Luke 3:37

Commentary on Luke 3:37

Luke 3:37 is part of a lengthy genealogy of Jesus Christ, unique to the Gospel of Luke, which traces His lineage backward from Joseph (His legal father) all the way to Adam, and ultimately, to God Himself. This particular verse lists five key figures from the early patriarchal period before the great flood: Mathusala (Methuselah), Enoch, Jared, Maleleel (Mahalalel), and Cainan. The phrase "which was [the son] of" is implied throughout the genealogy, indicating direct paternal descent.

Context and Significance

Unlike Matthew's genealogy, which begins with Abraham and traces forward to Jesus to emphasize His royal Jewish lineage, Luke's genealogy starts with Jesus and moves backward to Adam. This backward progression highlights Jesus's universal humanity and His connection to all mankind, not just the Jewish people. By reaching back to Adam, Luke underscores that Jesus is the Savior of all humanity, the "second Adam" who reverses the effects of the first Adam's sin. This extensive list of names, often overlooked, serves to establish the historical reality and divine providence behind Jesus's birth and ministry.

Key Figures and Themes

• Mathusala (Methuselah): Famous for being the oldest person recorded in the Bible, living 969 years (Genesis 5:27). His long life bridges the gap between Adam and Noah, serving as a testament to the early longevity of humanity.
• Enoch: A profoundly significant figure in this list. Enoch is noted for having "walked with God" and was taken by God without experiencing death (Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5). His inclusion highlights divine favor and a unique relationship with the Creator, foreshadowing the divine nature present in Jesus.
• Jared, Maleleel (Mahalalel), and Cainan: These individuals are part of the pre-flood patriarchal line mentioned in Genesis 5. Their inclusion reinforces the unbroken chain of descent from Adam, through whom God's redemptive plan would ultimately culminate in Jesus Christ. Each name, though briefly mentioned here, represents a link in the divinely orchestrated history leading to the Messiah.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek structure of Luke's genealogy uses the genitive case ("of X, of Y, of Z"), which the King James Version translates as "which was [the son] of." This concise phrasing emphasizes the direct paternal line. The meticulous detail of these genealogies, though perhaps tedious to modern readers, was crucial in ancient cultures for establishing identity, inheritance, and claims to lineage, especially for a figure as significant as the Messiah.

Practical Application

For believers today, this verse, as part of the broader genealogy, offers several insights:

1. God's Faithfulness Through Generations: It demonstrates God's long-term plan and His faithfulness in preserving a lineage through thousands of years, leading to the fulfillment of His promises in Jesus Christ.
2. The Humanity of Jesus: It powerfully affirms that Jesus was truly human, sharing a common ancestry with all people. This makes Him relatable and capable of empathizing with our struggles, as detailed in Hebrews 4:15.
3. Every Life Matters: Even seemingly minor figures in a long list of names are significant in God's grand narrative. It reminds us that every individual life contributes to God's unfolding purposes.