Luke 3:32

KJV

Which was [the son] of Jesse, which was [the son] of Obed, which was [the son] of Booz, which was [the son] of Salmon, which was [the son] of Naasson,

KJV (with Strong's)

Which was the son of Jesse {G2421}, which was the son of Obed {G5601}, which was the son of Booz {G1003}, which was the son of Salmon {G4533}, which was the son of Naasson {G3476},

Complete Jewish Bible

of Yishai, of `Oved, of Bo`az, of Salmon, of Nachshon,

Berean Standard Bible

the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon,

American Standard Version

the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 3:32 is a pivotal verse within Luke's extensive genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage backward through five generations: Jesse, Obed, Booz (Boaz), Salmon, and Naasson (Nahshon). This segment is crucial as it connects Jesus directly to Jesse, the father of King David, thereby establishing His undisputed claim to the Davidic covenant and His qualifications as the promised Messiah. The meticulous record underscores the historical reality of Jesus and God's faithful, sovereign work through specific individuals across generations to bring about His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke's genealogy, found in [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke's Genealogy of Jesus"), immediately follows the account of Jesus's baptism and the divine affirmation of His sonship. Unlike Matthew's genealogy, which proceeds forward from Abraham to Jesus and emphasizes His royal Jewish lineage, Luke's account meticulously traces Jesus's ancestry backward from Joseph (His legal father) all the way to Adam, the "son of God" ([Luke 3:38](/luke/3-38 "Luke 3:38 - Adam, Son of God")). This backward progression highlights Jesus's universal significance as the Savior of all humanity, not just Israel. Luke 3:32 falls within the section connecting Jesus to the crucial line of King David, specifically starting with Jesse, David's father, thereby reinforcing the Messianic expectations tied to the Davidic covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies were vital in ancient Jewish society, serving not merely as family records but as proof of identity, tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, and, most importantly, claims to positions of authority, particularly the kingship or priesthood. For the Messiah, a direct lineage from King David was a non-negotiable requirement, deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Luke's inclusion of this detailed lineage would have been crucial for his original audience, both Jewish and Gentile, to understand Jesus's legitimate claims to Messiahship and His connection to the broader sweep of redemptive history, encompassing figures like Boaz and Rahab (though Rahab is not mentioned in Luke, her presence in Matthew's parallel genealogy highlights the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan).
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader genealogy, contributes to several significant themes. First, it underscores **Messianic Lineage**, directly linking Jesus to the royal line of David through Jesse, a central requirement for the Messiah according to Old Testament prophecy, as seen in [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Root of Jesse"). Second, it speaks to the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, serving as historical evidence that Jesus met the criteria for the promised Messiah, thereby demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing His plans to fruition over centuries. Third, the listing of generations, from prominent figures like Jesse and Boaz to less known ones, illustrates **God's Sovereign Hand** at work, continuously guiding and using ordinary people across history to achieve His ultimate redemptive purposes, culminating in the incarnation of His Son.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jesse (Greek, _Iessaí'_):** Of Hebrew origin (יִשַׁי), meaning "gift" or "wealthy." Jesse was the father of King David, a pivotal figure in Israel's history. His inclusion here immediately links Jesus to the royal lineage of David, fulfilling prophecies that the Messiah would come from Jesse's "root" or "stem" ([Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Root of Jesse")). Jesse represents the humble origins from which God raised up a king, foreshadowing the humble birth of the ultimate King, Jesus.
* **Booz (Greek, _Boóz'_):** Of Hebrew origin (בֹּעַז), meaning "in him is strength." Boaz was a wealthy and righteous kinsman-redeemer in the Book of Ruth, who married Ruth, a Moabitess, and became the great-grandfather of King David ([Ruth 4:21-22](/ruth/4-21-22 "Ruth 4:21-22 - The Lineage of Boaz and David")). His presence highlights God's redemptive work through individuals who embody covenant faithfulness and also subtly points to the inclusion of Gentiles in the Messianic line, anticipating the universal scope of Jesus's salvation.
* **Naasson (Greek, _Naassṓn'_):** Of Hebrew origin (נַחְשׁוֹן), meaning "enchanter" or "serpent." Nahshon was a prince of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus, mentioned as a leader and one who stepped into the Red Sea first, demonstrating faith ([Exodus 6:23](/exodus/6-23 "Exodus 6:23 - Nahshon's family") and [Numbers 1:7](/numbers/1-7 "Numbers 1:7 - Nahshon, Prince of Judah")). His presence in the genealogy connects Jesus's lineage to the foundational events of Israel's formation and the leadership of Judah, the tribe from which the Messiah was prophesied to come ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter from Judah")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which was [the son] of Jesse":** This phrase establishes the direct paternal link to Jesse, the father of King David. By tracing Jesus's lineage to Jesse, Luke directly connects Him to the Davidic covenant, ensuring His qualification as the promised King and Messiah. This link is foundational to understanding Jesus's identity and mission as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Davidic throne.
* **"which was [the son] of Obed":** This clause continues the lineage, identifying Obed as Jesse's father. Obed is significant as the son of Boaz and Ruth, a union that brought a Moabitess into the Messianic line, demonstrating God's inclusive grace and His ability to work through unexpected individuals and circumstances to achieve His purposes.
* **"which was [the son] of Booz":** This part of the verse names Boaz as Obed's father. Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer from the Book of Ruth, exemplifies righteousness, generosity, and faithfulness to the Law. His role in redeeming Ruth and establishing the line that leads to David and ultimately to Jesus underscores the theme of redemption woven throughout salvation history.
* **"which was [the son] of Salmon":** This identifies Salmon as Boaz's father. While less prominent in the biblical narrative, Matthew's parallel genealogy ([Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Salmon and Rahab")) identifies Salmon as the husband of Rahab, the Canaanite harlot who aided the Israelite spies in Jericho. This detail, though not explicit in Luke, further emphasizes the diverse and sometimes surprising individuals God uses in His redemptive plan, including those from outside the covenant community.
* **"which was [the son] of Naasson":** This final clause in the verse names Nahshon as Salmon's father. Nahshon, a prince of Judah during the Exodus, was a figure of faith and leadership. His inclusion connects the Messianic line to the foundational events of Israel's history, particularly the Exodus, and reinforces the tribal identity of the Messiah as coming from Judah.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's genealogy, including [Luke 3:32](/luke/3-32 "Luke 3:32 - Jesus's Lineage"), primarily employs **Repetition** through the consistent phrase "which was [the son] of," creating a rhythmic, litany-like effect that emphasizes the unbroken chain of lineage. This repetitive structure serves to underscore the historical veracity and divine continuity of Jesus's ancestry. Furthermore, the genealogy itself functions as a form of **Inclusion**, meticulously listing individuals, some prominent and some obscure, to demonstrate God's sovereign hand working through diverse lives across generations. The backward tracing of the lineage, unique to Luke, is a structural device that highlights Jesus's universal significance, moving from the present back to the very origin of humanity in Adam, the "son of God," thereby establishing Jesus's connection to all mankind. This also subtly employs **Symbolism**, where the genealogy itself symbolizes God's faithfulness to His promises, the unfolding of His redemptive plan through history, and the historical grounding of the Christian faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke's meticulous recording of Jesus's genealogy, particularly the segment in [Luke 3:32](/luke/3-32 "Luke 3:32 - Jesus's Lineage"), serves profound theological purposes. It powerfully affirms God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, especially the Davidic covenant, demonstrating that His plan of salvation unfolds precisely through the generations He ordains. The inclusion of figures like Boaz and Naasson, alongside the more prominent Jesse, illustrates that God works through both the well-known and the seemingly ordinary, weaving their lives into the grand tapestry of His redemptive narrative. This historical grounding of Jesus's lineage provides a robust foundation for faith, assuring believers that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah, whose coming was not a random event but the culmination of centuries of divine preparation and sovereign oversight. It highlights the deeply personal and relational nature of God's interaction with humanity, as He shepherds specific families and individuals towards His ultimate goal of bringing salvation through His Son.

* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Seed of Abraham")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed genealogy in Luke, including [Luke 3:32](/luke/3-32 "Luke 3:32 - Jesus's Lineage"), offers rich opportunities for reflection and application in our own lives. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of human history, working through generations, families, and individuals—even those who seem ordinary or flawed—to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. This should instill in us a deep sense of confidence in God's sovereignty and His long-term planning. Our own lives, our families, and our personal histories are not random but are part of God's larger, unfolding narrative. Just as God faithfully guided the lineage of Jesus, He faithfully guides our lives, even when we cannot see the full picture. This genealogy also challenges us to consider our own place in God's story, encouraging us to live faithfully in our generation, knowing that our actions can have ripple effects for future generations and contribute to God's ongoing work in the world. It provides a solid, historical foundation for our faith, affirming Jesus's identity and His rightful claim as the Messiah, which should strengthen our trust and commitment to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of Jesus's genealogy, including figures like Jesse and Boaz, strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness and sovereignty?**
* **In what ways can recognizing God's long-term plan in Jesus's lineage encourage you to trust Him with the seemingly small or ordinary details of your own life?**
* **How does understanding Jesus's historical lineage impact your appreciation for His identity as the promised Messiah and Savior of all humanity?**

### FAQ
**Why do genealogies like Luke 3:32 seem so long and sometimes tedious to read?**

Answer: Genealogies, while appearing lengthy, served a critical purpose in ancient societies, especially for the Jewish people. They were not merely lists of names but vital historical documents that established identity, legal rights, tribal affiliation, and, most importantly for the Messiah, proof of lineage for fulfilling prophecies. For Luke, meticulously tracing Jesus's ancestry back to Adam, as seen in [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - John the Baptist and Jesus's Genealogy"), underscored Jesus's universal significance as the Savior of all humanity, not just a specific ethnic group. They affirm the historical reality of Jesus and God's faithful, sovereign work through specific individuals across generations to bring about His redemptive plan.

**How does Luke's genealogy, which traces Jesus's lineage through Joseph, reconcile with the virgin birth?**

Answer: Luke's genealogy explicitly states that Jesus was "being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph" ([Luke 3:23](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23 - Jesus's Age and Supposed Father")). This parenthetical phrase is crucial. It acknowledges Joseph's legal, but not biological, fatherhood. In Jewish custom, a legal father conferred lineage, even if not biologically related. Therefore, Joseph's lineage, traced by Luke, legally established Jesus's claim to the Davidic throne. The virgin birth, as described in [Luke 1:26-38](/luke/1-26-38 "Luke 1:26-38 - The Annunciation"), ensures Jesus's divine sonship and sinlessness, while the genealogy confirms His human and royal qualifications.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 3:32, embedded within Jesus's genealogy, powerfully points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The names listed—Jesse, Obed, Boaz, Salmon, and Naasson—are not mere historical footnotes; they are vital links in the chain that leads directly to the promised Messiah. Jesse's inclusion immediately connects Jesus to the Davidic covenant, fulfilling the ancient prophecies that the Messiah would be a "shoot from the stump of Jesse" and a "branch from his roots" ([Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Root of Jesse")). This establishes Jesus's rightful claim to the throne of David, a claim affirmed by the angel Gabriel in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus's Throne of David") when he declared that the Lord God would give Jesus "the throne of his father David." Furthermore, the presence of figures like Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, foreshadows Jesus's own role as the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, who, though divine, took on human flesh to redeem humanity from sin and death ([Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4-5 "Galatians 4:4-5 - God Sent His Son")). The entire genealogy, culminating in Jesus, demonstrates God's sovereign faithfulness across generations, meticulously orchestrating history to bring forth His Son, who is not just a descendant of David, but the very Son of God, the one through whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Thus, Luke 3:32 is a testament to God's meticulous preparation for the coming of Christ, the one in whom all history finds its meaning and purpose.

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

1 Chronicles 2:10

And Ram begat Amminadab; and Amminadab begat Nahshon, prince of the children of Judah;

1 Chronicles 2:15

Ozem the sixth, David the seventh:

Isaiah 11:1

¶ And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

Isaiah 11:2

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

Matthew 1:3

And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

Matthew 1:6

And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her [that had been the wife] of Urias;

Ruth 4:18

Now these [are] the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,