3:37 3:37

Luke 3:38

4:1 4:1

Bible Versions

Which was [the son] of Enos, which was [the son] of Seth, which was [the son] of Adam, which was [the son] of God.
Which was the son of Enos {G1800}, which was the son of Seth {G4589}, which was the son of Adam {G76}, which was the son of God {G2316}.
of Enosh, of Shet, of Adam, of God.
the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

Commentary on Luke 3:38 (KJV)

Luke 3:38 concludes the extensive genealogy of Jesus Christ presented in Luke's Gospel. Unlike Matthew's genealogy, which traces Jesus' lineage forward from Abraham to Joseph, Luke's account meticulously traces it backward from Joseph (the legal father of Jesus) all the way to Adam, and finally, to God Himself. This verse, "Which was [the son] of Enos, which was [the son] of Seth, which was [the son] of Adam, which was [the son] of God," highlights a crucial theological statement about Jesus' identity and mission.

Context and Significance

Luke’s genealogy is unique in its scope. While Matthew emphasizes Jesus' royal heritage as the Son of David and Abraham, Luke focuses on Jesus' universal connection to all humanity. By tracing the lineage back to Adam, the common ancestor of all people, Luke underscores that Jesus is the Savior not just for the Jewish people, but for every individual. The culminating phrase, "Adam, which was [the son] of God," forms a powerful parallel, setting the stage for understanding Jesus as the ultimate "Son of God" in a redemptive sense.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus' Universal Humanity: By linking Jesus directly to Adam, Luke firmly establishes Jesus' full identification with mankind. He shared in our humanity, experienced our struggles, and is truly the "Son of Man," a term Jesus often used for Himself (Luke 19:10).
  • Divine Sonship and Origin: The genealogy culminates in "Adam, which was [the son] of God." This refers to Adam's direct creation by God, without human parents, making him uniquely God's 'son' in a created sense (Genesis 2:7). This statement sets the stage for Jesus being the ultimate Son of God, not merely by creation, but by eternal relationship and divine essence (John 1:1).
  • The Second Adam: This lineage implicitly presents Jesus as the "second Adam." Where the first Adam brought sin and death into the world through disobedience (Romans 5:12), Jesus, the perfect "Son of God," comes to reverse the fall and bring righteousness and eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:45).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "which was [the son] of" is implied throughout the genealogy, indicating direct descent. The final declaration, "Adam, which was [the son] of God," is significant. In this context, "son of God" for Adam signifies his immediate origin from God's creative act, setting him apart from all subsequent human births. This unique origin establishes a profound theological parallel with Jesus, who is also uniquely the Son of God, though in a divine, pre-existent sense.

Practical Application

Luke 3:38 offers profound encouragement for all believers. It assures us that Jesus fully identifies with our human experience, having a lineage that connects Him to every person who has ever lived. Moreover, it affirms His divine origin and authority as the unique Son of God, capable of overcoming sin and death. This means that His salvation is universally available, extending to all who believe, regardless of their background or ancestry. Just as Adam was uniquely created by God, Jesus, the new Adam, uniquely provides a path back to God for all humanity.

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.

  • Genesis 2:7

    And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:45

    And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:47

    The first man [is] of the earth, earthy: the second man [is] the Lord from heaven.

  • Isaiah 64:8

    But now, O LORD, thou [art] our father; we [are] the clay, and thou our potter; and we all [are] the work of thy hand.

  • Genesis 4:25

    ¶ And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, [said she], hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.

  • Genesis 5:3

    And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat [a son] in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:

  • Acts 17:26

    And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
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