Luke 3:35

KJV

Which was [the son] of Saruch, which was [the son] of Ragau, which was [the son] of Phalec, which was [the son] of Heber, which was [the son] of Sala,

KJV (with Strong's)

Which was the son of Saruch {G4562}, which was the son of Ragau {G4466}, which was the son of Phalec {G5317}, which was the son of Heber {G1443}, which was the son of Sala {G4527},

Complete Jewish Bible

of S'rug, of Re`u, of Peleg, of `Ever, of Shelah,

Berean Standard Bible

the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah,

American Standard Version

the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 3:35 is an integral part of Jesus' backward-traced genealogy, meticulously recorded by Luke, which connects Him through Saruch, Ragau, Phalec, Heber, and Sala, back to Adam. This verse specifically lists five patriarchs from the post-Flood, pre-Abrahamic era, underscoring the historical continuity of God's redemptive plan and establishing Jesus' lineage not only within the covenant people of Israel but also as the universal Son of Man, linked to all humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke's genealogy, found in [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - Jesus' Genealogy"), is unique among the Gospels for tracing Jesus' ancestry backward from Joseph (or Heli, understood as Joseph's father-in-law) all the way to Adam, "the son of God" ([Luke 3:38](/luke/3-38 "Luke 3:38 - Adam, Son of God")). This differs significantly from Matthew's genealogy, which begins with Abraham and moves forward to Jesus ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). Luke's backward progression emphasizes Jesus' universal humanity and His connection to all mankind, not solely to the Jewish people. Luke 3:35 specifically lists five generations in this extensive lineage, bridging the gap between earlier patriarchs and those closer to Abraham, thereby maintaining the unbroken chain of divine promise.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies were profoundly important in ancient Jewish society, serving to establish identity, inheritance rights, tribal affiliation, and, critically, messianic claims. For Luke's Greco-Roman audience, the meticulous listing of ancestors would have lent credibility and historical weight to his account of Jesus' life. The names in Luke 3:35 are Greek transliterations of their Hebrew equivalents found in the Old Testament, specifically within the patriarchal lines of Noah's son Shem, as recorded in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - Table of Nations") and [Genesis 11](/genesis/11 "Genesis 11 - From Shem to Abram"). This period, following the global flood and preceding the call of Abraham, was foundational for the early development of human civilization and the subsequent dispersion of peoples, making these patriarchs crucial links in the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.

* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of this verse within Luke's genealogy contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights **Universal Lineage**, emphasizing that Jesus is the Savior of all humanity, not just Israel. By tracing His ancestry back to Adam, the progenitor of all humankind, Luke presents Jesus as truly the Son of Man, connecting with every person through shared ancestry and demonstrating God's redemptive scope for all nations, a theme prevalent throughout [Luke's Gospel](/luke "The Gospel According to Luke"). Secondly, it underscores **Historical Veracity**, as biblical genealogies affirm the historical reality of its characters and events. They attest to God's meticulous record-keeping and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through specific individuals over countless generations, grounding the Christian faith in tangible history rather than myth. Finally, this verse exemplifies **Divine Sovereignty and Purpose**, revealing that every name in this extensive list, including Saruch, Ragau, Phalec, Heber, and Sala, represents a deliberate link in God's sovereign plan leading to the birth of the Messiah. It demonstrates God's long-term, unfolding work through human history, meticulously guiding the lineage that would ultimately bring forth the promised Redeemer, as seen in the broader narrative of [Genesis 11](/genesis/11 "Genesis 11 - From Shem to Abram").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Phalec (Greek, _Phálek'_):** Of Hebrew origin (פֶּלֶג); Phalek (i.e., Peleg), a patriarch. The Hebrew name "Peleg" means "division." [Genesis 10:25](/genesis/10-25 "Genesis 10:25 - Peleg and the Division of the Earth") states, "in his days was the earth divided," a phrase often interpreted in relation to the division of humanity at the [Tower of Babel](/genesis/11-1-9 "Genesis 11:1-9 - The Tower of Babel") and the subsequent dispersion of peoples across the earth. This name thus carries a significant historical and theological weight, marking a pivotal moment in human history and the diversification of languages and nations.
* **Heber (Greek, _Ebér'_):** Of Hebrew origin (עֵבֶר); Eber, a patriarch. Eber is traditionally considered the eponymous ancestor from whom the term "Hebrew" is derived ([Genesis 10:21](/genesis/10-21 "Genesis 10:21 - Shem's Descendants, including Eber")). His inclusion highlights the direct ancestral link to the very people group from whom Abraham, and subsequently the Messiah, would come, grounding Jesus' lineage deeply within the covenant people chosen by God.
* **Sala (Greek, _Salá'_):** Of Hebrew origin (שֶׁלַח); Sala (i.e., Shelach), a patriarch. Sala is a direct descendant of Arphaxad and an ancestor of Eber, placing him firmly within the lineage of Shem, Noah's son through whom the messianic line would continue. His presence, like the others, emphasizes the unbroken and divinely preserved chain leading to the Christ, demonstrating God's faithfulness across generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which was [the son] of Saruch":** This phrase continues the backward lineage, identifying Saruch as the immediate ancestor of Ragau (mentioned in the preceding verse, Luke 3:36) and the father of the next name listed. It signifies the direct paternal link, establishing the continuity of the generational chain.
* **"which was [the son] of Ragau":** This clause further extends the lineage, placing Ragau as the son of Phalec. The repetitive structure "which was the son of" serves to meticulously trace the line of descent, ensuring no break in the historical record and reinforcing the legitimacy of Jesus' ancestry.
* **"which was [the son] of Phalec":** This identifies Phalec as the son of Heber. As noted in the Key Word Analysis, Phalec's name carries the meaning of "division," linking this point in the genealogy to a significant event in early human history, likely the dispersion at Babel, thereby embedding Jesus' lineage within the broader narrative of humanity's development.
* **"which was [the son] of Heber":** This clause positions Heber as the son of Sala. Heber's name is foundational, as he is considered the progenitor of the "Hebrew" people, thus connecting Jesus' lineage directly to the historical and ethnic roots of Israel, the people through whom God's covenant promises were to be fulfilled.
* **"which was [the son] of Sala":** This final clause in the verse identifies Sala as the son of Cainan (mentioned in the preceding verse, Luke 3:36 in some textual traditions, or Arphaxad in the Masoretic Text of Genesis). The cumulative effect of these repeated phrases is to build an undeniable, divinely ordained sequence of generations, each contributing to the grand narrative that culminates in the birth of the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Luke 3:35, and indeed throughout the entire genealogy, is **Genealogy** itself. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form designed to establish lineage, legitimacy, and historical continuity. The repetitive phrase "which was [the son] of" functions as a form of **Anaphora** or **Repetition**, creating a rhythmic and emphatic progression that underscores the unbroken chain of descent. This deliberate enumeration serves to validate Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah by linking Him to specific historical figures, thereby grounding His claims in verifiable history. Furthermore, the inclusion of specific names like Phalec and Heber, whose names carry significant historical and etymological meanings, adds layers of **Symbolism** and **Allusion**, subtly connecting Jesus' lineage to pivotal moments in the biblical narrative (e.g., the division of the earth, the origin of the Hebrew people). This meticulous recording reflects a profound theological purpose: to demonstrate God's faithfulness and sovereign control over human history, orchestrating every generation to bring about His ultimate redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly mundane listing of names in Luke 3:35 carries profound theological weight, revealing God's patient and meticulous work across millennia to bring about the salvation of humanity. It underscores the historical reality of the Incarnation, demonstrating that Jesus was not a mythical figure but a genuine human being with a verifiable lineage, deeply embedded in the fabric of human history and God's unfolding covenant. This meticulous record-keeping speaks volumes about God's faithfulness to His promises, showing how He sovereignly guided the course of generations to ensure the birth of the Messiah. The inclusion of these pre-Abrahamic patriarchs also highlights the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, reminding us that His love and salvation extend beyond a single nation to encompass all of humanity, tracing back to our common ancestor, Adam.

* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")
* [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Seed of Abraham")
* [Romans 5:12-19](/romans/5-12-19 "Adam and Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might initially appear dry or irrelevant to modern readers, Luke 3:35 offers profound insights for reflection and application in our daily lives. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring faithfulness across countless generations. Just as He meticulously guided the lineage leading to Christ, He is actively at work in our lives, orchestrating circumstances and connecting us to a larger divine narrative. This verse encourages us to recognize our own place within God's grand story, understanding that our lives, though seemingly small, contribute to His ongoing purposes. It invites us to consider the spiritual heritage we have received and the legacy we are building for future generations, reminding us that every individual, regardless of their perceived significance, plays a role in God's eternal plan. Ultimately, this genealogy solidifies the historical reality of Jesus Christ, affirming that our faith is rooted in a real person who lived, died, and rose again, offering hope and salvation that is historically grounded and universally applicable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus' universal lineage, traced back to Adam, impact your view of His mission and the scope of His salvation?**
* **What does this meticulous record-keeping in the Bible teach you about God's character and His faithfulness to His long-term plans?**
* **In what ways do you see yourself as part of God's ongoing story, and how might that understanding influence your daily walk of faith?**
* **How can reflecting on the historical reality of Christ, affirmed by genealogies like this, strengthen your trust and confidence in the Christian faith?**

### FAQ

**Why are genealogies important in the Bible, especially in the Gospels?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve several crucial purposes. They establish the historical authenticity of biblical figures and events, grounding the narrative in verifiable reality. For Jesus, they were vital for proving His messianic claims, as the Messiah was prophesied to come from specific lineages (e.g., the seed of Abraham, the tribe of Judah, the house of David). They also demonstrate God's faithfulness across generations, showing His meticulous plan unfolding through human history. In Luke's Gospel, tracing Jesus' lineage back to Adam highlights His universal humanity and His role as the Savior of all mankind, not just Israel, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the Gospel message.

**Are there differences between Luke's and Matthew's genealogies, and if so, why?**

Answer: Yes, there are notable differences between the genealogies presented in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - John the Baptist and Jesus' Genealogy"). Matthew traces Jesus' lineage forward from Abraham to Joseph, emphasizing His royal Davidic line and Jewish kingship. Luke traces it backward from Jesus to Adam, emphasizing His universal humanity. The primary difference in the immediate paternal line (Joseph's father) is often explained by early church tradition as Matthew providing Joseph's legal lineage through his father Jacob, while Luke provides Mary's lineage through her father Heli (Joseph being Heli's son-in-law). Both genealogies, despite their differing paths, converge at David, affirming Jesus' rightful claim to the Davidic throne and His messianic identity.

**What is the significance of tracing Jesus' lineage to Adam, as Luke does?**

Answer: Tracing Jesus' lineage back to Adam, "the son of God" ([Luke 3:38](/luke/3-38 "Luke 3:38 - Adam, Son of God")), is profoundly significant. It underscores Jesus' universal humanity, establishing Him as the "Son of Man" who is connected to every human being. This universal connection is crucial for understanding Jesus' role as the "second Adam" ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The Last Adam")), who reverses the effects of the first Adam's sin and offers salvation to all humanity. It highlights that God's redemptive plan is not limited to a specific nation but is for the entire human race, demonstrating the expansive and inclusive nature of the Gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke's meticulous genealogy, particularly the names listed in [Luke 3:35](/luke/3-35 "Luke 3:35 - Genealogy of Jesus"), points directly to Christ as the culmination and fulfillment of God's unfolding plan for humanity. By tracing Jesus' lineage back through these ancient patriarchs to Adam, Luke powerfully establishes Jesus' identity as the universal Son of Man, the true and ultimate representative of all humanity. This lineage underscores that Jesus is not merely a Jewish Messiah but the Savior for every person, the "second Adam" ([Romans 5:12-19](/romans/5-12-19 "Romans 5:12-19 - Adam and Christ")) who comes to redeem all that was lost through the first Adam's fall. Every name in this long list, from Saruch to Sala, represents a divinely preserved link in the chain that led to the Incarnation, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His promise to send a Redeemer. Jesus, therefore, stands as the perfect fulfillment of this ancient, divinely orchestrated history, embodying the hope of all generations and offering a new, eternal lineage of faith to all who believe in Him, making Him the central figure in God's grand narrative of salvation for the entire world ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved 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

Genesis 11:12

And Arphaxad lived five and thirty years, and begat Salah:

Genesis 11:21

And Reu lived after he begat Serug two hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters.

Genesis 10:24

And Arphaxad begat Salah; and Salah begat Eber.

Genesis 10:25

And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one [was] Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother's name [was] Joktan.