Luke 3:33

KJV

Which was [the son] of Aminadab, which was [the son] of Aram, which was [the son] of Esrom, which was [the son] of Phares, which was [the son] of Juda,

KJV (with Strong's)

Which was the son of Aminadab {G284}, which was the son of Aram {G689}, which was the son of Esrom {G2074}, which was the son of Phares {G5329}, which was the son of Juda {G2455},

Complete Jewish Bible

of Amminadav, of Admin, of Arni, of Hetzron, of Peretz, of Y'hudah,

Berean Standard Bible

the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,

American Standard Version

the son of Amminadab, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 3:33 is a specific entry within the comprehensive genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage backward through several generations. This verse lists Aminadab, Aram, Esrom, Phares, and Juda, meticulously connecting Jesus to significant Old Testament figures and ultimately establishing His rightful claim as the promised Messiah, rooted deeply in the historical tapestry of Israel and humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke's genealogy, found in [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke's Genealogy of Jesus"), uniquely traces Jesus's ancestry backward from Joseph (His legal father) all the way to Adam and ultimately to God Himself. This backward progression distinguishes it from Matthew's forward-tracing genealogy and serves to emphasize Jesus's universal humanity as the "Son of Man," making Him relatable to all mankind, not just the Jewish people. The repetitive phrase "which was [the son] of" (though "son" is often supplied in English) is a characteristic feature of biblical genealogies, providing a clear, continuous chain of descent. This particular verse places Jesus firmly within the lineage leading to Judah, a pivotal patriarch, underscoring the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies were of paramount importance in ancient Jewish society, serving not merely as family records but as crucial documents for establishing identity, tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, and, most significantly, claims to kingship or priestly office. For the Messiah, lineage from the tribe of Judah and the house of David was a non-negotiable requirement, as prophesied in passages like [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter from Judah") and [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"). The names listed in Luke 3:33—Aminadab, Aram, Esrom, Phares, and Juda—are all recognized figures from the Old Testament, particularly from the book of Ruth and Chronicles, solidifying the historical authenticity of Jesus's lineage within the Israelite narrative. Juda (Judah) is especially significant as the progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, from whom the royal line of David would descend, making this verse a critical link in the Messianic chain.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of Luke 3:33 within Luke's genealogy contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the **Messianic Lineage** of Jesus, demonstrating His legitimate claim to be the promised Christ through the established Davidic and Abrahamic lines, with Judah being a foundational patriarch. Secondly, it highlights Luke's commitment to **Historical Reliability** and thorough research, grounding the extraordinary narrative of Jesus's life in verifiable human history, a hallmark of Luke's Gospel as seen in his prologue in [Luke 1:1-4](/luke/1-1-4 "Luke 1:1-4 - Luke's Purpose for Writing"). Thirdly, the continuity of generations, even through seemingly ordinary individuals, testifies to **Divine Faithfulness**, showcasing God's unwavering commitment to His covenants and His patient orchestration of history to fulfill His ultimate plan of salvation, echoing prophecies like [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of Immanuel"). Finally, by tracing Jesus's lineage through these human ancestors, Luke emphasizes the **Humanity of Christ**, affirming His full identification with humanity, which is essential for His role as the perfect mediator between God and man, as described in [1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Aminadab (Greek, _Aminadáb'_):** This name, of Hebrew origin (עַמִּינָדָב), refers to an Israelite ancestor in Jesus's lineage. Aminadab is known in the Old Testament as the father of Nahshon, who was a prince of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus, and the father-in-law of Aaron (Exodus 6:23). His inclusion here further solidifies the connection to the priestly and royal lines.
* **Esrom (Greek, _Esrṓm'_):** Also of Hebrew origin (חֶצְרוֹן), Esrom (or Hezron) was a grandson of Judah through Phares (Genesis 46:12) and an ancestor of David. His presence in the genealogy underscores the direct descent from Judah, which is crucial for the Messianic prophecies.
* **Juda (Greek, _Ioúdas'_):** Of Hebrew origin (יְהוּדָה), Juda (or Judah) is the fourth son of Jacob (Israel) and Leah. He is the patriarch of the tribe of Judah, from which the kings of Israel, including David, and ultimately the Messiah, were prophesied to come. His inclusion is foundational to establishing Jesus's Messianic credentials.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which was [the son] of Aminadab":** This phrase continues the backward tracing of Jesus's lineage, identifying the immediate ancestor of the next name in the sequence. It signifies the direct paternal line, linking Jesus through Joseph back to Aminadab, a figure associated with the early history of Israel.
* **"which was [the son] of Aram":** This clause further extends the genealogical chain, connecting Aminadab to Aram (also known as Ram). Aram is identified in the Old Testament as the son of Hezron (Esrom) and the father of Aminadab, thus forming a direct link within the tribe of Judah.
* **"which was [the son] of Esrom":** This segment continues the descent, establishing Esrom (Hezron) as the ancestor of Aram. Esrom is a significant figure as a grandson of Judah through his son Phares, solidifying the line's connection to the patriarchal family of Judah.
* **"which was [the son] of Phares":** This part of the verse traces the lineage back to Phares (Perez), one of the twin sons of Judah by Tamar. Phares is a crucial figure because the royal line of David, and thus the Messianic line, descends directly from him.
* **"which was [the son] of Juda":** The final clause in this verse culminates in Juda (Judah), the fourth son of Jacob. This connection is profoundly significant as Judah is the tribal patriarch from whom the Messiah was prophesied to come, establishing Jesus's rightful place within the promised Messianic lineage.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Luke 3:33 and throughout Luke's genealogy is **Repetition**, specifically the repeated phrase "which was [the son] of." This anaphoric structure creates a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality, emphasizing the unbroken chain of descent and the meticulous record-keeping. This repetition serves to reinforce the **Genealogical Structure** itself, highlighting the continuity and historical depth of Jesus's lineage. It provides a sense of historical grounding and authenticity, asserting the verisimilitude of the narrative by presenting a detailed, traceable ancestry. Furthermore, the very act of listing these names functions as a form of **Historical Documentation**, underscoring Luke's intent to present an accurate and verifiable account of Jesus's origins, thereby bolstering the credibility of his Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke's inclusion of this meticulous genealogy, with Luke 3:33 as a key segment, serves a profound theological purpose: to demonstrate God's sovereign hand guiding human history to fulfill His redemptive plan. Each name, each generation, represents a step in God's patient and faithful preservation of the Messianic line. The tracing of Jesus's lineage back to Judah, the patriarch from whom the scepter would not depart (Genesis 49:10), underscores the divine faithfulness to ancient promises. This long chain of human ancestors, including those who were flawed, highlights God's ability to work through imperfect humanity to achieve His perfect purposes, culminating in the incarnation of His Son. It affirms that Jesus is not merely a historical figure but the divinely appointed culmination of centuries of prophetic expectation and covenantal promise.

* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter from Judah")
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18-22 "Ruth 4:18-22 - Genealogy of David")
* [Matthew 1:2-3](/matthew/1-2-3 "Matthew 1:2-3 - Jesus's Genealogy from Abraham to Judah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed genealogies in scripture, including the specific names in Luke 3:33, might seem dry at first glance, but they are rich with spiritual meaning. They remind us that God's grand plan of salvation unfolds not in a vacuum, but through the messy, ordinary, and often flawed lives of real people across generations. This continuity speaks volumes about God's unwavering faithfulness and His patient orchestration of history. For believers today, this means we can trust that God is at work in our own lives and in the world, even when His purposes are not immediately clear. Our lives, too, are part of a larger divine narrative, contributing to the ongoing story of God's redemptive work. Understanding our spiritual heritage, rooted in Christ, provides a deep sense of belonging and purpose, anchoring our faith in the historical reality of God's promises fulfilled in Jesus.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Jesus's genealogy, including names like those in Luke 3:33, strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness and His sovereign plan?**
* **In what ways does understanding Jesus's human lineage deepen your appreciation for His identification with humanity and His role as our mediator?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the fact that God works through a long line of ordinary (and sometimes flawed) individuals to accomplish His extraordinary purposes?**

### FAQ

**Why does Luke's genealogy differ from Matthew's, and which one is "correct"?**

Answer: Both Luke's and Matthew's genealogies are "correct" but serve different theological purposes and likely trace different lines. Matthew's genealogy ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy from Abraham to Jesus")) traces Jesus's lineage forward from Abraham through David and Solomon to Joseph, emphasizing Jesus's royal claim as the King of the Jews. Luke's genealogy ([Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - Luke's Genealogy of Jesus")) traces backward from Joseph to Adam and ultimately to God, highlighting Jesus's universal humanity as the "Son of Man" and His divine origin. The most common explanation for the difference is that Matthew traces Joseph's legal lineage (the royal line), while Luke traces Mary's actual bloodline, or perhaps Joseph's line through a different legal perspective (e.g., levirate marriage). Both genealogies converge at David, affirming Jesus's undisputed descent from him, which was crucial for His Messianic claims.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 3:33, like the entire genealogy, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Each name listed, from Aminadab to Juda, represents a thread in the intricate tapestry woven by God through centuries of human history, all leading to the incarnate Son. The inclusion of Judah is particularly potent, as it connects Jesus directly to the ancient prophecy in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter from Judah") that the scepter would not depart from Judah until Shiloh came. Jesus, as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")), is the promised Shiloh, the one to whom the obedience of the peoples belongs. This human lineage, meticulously preserved, underscores that God's eternal plan to send a Redeemer was not a sudden improvisation but a carefully orchestrated divine initiative, culminating in the person of Jesus. He is the heir to all the promises made to Abraham and David, the one through whom all nations would be blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed")) and the King whose reign will have no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Prophecy of Jesus's Reign")). Thus, Luke 3:33 is not merely a list of names but a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing forth His Christ, the Savior of the world.

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

Numbers 26:20

And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.

Numbers 26:21

And the sons of Pharez were; of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.

Matthew 1:2

Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;

Matthew 1:4

And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;

Genesis 29:35

And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.

Genesis 38:29

And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? [this] breach [be] upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez.

1 Chronicles 2:9

The sons also of Hezron, that were born unto him; Jerahmeel, and Ram, and Chelubai.