Matthew 1:1

¶ The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

The book {G976} of the generation {G1078} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, the son {G5207} of David {G1138}, the son {G5207} of Abraham {G11}.

This is the genealogy of Yeshua the Messiah, son of David, son of Avraham:

This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham:

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Context of Matthew 1:1

Matthew 1:1 serves as the foundational opening verse for the Gospel of Matthew and, significantly, for the entire New Testament. It immediately establishes the identity of Jesus Christ and His crucial connection to the Old Testament narrative through a declaration of His lineage. This verse sets the stage for the detailed genealogy that follows in Matthew 1:2-17, which was incredibly important in Jewish culture for establishing identity, legal rights, and especially claims to the Messiahship.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus' Identity as Messiah: The verse explicitly names "Jesus Christ," immediately presenting Him as the Anointed One, the long-awaited King.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: By identifying Jesus as "the son of David" and "the son of Abraham," Matthew immediately points to the fulfillment of critical Old Testament promises. This emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenants.
  • Royal Lineage (Son of David): This title underscores Jesus' claim to the throne of Israel. God promised King David an eternal kingdom through his descendant (2 Samuel 7:12). Jesus, as the "Son of David," is presented as the rightful heir to this messianic kingship.
  • Universal Blessing (Son of Abraham): Connecting Jesus to Abraham highlights His role in fulfilling God's promise that through Abraham's seed, all the families of the earth would be blessed. This broadens the scope of salvation beyond just Israel to all nations.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "The book of the generation" translates the Greek `biblos geneseos` (βίβλος γενέσεως). This can mean "book of origins," "record of ancestry," or "account of birth." It echoes the opening of Genesis ("This is the book of the generations of Adam," Genesis 5:1), suggesting that Matthew's Gospel is presenting a new beginning, a new creation, centered on Jesus Christ.

Practical Application

Matthew 1:1 assures us that Jesus' arrival was not a random event but the culmination of centuries of divine planning and promise. For believers, this verse reinforces the reliability of God's Word and His unwavering commitment to His covenants. It encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and His ability to fulfill every promise, even across generations. Understanding Jesus' dual lineage as both "Son of David" (King) and "Son of Abraham" (Blessing to all nations) helps us grasp the breadth of His mission and the universality of His salvation.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Genesis 22:18

    And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

  • Galatians 3:16

    Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

  • Romans 1:3

    Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

  • Revelation 22:16

    I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.

  • Psalms 132:11

    ¶ The LORD hath sworn [in] truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.

  • Jeremiah 23:5

    Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

  • Isaiah 11:1

    ¶ And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
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