Luke 3:36

KJV

Which was [the son] of Cainan, which was [the son] of Arphaxad, which was [the son] of Sem, which was [the son] of Noe, which was [the son] of Lamech,

KJV (with Strong's)

Which was the son of Cainan {G2536}, which was the son of Arphaxad {G742}, which was the son of Sem {G4590}, which was the son of Noe {G3575}, which was the son of Lamech {G2984},

Complete Jewish Bible

of Keinan, of Arpakhshad, of Shem, of Noach, of Lemekh,

Berean Standard Bible

the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,

American Standard Version

the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 3:36 is a pivotal verse within Jesus Christ's extensive genealogy, meticulously recorded by Luke. This verse traces five generations of Jesus's ancestry, moving backward in time from Cainan to Lamech, connecting the post-Flood patriarchs—specifically Arphaxad and Shem—to the pre-Flood world through Noah and Lamech. It underscores the historical continuity of God's redemptive plan and establishes Jesus's deep roots within the broader human story, emphasizing His connection not just to Israel but to all of humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 3:36 is embedded within the comprehensive genealogy of Jesus Christ, which spans from [Luke 3:23](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23 - Jesus's Age and Ancestry") to [Luke 3:38](/luke/3-38 "Luke 3:38 - The Son of Adam, the Son of God"). Unlike Matthew's genealogy, which traces Jesus's lineage forward from Abraham to Joseph, Luke’s account uniquely traces it backward from Joseph (or possibly Mary, though the text states "as was supposed, the son of Joseph") all the way to Adam and ultimately to God Himself. This particular verse forms a crucial link in this descending chain, bridging the gap between the immediate post-Flood generations (Cainan, Arphaxad, Sem) and the pre-Flood world (Noe, Lamech), thereby establishing a continuous historical narrative from the earliest days of humanity to the advent of Christ. The meticulous listing of names here serves to authenticate Jesus's humanity and His place within God's unfolding plan of salvation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies were of paramount importance in ancient Near Eastern cultures, serving not merely as historical records but as vital documents for establishing identity, inheritance rights, social standing, and legitimacy. For a claimant to messianic status, a verifiable lineage was essential. Luke's presentation of Jesus's genealogy, particularly its backward trajectory to Adam, reflects a broader theological purpose beyond merely establishing Jewish credentials. By connecting Jesus to Adam, Luke appeals to a Hellenistic audience and emphasizes Jesus's role as the Savior of all humanity, not just Israel. The names listed in this verse—Cainan, Arphaxad, Sem, Noe, and Lamech—are figures from the early chapters of Genesis, spanning the period from the pre-Flood world through the immediate post-Flood era, thus grounding Jesus's lineage in the foundational narratives of human history. The inclusion of Cainan, a point of textual divergence between the Septuagint and Masoretic texts, also highlights Luke's likely reliance on the Greek Septuagint, which was the common Old Testament translation used by many early Christians.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of Luke's broader genealogy, contributes significantly to several key themes. Firstly, it underscores the **Universal Humanity of Jesus**. By tracing Jesus's lineage back to Adam, the common ancestor of all humanity, Luke emphasizes that Jesus is not merely the Messiah for Israel but the Savior of all people, a theme consistent with the Gospel's outreach to Gentiles. This contrasts with Matthew's genealogy, which focuses on Jesus as the Jewish King, tracing His line to [Abraham and David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). Secondly, it highlights **Historical Continuity and Divine Plan**. The meticulous listing of generations demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign hand guiding history through countless ages. Each name represents a deliberate link in God's unfolding plan of redemption, showing that Jesus's arrival was not a random event but the culmination of a divinely orchestrated lineage, as seen in the broader sweep of biblical history from [Genesis](/genesis/1 "Genesis - The Book of Beginnings") to the New Testament. Finally, it reinforces the **Legitimacy and Identity of Jesus**. In ancient societies, genealogies were crucial for establishing one's rightful place. Luke's detailed lineage affirms Jesus's genuine human identity and His rightful connection to the covenant promises made through figures like Noah and Abraham, demonstrating His authentic claim as the Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cainan (Greek, _Kaïnán'_):** Of Hebrew origin (קֵינָן), this name refers to Cainan (or Kenan), a patriarch. In the context of Luke 3:36, Cainan is listed as the son of Arphaxad and the father of Shelah (mentioned in [Luke 3:35](/luke/3-35 "Luke 3:35 - Genealogy of Jesus")). The inclusion of Cainan here is notable because while he appears in the Septuagint (the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament), he is absent from the Masoretic Text (the standard Hebrew text of the Old Testament) in the genealogies of [Genesis 10:24](/genesis/10-24 "Genesis 10:24 - Descendants of Shem") and [Genesis 11:12](/genesis/11-12 "Genesis 11:12 - Shem's Lineage"). This discrepancy is widely understood as Luke's reliance on the Septuagint, which was a primary scriptural source for many early Christians.
* **Noe (Greek, _Nōe'_):** Of Hebrew origin (נֹחַ), this is the Greek form of Noah, the patriarch famous for building the ark and surviving the Great Flood ([Genesis 6-9](/genesis/6 "Genesis 6 - Noah and the Ark")). Noah represents a pivotal figure in biblical history, marking a new beginning for humanity after the judgment of the Flood. His inclusion in Jesus's genealogy connects Christ directly to this foundational event and the re-establishment of humanity, underscoring Jesus's role as the bringer of a new covenant and a new creation.
* **Sem (Greek, _Sḗm'_):** Of Hebrew origin (שֵׁם), this is the Greek form of Shem, one of Noah's three sons ([Genesis 5:32](/genesis/5-32 "Genesis 5:32 - Noah's Sons")). Shem is significant because the lineage of Abraham, and thus the Israelite nation, descends through him. His inclusion in Jesus's genealogy highlights the continuity of God's covenant promises, tracing the line of blessing through which the Messiah would eventually come. Shem's name itself means "name" or "reputation," perhaps foreshadowing the "name" that would be above all names through his descendant, Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which was [the son] of Cainan,"**: This phrase indicates that the individual previously mentioned (Shelah, in the preceding verse [Luke 3:35](/luke/3-35 "Luke 3:35 - Genealogy of Jesus")) was the direct descendant of Cainan. As noted in the Key Word Analysis, the inclusion of Cainan here reflects Luke's use of the Septuagint, which contains this name, unlike the Masoretic Text of Genesis. This detail highlights Luke's meticulous, though sometimes textually variant, approach to historical record-keeping.
* **"which was [the son] of Arphaxad,"**: This continues the backward lineage, establishing Cainan as the son of Arphaxad. Arphaxad is a significant post-Flood patriarch, identified in [Genesis 10:22](/genesis/10-22 "Genesis 10:22 - Sons of Shem") as one of the sons of Shem. This connection firmly places Jesus's ancestry within the generations immediately following the global deluge, linking Him to the re-population of the earth.
* **"which was [the son] of Sem,"**: This clause traces the line further back, identifying Arphaxad as the son of Sem (Shem). Shem is one of Noah's three sons and is crucial in biblical history as the progenitor of the Semitic peoples, including Abraham and, by extension, the Israelites. This connection emphasizes Jesus's deep roots within the lineage through which God's covenant promises were progressively revealed and preserved.
* **"which was [the son] of Noe,"**: This brings the genealogy to Noah, identifying Shem as Noah's son. Noah is a pivotal figure, chosen by God to survive the Great Flood and become the father of a new humanity. Linking Jesus to Noah underscores His connection to the very beginning of the post-diluvian world and highlights a theme of new creation and divine preservation that culminates in Christ.
* **"which was [the son] of Lamech,"**: The final link in this verse connects Noah to his father, Lamech. This Lamech is the Lamech from the godly line of Seth ([Genesis 5:25-29](/genesis/5-25-29 "Genesis 5:25-29 - Lamech and Noah")), not the Lamech from Cain's line. His inclusion extends Jesus's ancestry back into the pre-Flood world, demonstrating the unbroken chain of humanity from the earliest days to the coming of the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Luke 3:36, 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 repeated phrase "which was [the son] of" (or simply "of" in the Greek, with "son" implied) is a form of **Repetition** that creates a rhythmic, almost hypnotic, effect, emphasizing the direct, unbroken chain of descent. This repetition underscores the meticulous and deliberate nature of God's unfolding plan through generations. Furthermore, the genealogy functions as a form of **Historical Record**, grounding Jesus's identity firmly within the known history of humanity, moving backward from His present reality to the earliest moments of creation. This backward progression also serves a **Theological Purpose**, demonstrating Jesus's universal connection to all people, tracing His roots not just to a specific nation but to the very first human, Adam.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke's genealogy, particularly the portion found in [Luke 3:36](/luke/3-36 "Luke 3:36 - Genealogy of Jesus"), profoundly emphasizes the historical reality and universal scope of Jesus's humanity. By meticulously tracing His lineage through figures like Noah and Shem, Luke grounds Jesus firmly within the foundational narratives of human history, demonstrating that His advent was not a random occurrence but the culmination of God's long-prepared plan for redemption. This backward trajectory to Adam, and ultimately to God, highlights Jesus's solidarity with all humanity, positioning Him as the Second Adam who reverses the effects of the first Adam's sin. It underscores God's faithfulness across generations, showing how His promises and purposes were meticulously woven into the fabric of human history, leading inexorably to the Christ.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1-32 "Genesis 5:1-32 - The Genealogy from Adam to Noah") This chapter provides the Old Testament source for many of the names found in Luke's genealogy, particularly those from Adam to Noah, affirming the historical basis of Jesus's lineage.
* [Romans 5:12-19](/romans/5-12-19 "Romans 5:12-19 - Adam and Christ: Death and Life") This passage explicitly contrasts Adam's sin, which brought death to all humanity, with Christ's righteous act, which brings justification and life to all. Luke's genealogy, by tracing Jesus back to Adam, provides the historical framework for understanding Jesus as the "Second Adam" who rectifies the original fall.
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") Matthew's genealogy, while tracing forward from Abraham and emphasizing Jesus's royal Davidic lineage, provides a complementary perspective on Jesus's historical and theological significance, highlighting His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might initially seem dry, Luke 3:36, as part of Jesus's genealogy, offers profound truths for reflection and application in our lives today. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous and sovereign planning throughout history. Just as every name in this ancient lineage was a deliberate link in God's grand design for redemption, so too are our own lives part of a larger, divinely orchestrated narrative. This verse grounds the reality of Jesus's humanity, affirming that He was truly one of us, with a genuine family tree and a deep connection to all of humanity through His ancestors. This makes His earthly ministry relatable and His sacrifice profoundly meaningful, as He fully entered into our human experience. Furthermore, the continuity of this lineage speaks volumes about God's enduring faithfulness to His promises across countless generations, offering us immense hope and assurance that He is faithful to His promises to us today. It encourages us to see our own lives, our families, and our historical moment as part of God's ongoing work in the world, inviting us to trust in His overarching plan, even when we cannot see its full scope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus's deep historical roots, traced back to figures like Noah and Shem, deepen your appreciation for His humanity and His connection to all people?**
* **What does the meticulous nature of this genealogy reveal about God's character and His involvement in human history? How does this impact your view of His plan for your own life?**
* **Considering the theme of God's faithfulness across generations, how can you cultivate a greater trust in His promises and His sovereign guidance in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why does Luke's genealogy include Cainan, while the Old Testament Hebrew text (Masoretic Text) does not?**

Answer: The inclusion of Cainan in [Luke 3:36](/luke/3-36 "Luke 3:36 - Genealogy of Jesus") is a well-known textual variant. While the Masoretic Text of the Old Testament, specifically in [Genesis 10:24](/genesis/10-24 "Genesis 10:24 - Descendants of Shem") and [Genesis 11:12](/genesis/11-12 "Genesis 11:12 - Shem's Lineage"), omits Cainan between Arphaxad and Shelah, the Septuagint (LXX), the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, does include him. Luke, writing in Greek and likely for a Hellenistic audience, frequently utilized the Septuagint as his primary Old Testament source. This discrepancy is generally attributed to Luke's reliance on the Septuagint's version of the genealogy, which was widely accepted and used by early Christians. It does not undermine the historical accuracy of Jesus's lineage but rather highlights the different textual traditions available in the ancient world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke's genealogy, particularly the segment in [Luke 3:36](/luke/3-36 "Luke 3:36 - Genealogy of Jesus"), finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus as the "Second Adam" and the universal Savior. By tracing Jesus's lineage backward through Noah and Shem to Adam, Luke emphasizes Jesus's solidarity with all humanity, not just a specific ethnic group. This sets the stage for understanding Jesus as the one who reverses the curse brought by the first Adam's disobedience ([Romans 5:12-19](/romans/5-12-19 "Romans 5:12-19 - Adam and Christ: Death and Life")). Where Adam's sin plunged humanity into condemnation and death, Christ, the perfect human, offers righteousness and life to all who believe. His deep roots in human history, as meticulously recorded by Luke, underscore the reality of the Incarnation—God becoming flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), genuinely entering our broken world to redeem it. Thus, the seemingly mundane list of names in [Luke 3:36](/luke/3-36 "Luke 3:36 - Genealogy of Jesus") points powerfully to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's eternal plan to restore humanity to Himself, making Him the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-19 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and the ultimate reconciler of all things ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ, the Reconciler")).

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

Ezekiel 14:14

Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver [but] their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD.

Hebrews 11:7

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Genesis 9:1

¶ And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.

Genesis 6:8

¶ But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Genesis 6:10

And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Genesis 8:1

¶ And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that [was] with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;

Genesis 9:26

And he said, Blessed [be] the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.