:38 - Son of Adam, Son of God") emphasizes Jesus's solidarity with all humanity, positioning Him as the Savior not just of Israel, but of the entire world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **David (Greek, _Dabíd'_):** Of Hebrew origin (דָּוִד), "David" refers to the iconic Israelite king, the second king of Israel, whose reign marked a golden age for the nation. His name is central to Messianic prophecy, as God promised him an eternal dynasty and an everlasting kingdom ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David")). The inclusion of David in Jesus's genealogy is paramount, establishing Jesus's royal credentials and fulfilling the prophetic expectation that the Messiah would be a "Son of David." This connection is the theological anchor of Luke 3:31, validating Jesus's claim to the throne and His role as the promised King.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which was [the son] of Melea":** This phrase introduces the first named ancestor in this segment of the genealogy, Melea. Each "which was [the son] of" (Greek: _tou_) indicates a direct lineage, establishing a link in the unbroken chain leading back from Jesus. Melea's inclusion, though not a prominent biblical figure, is vital as a specific historical individual contributing to the verifiable lineage.
* **"which was [the son] of Menan":** Continuing the backward progression, Menan is identified as the father of Melea. The repetitive structure reinforces the meticulous nature of the genealogical record, emphasizing the precise, generation-by-generation transmission of the lineage. Like Melea, Menan's significance lies in his role as a necessary link in the historical chain.
* **"which was [the son] of Mattatha":** Mattatha is presented as the father of Menan. The continued enumeration of these names, many of whom are not mentioned elsewhere in Scripture, highlights the historical depth and detail of Luke's account. It underscores the reality that Jesus's lineage was a tangible, verifiable historical fact, not a fabricated claim.
* **"which was [the son] of Nathan":** This link is particularly significant. Nathan was one of King David's sons, mentioned in [2 Samuel 5:14](/2_samuel/5-14 "David's Sons Born in Jerusalem") and [1 Chronicles 3:5](/1_chronicles/3-5 "Sons of David"). While Matthew's genealogy traces Jesus's lineage through Solomon, David's royal heir, Luke traces it through Nathan. This difference is often understood as Matthew tracing Joseph's legal lineage (the royal line) and Luke tracing Mary's biological lineage (the natural line), both converging on David. Nathan's presence here specifically connects Jesus to David through a different, yet equally valid, branch of the Davidic family.
* **"which was [the son] of David":** This culminating phrase in the verse explicitly connects Jesus's lineage directly to King David. This is the theological climax of this particular segment. It serves as irrefutable evidence, within the framework of ancient Jewish genealogical customs, that Jesus possessed the necessary Davidic bloodline to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah. This link is the bedrock upon which Jesus's claim to be the promised King of Israel rests.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's presentation of the genealogy, particularly in [Luke 3:31](/luke/3-31 "Luke 3:31 - The Lineage to David"), effectively employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Genealogy** itself, which functions as a literary form to establish lineage, legitimacy, and historical continuity. The repetitive phrase "which was [the son] of" (Greek: _tou_) is an example of **Repetition**, creating a rhythmic, cumulative effect that underscores the unbroken chain of descent and the meticulousness of the record. This repetition also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing attention to each link in the chain and, by extension, the reliability of the entire lineage. Furthermore, the inclusion of specific, verifiable names, culminating in "David," demonstrates **Historical Allusion**, grounding the spiritual claims about Jesus in a concrete, historical reality that would have resonated deeply with both Jewish and Gentile audiences familiar with the significance of the Davidic dynasty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 3:31 profoundly reinforces the theological truth of God's covenant faithfulness and the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. By meticulously tracing Jesus's lineage back to King David, Luke provides irrefutable evidence that Jesus is indeed the promised "Son of David," the rightful heir to the throne of Israel, and the long-awaited Messiah. This connection is not merely a historical detail but a theological declaration, affirming that God's ancient promises, particularly the Davidic covenant of an eternal kingdom and an enduring dynasty, are brought to their ultimate fruition in Jesus Christ. It demonstrates that God's plan of salvation is not arbitrary but a carefully orchestrated, divinely guided process unfolding through generations, culminating in the incarnation of His Son.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David"): God promises David an eternal house, kingdom, and throne, a promise fulfilled in Jesus.
* [Jeremiah 23:5](/jeremiah/23-5 "Prophecy of the Righteous Branch"): Prophesies a righteous Branch from David who will reign as king.
* [Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Jesus Descended from David"): Paul affirms Jesus was "descended from David according to the flesh."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 3:31, though seemingly a dry list of names, offers profound truths for reflection and application in the life of a believer. It reminds us that our faith is not based on abstract ideas or mythical tales, but on a historical person, Jesus Christ, whose lineage is meticulously recorded and verifiable. This grounding in history provides immense assurance and stability to our faith, knowing that God's promises are not vague hopes but concrete realities that unfold precisely according to His divine timetable. For us, this means we can trust in God's faithfulness, even when circumstances seem chaotic or His plans appear delayed. Just as He meticulously guided the lineage of the Messiah through generations, He is faithfully working out His purposes in our lives and in the world. Understanding Jesus's Davidic heritage also deepens our appreciation for His kingship; He is not just a prophet or a teacher, but the sovereign King, whose rule is eternal and whose kingdom will never end. This calls us to submit to His authority and live as citizens of His eternal kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical grounding of Jesus's lineage, as presented in this verse, strengthen your faith in His identity as the Messiah?**
* **What does this meticulous record of generations reveal about God's faithfulness and His commitment to His promises?**
* **In what ways does understanding Jesus as the "Son of David" impact your view of His kingship and your submission to His authority?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important for Jesus to be a descendant of David?**

Answer: It is critically important for Jesus to be a descendant of David because Old Testament prophecies repeatedly foretold that the Messiah, the promised deliverer and king, would come from David's royal line. For example, in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David"), God made an unconditional covenant with David, promising that his "house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever." This promise established the expectation that the Messiah would be a "Son of David." The genealogies in both Matthew and Luke, including [Luke 3:31](/luke/3-31 "Luke 3:31 - The Lineage to David"), meticulously demonstrate that Jesus fulfills this essential requirement, thereby validating His claim as the true Messiah and rightful King.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 3:31, by explicitly linking Jesus to King David, serves as a powerful testament to the Christ-centered fulfillment of ancient promises. The Old Testament consistently points to a coming King from David's lineage who would establish an everlasting kingdom ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")). Jesus, as the "Son of David," embodies the ultimate realization of these prophecies. He is not merely a descendant but the very embodiment of the Davidic covenant, establishing a spiritual kingdom that transcends earthly boundaries and endures eternally. His kingship, unlike David's, is not limited by human frailty or temporal reign; it is a divine, eternal reign over the hearts of all who believe. The New Testament consistently affirms this fulfillment, with passages like [Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Jesus Descended from David") stating that Jesus was "descended from David according to the flesh," and [Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Jesus as the Root and Offspring of David") proclaiming Him as "the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." Thus, [Luke 3:31](/luke/3-31 "Luke 3:31 - The Lineage to David") is far more than a historical record; it is a foundational stone in the grand narrative of salvation, pointing directly to Jesus as the promised King, the one through whom God's eternal purposes for humanity and His covenant with David find their glorious and ultimate fulfillment.

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

2 Samuel 5:14

And these [be] the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,

1 Chronicles 3:5

And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel:

Zechariah 12:12

And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart;

1 Chronicles 14:4

Now these [are] the names of [his] children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,