Matthew 1:10

KJV

And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Ezekias {G1478} begat {G1080} Manasses {G3128}; and {G1161} Manasses {G3128} begat {G1080} Amon {G300}; and {G1161} Amon {G300} begat {G1080} Josias {G2502};

Complete Jewish Bible

Hizkiyahu was the father of M'nasheh, M'nasheh was the father of Amon, Amon was the father of Yoshiyahu,

Berean Standard Bible

Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah,

American Standard Version

and Hezekiah begat Manasseh; and Manasseh begat Amon; and Amon begat Josiah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 1:10 continues the meticulously recorded genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His royal lineage through three pivotal kings of Judah: Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, and Josiah. This verse, part of Matthew's opening declaration of Jesus' identity, underscores the continuous fulfillment of God's covenant promises, demonstrating that the Messiah's ancestry, though marked by both righteousness and profound sin, remained divinely guided toward its ultimate culmination in Christ. It highlights God's unwavering sovereignty over human history and His faithfulness to the Davidic covenant, even amidst the moral complexities of His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 1:10 is an integral part of the Gospel's opening section, specifically the genealogy found in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). This detailed lineage serves as Matthew's foundational argument for Jesus' messianic claim, establishing His legal right to the throne of David and His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The genealogy is structured into three sets of fourteen generations, a literary device (possibly mnemonic or symbolic) that emphasizes the historical progression towards Christ. Verse 10 falls within the second set of fourteen generations, spanning from David to the Babylonian exile, a period characterized by the rise and fall of the Judean monarchy. Each "begat" statement meticulously links one generation to the next, building an undeniable chain of descent that validates Jesus' identity as the promised Son of David and Son of Abraham.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The kings listed in Matthew 1:10—Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, and Josiah—reigned in Judah during a turbulent period leading up to the Babylonian exile. This era was marked by significant political pressures from powerful empires like Assyria and Babylon, as well as profound spiritual struggles within Judah itself. Kings like Hezekiah and Josiah led periods of spiritual revival and reform, attempting to purge idolatry and restore covenant faithfulness. In stark contrast, Manasseh and Amon plunged the nation into deep apostasy, introducing pagan worship and shedding innocent blood. Genealogies were critically important in ancient Jewish culture, serving not merely as historical records but as legal documents establishing identity, inheritance, and tribal affiliation. For Matthew's Jewish audience, a meticulously documented lineage connecting Jesus to the revered figures of Abraham and David was essential to authenticate His claims as the Messiah, who was prophesied to come from David's royal line (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")).

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 1:10, within the broader genealogy, contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **God's Unwavering Sovereignty** over history, demonstrating His ability to work through both righteous and unrighteous human instruments to accomplish His divine plan. The Messianic line continued despite the profound moral failings of kings like Manasseh. Secondly, it highlights the **Continuity and Faithfulness of the Davidic Covenant**, emphasizing that God's promise to David of an eternal dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Promise to David")) was unconditional and would be fulfilled through His steadfast faithfulness, not solely dependent on human merit or obedience. Even when kings were unfaithful, God remained faithful to His word. Lastly, the inclusion of figures like Manasseh, who repented after deep sin ([2 Chronicles 33:12-13](/2_chronicles/33-12-13 "2 Chronicles 33:12-13 - Manasseh's Repentance")), subtly points to the theme of **Grace and Repentance**, foreshadowing the broader message of salvation and forgiveness that Jesus would bring. The genealogy itself, by tracing the lineage through imperfect individuals, underscores that God's redemptive plan embraces and transforms humanity's brokenness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **begat (Greek, _gennáō_):** From the Greek word γένος (genos), meaning "race" or "kind," this verb signifies "to procreate," primarily referring to the father's role in bringing forth offspring. Figuratively, it can also mean "to regenerate." In this genealogical context, it strictly denotes direct paternal lineage, emphasizing the biological and legal succession that establishes Jesus' ancestry. Its consistent repetition underscores the unbroken chain of generations leading to Christ.
* **Ezekias (Greek, _Ezekías_):** Of Hebrew origin (חִזְקִיָּה, _Ḥizqiyyāhū_), this name refers to King Hezekiah, one of Judah's most righteous kings. His inclusion marks a period of significant spiritual reform and divine deliverance from the Assyrians, highlighting a high point of faithfulness within the royal line.
* **Josias (Greek, _Iōsías_):** Of Hebrew origin (יֹאשִׁיָּה, _Yoʾšiyyāhū_), this name refers to King Josiah, another exceptionally righteous king of Judah. His reign saw a zealous return to the Law of Moses and a widespread purging of idolatry. His presence at the end of this verse signifies a final, earnest attempt at national repentance before the inevitable Babylonian exile, underscoring the cyclical nature of Judah's spiritual journey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ezekias begat Manasses":** This clause introduces King Hezekiah, a paragon of faithfulness and trust in the Lord, and then immediately presents his son, Manasseh, who would become Judah's most notoriously wicked king. This stark transition from righteousness to profound apostasy highlights the unpredictable nature of human generations and the sovereign hand of God working through even the most challenging circumstances. It also implicitly sets the stage for the theme of grace, as Manasseh later repented.
* **"and Manasses begat Amon":** This continues the lineage, showing Manasseh as the father of Amon. Amon tragically followed in his father's initial wicked ways, rejecting the path of repentance that Manasseh eventually took. His brief, unrighteous reign serves as a stark reminder of the persistent spiritual decline that plagued Judah, accelerating its trajectory towards divine judgment.
* **"and Amon begat Josias":** This final clause for the verse brings a dramatic shift, as Amon's son, Josiah, emerges as another righteous king, akin to Hezekiah. Josiah's reign was characterized by a fervent return to God's Law and extensive religious reforms. His inclusion demonstrates that even in the darkest periods of spiritual apostasy, God can raise up individuals who turn back to Him, providing a glimmer of hope and a testament to His enduring covenant faithfulness, even as the nation moved closer to exile.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Matthew 1:10, and indeed the entire genealogy, is **Genealogy** itself, serving as a structured historical record that establishes lineage and legitimacy. Within this, **Repetition** is prominently used through the consistent phrase "begat," which creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect, emphasizing the unbroken chain of descent and the continuity of God's plan across generations. The names themselves, particularly the contrast between righteous kings (Hezekiah, Josiah) and wicked kings (Manasseh, Amon), create a form of **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the spiritual ebb and flow within the Davidic line and implicitly underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness despite human inconsistency. This careful arrangement of names also functions as a form of **Anaphora**, where the repeated structure of "X begat Y" reinforces the linear progression towards the ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 1:10 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic Covenant. Despite the profound moral failings and spiritual apostasy of certain kings in the lineage, such as Manasseh and Amon, God's plan for the Messiah's arrival remained steadfastly on course. This demonstrates that God's faithfulness is not contingent upon human perfection but is rooted in His own immutable character and sovereign will. The inclusion of these flawed figures underscores the pervasive need for grace and redemption, foreshadowing the very purpose of Jesus' coming: to save His people from their sins. It teaches us that God works through imperfect vessels, weaving even human sin and repentance into the tapestry of His grand redemptive narrative, ultimately culminating in the perfect Son, Jesus Christ.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Romans 5:20 - Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more")
* [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of Immanuel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 1:10, with its list of kings, invites us to reflect on the nature of God's faithfulness and His work through human generations. The presence of both righteous and deeply flawed individuals in Jesus' direct ancestry is a profound testament to God's patience, grace, and sovereign ability to accomplish His purposes despite, and even through, human sin and inconsistency. It reminds us that our own imperfections, past failures, or the brokenness of our family lines do not disqualify us from being part of God's redemptive story. Instead, this lineage highlights that God's plan is ultimately about His steadfast love and power to redeem, not our flawless performance. We are encouraged to trust in His unwavering faithfulness, knowing that He can use anyone who turns to Him, transforming even the most profound sin into a testimony of His abounding grace, just as He did with Manasseh. This verse calls us to embrace our own stories, recognizing that God is at work in them, shaping us for His glory and integrating us into His eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of both righteous and unrighteous kings in Jesus' genealogy challenge or affirm your understanding of God's faithfulness?**
* **In what ways does the story of Manasseh (who repented after profound wickedness) offer hope and encouragement for your own life or for others you know who struggle with sin?**
* **How can recognizing God's sovereignty over historical events, even those marked by human failure, strengthen your trust in His plan for your personal life and the world today?**

### FAQ

**Why does Matthew include such a detailed genealogy, especially with kings like Manasseh and Amon who were unrighteous?**

Answer: Matthew's primary purpose in including the detailed genealogy, even with unrighteous kings, was to establish Jesus' legitimate claim as the Messiah, the promised Son of David and Son of Abraham. For his Jewish audience, a meticulously documented lineage was crucial for validating identity and prophetic fulfillment. The inclusion of flawed kings like Manasseh and Amon serves several theological purposes: it demonstrates God's unwavering sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when human instruments fail; it underscores the pervasive need for redemption and grace, as the lineage itself is imperfect; and it highlights that God's plan is not thwarted by human sin but works through it. The presence of such figures also emphasizes that Jesus' righteousness is His own, not inherited from a perfect human line, thus magnifying His unique divine nature and redemptive work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 1:10, nestled within the genealogy of Jesus, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in demonstrating Jesus as the true and perfect King, the culmination of the Davidic covenant, and the one who perfectly embodies the righteous reign that many of these kings failed to achieve. Hezekiah and Josiah, though righteous, could only offer temporary reforms and could not ultimately save their people from judgment. Manasseh and Amon, in their wickedness, highlighted the desperate need for a King who would not falter. Jesus, the descendant of these kings, transcends their limitations and failures. He is the King who truly trusts God, like Hezekiah, but with perfect faith. He is the one who perfectly fulfills the Law, like Josiah, but as the Lawgiver Himself. More profoundly, Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a redemption far greater than Manasseh's personal repentance. His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection establish an eternal kingdom, not of this world, where sin is truly conquered and God's people are reconciled to Him ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption through Christ")). Thus, the flawed lineage of Matthew 1:10 ultimately points to Jesus as the one perfect King who reigns in righteousness and grace, fulfilling all the hopes and promises embedded within the Old Testament narrative and bringing about the true and lasting spiritual revival for all who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners")).

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

2 Chronicles 32:33

And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honour at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 35:27

And his deeds, first and last, behold, they [are] written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

2 Kings 20:21

And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.

2 Kings 23:30

And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead.

1 Kings 13:2

And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee.

Jeremiah 1:2

To whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

Jeremiah 1:3

It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.