Matthew 1:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 1:1 serves as the foundational superscription for the entire Gospel of Matthew, immediately declaring its subject: "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." This concise verse establishes Jesus' identity as the long-awaited Messiah, anchoring His lineage firmly within the most significant covenants of the Old Testament, thereby signaling His rightful claim to Israel's throne and His universal mission to bless all nations. It sets the stage for the subsequent genealogy, demonstrating God's faithfulness across generations and His deliberate fulfillment of ancient promises in the person of Jesus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 1:1 functions as the programmatic opening statement for the entire Gospel, much like a title or an ancient "colophon" indicating the subject and author. It immediately precedes the detailed genealogy of Jesus Christ, which spans [Matthew 1:2-17](/matthew/1-2-17 "Matthew 1:2-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). This opening verse thus provides the interpretive lens through which the entire narrative of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection should be understood. By calling it "the book of the generation," Matthew intentionally echoes the language of the Septuagint, particularly [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Book of the Generations of Adam"), suggesting that his Gospel presents a new beginning, a new creation, centered on the ultimate Adam, Jesus Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, genealogies were of paramount importance, serving not merely as historical records but as legal documents establishing identity, inheritance rights, and claims to specific offices, especially the kingship or priesthood. For a Messiah claimant, demonstrating a clear lineage to King David was absolutely essential, as the prophecies consistently pointed to a Messiah from David's line (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Furthermore, linking Jesus to Abraham connected Him to the foundational covenant through which God promised to bless all nations (e.g., [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Matthew, writing primarily for a Jewish audience, would have understood the profound significance of these ancestral connections, which immediately validated Jesus' messianic credentials.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several overarching themes that permeate Matthew's Gospel. Foremost is the theme of **Jesus' Messiahship and Kingship**, underscored by His designation as "Christ" and "son of David." This immediately positions Jesus as the long-awaited King of Israel, the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant. Another crucial theme is the **Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy**, as Matthew consistently demonstrates how Jesus' life and ministry align with ancient scriptural predictions, beginning with His very lineage. The mention of Abraham introduces the theme of **Universal Salvation**, indicating that God's plan extends beyond Israel to encompass all humanity, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise that "all the families of the earth would be blessed" through his offspring. Finally, the phrase "book of the generation" hints at a theme of **New Creation and New Beginnings**, portraying Jesus as the one who inaugurates a new era in God's redemptive history, echoing the "generations" found in the book of [Genesis](/genesis/1 "Genesis - The Book of Beginnings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **book (Greek, _bíblos'_):** From G976, properly referring to the inner bark of the papyrus plant, by implication, a sheet or scroll of writing. Here, it signifies a written account, a record, or a volume. Matthew uses it to introduce his entire Gospel as a definitive record of Jesus' origins and life.
* **generation (Greek, _génesis'_):** From G1078, meaning "nativity" or "origin." This word can refer to a birth, a lineage, or the historical account of one's origins. In this context, it functions as "the account of the origin" or "the record of the ancestry" of Jesus Christ, setting the stage for the detailed genealogy that follows.
* **Christ (Greek, _Christós'_):** From G5547, meaning "anointed," specifically referring to the Messiah. This is not merely a surname but a title, declaring Jesus as the promised Anointed One, the King and Deliverer prophesied in the Old Testament, whose coming was eagerly anticipated by Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ The book of the generation of Jesus Christ,"**: This opening phrase serves as the title for Matthew's Gospel, presenting it as the authoritative record of the origins and lineage of Jesus the Messiah. The term "book of the generation" (Greek: _biblos geneseos_) echoes the Septuagint's rendering of "book of the generations" found in [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Book of the Generations of Adam"), subtly hinting that Matthew is presenting a new beginning, a new creation, centered on Jesus. The immediate identification of "Jesus Christ" establishes the central figure of the narrative and His messianic identity from the outset.
* **"the son of David,"**: This clause immediately connects Jesus to the royal lineage of King David. For a Jewish audience, this was a crucial messianic claim, as the Old Testament prophecies consistently foretold that the Messiah would be a descendant of David and would sit on his throne forever (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Matthew emphasizes Jesus' rightful claim to Israel's kingship and His fulfillment of the Davidic covenant.
* **"the son of Abraham."**: By tracing Jesus' lineage back to Abraham, Matthew broadens the scope of Jesus' significance beyond just Israel. Abraham was the patriarch through whom God promised to bless "all the families of the earth" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham")). This connection highlights the universal implications of Jesus' mission, indicating that His salvation is not limited to the Jewish people but extends to all nations, fulfilling God's ancient covenant with Abraham.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 1:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. It functions as a **Superscription**, acting as a succinct title or heading for the entire Gospel, immediately informing the reader of its subject and central figure. The phrase "book of the generation" is a deliberate **Allusion** to the Septuagint's rendering of [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Book of the Generations of Adam") ("This is the book of the generations of Adam"), suggesting that Matthew is presenting a new epoch in salvation history, a new creation inaugurated by Jesus, the ultimate Adam. The repeated phrase "the son of" (Greek: _huios_) demonstrates **Anaphora**, a rhetorical device where a word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of successive clauses, emphasizing the direct lineage and the importance of each ancestral connection. This repetition also serves as a form of **Concise Summary**, encapsulating the essence of the lengthy genealogy that follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 1:1 is pregnant with theological significance, serving as a theological thesis statement for the entire Gospel. It asserts Jesus' identity not as a mere historical figure, but as the divinely appointed Messiah, the Christ, whose arrival is the culmination of God's redemptive plan throughout history. By immediately linking Jesus to David and Abraham, Matthew underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenants, demonstrating that Jesus is the promised heir who fulfills both the royal Davidic covenant and the universal Abrahamic covenant. This verse establishes the framework for understanding Jesus as both the King of Israel and the source of blessing for all humanity, setting the stage for the Gospel's narrative of salvation history reaching its climax in Him.

* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 1:1, though seemingly a simple introductory verse, offers profound assurance and purpose for believers today. It reminds us that Jesus' arrival was not a random event but the meticulously planned culmination of centuries of divine promises and covenants. This reinforces the trustworthiness of God's Word and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive purposes, even across generations. For us, this means we can trust in God's perfect timing and His ability to fulfill every promise He has made, both in Scripture and in our personal lives. Understanding Jesus' dual lineage as "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, inviting us to embrace our place within God's grand narrative of redemption, whether Jew or Gentile. It calls us to live as recipients of His kingly rule and as participants in His mission to bless the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus' specific lineage to David and Abraham deepen your appreciation for God's faithfulness?**
* **In what ways does the concept of Jesus as the "book of the generation" (a new beginning) challenge or affirm your understanding of God's ongoing work in the world?**
* **How does the universal scope of the Abrahamic covenant (blessing all nations through Jesus) impact your view of evangelism and global missions?**

### FAQ
**Why does Matthew begin his Gospel with a genealogy, and specifically with these two patriarchs?**

Answer: Matthew, writing primarily for a Jewish audience, strategically begins his Gospel with a genealogy to immediately establish Jesus' credentials as the long-awaited Messiah. In Jewish culture, genealogies were crucial for proving identity, inheritance rights, and claims to office. By tracing Jesus' lineage back to David, Matthew demonstrates His rightful claim to the throne of Israel, fulfilling the Davidic Covenant (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). The title "son of David" was a recognized messianic designation. By then extending the lineage further back to Abraham, Matthew connects Jesus to the foundational covenant through which God promised to bless "all the families of the earth" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham")). This highlights the universal scope of Jesus' mission, showing that His salvation is not just for Israel but for all humanity. This opening immediately grounds Jesus in the sacred history of Israel and God's covenant promises, presenting Him as the culmination of God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 1:1 lays the Christ-centered foundation for the entire New Testament, presenting Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's ancient covenants and promises. As the "son of David," Jesus is revealed as the true King of Israel, the one who inherits the eternal throne promised to David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). This Davidic kingship is not merely earthly but heavenly, as seen in passages like [Romans 1:3-4](/romans/1-3-4 "Romans 1:3-4 - Jesus, Son of David") where Paul affirms Jesus' descent from David according to the flesh, yet declared to be the Son of God by resurrection. Furthermore, as the "son of Abraham," Jesus embodies the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant, through whom "all the families of the earth" would be blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham")). This universal blessing is realized in Christ's atoning work, which extends salvation to both Jew and Gentile, breaking down barriers and creating one new humanity in Him ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, Matthew 1:1 is not just a genealogical record but a profound theological declaration that in Jesus Christ, God's historical promises find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")).

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 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: