Matthew 1:11

KJV

And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Josias {G2502} begat {G1080} Jechonias {G2423} and {G2532} his {G846} brethren {G80}, about the time {G1909} they were carried away {G3350} to Babylon {G897}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Yoshiyahu was the father of Y'khanyahu and his brothers at the time of the Exile to Bavel.

Berean Standard Bible

and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.

American Standard Version

and Josiah begat Jechoniah and his brethren, at the time of the carrying away to Babylon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 1:11 serves as a pivotal point within the genealogy of Jesus Christ, meticulously tracing the lineage from King Josiah to Jeconiah (also known as Jehoiachin or Coniah) and his brothers. This verse not only continues the royal line but also critically marks the historical epoch of the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national judgment and displacement for the people of Judah, yet one through which God's sovereign plan for the Messiah's coming continued to unfold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the opening chapter of Matthew's Gospel, which begins with a meticulously constructed genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His ancestry from Abraham through David and down to Joseph, Jesus' legal father. Matthew's genealogy is highly structured, intentionally divided into three sections of fourteen generations each, as explicitly stated in [Matthew 1:17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:17 - Three Sets of Fourteen Generations"). Verse 11 specifically concludes the second set of fourteen generations (from David to the Babylonian captivity) and initiates the third (from the captivity to Christ). Its placement is strategic, highlighting the Babylonian exile as a major historical and theological watershed moment, emphasizing both the continuity of God's covenant promises despite national failure and the profound disruption that necessitated a new era culminating in the Messiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period referenced in [Matthew 1:11](/matthew/1-11 "Matthew 1:11 - Josias and Jechonias") centers on the Babylonian Captivity, a catastrophic event for the Kingdom of Judah. Following a series of unfaithful kings and widespread idolatry, God allowed the Babylonian Empire, under King Nebuchadnezzar, to conquer Judah. Jerusalem was besieged, the Temple was destroyed in 586 BC, and the Judean elite, including the royal family and skilled craftsmen, were forcibly deported to Babylon. This was not merely a political defeat but a profound theological crisis, as it appeared to contradict God's promises of an eternal Davidic dynasty and a perpetual dwelling place in Jerusalem. Culturally, the exile forced a reevaluation of national identity, the role of the Temple, and the nature of God's covenant. It was a time of immense suffering and spiritual introspection, yet it also fostered the development of synagogue worship and a deeper commitment to the Law among the exiles.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 1:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's unwavering sovereignty over history**, demonstrating that even in moments of national disaster and divine judgment, God remains in control, guiding events towards His ultimate redemptive purposes. The exile, though a consequence of human sin, was not an interruption but a divinely ordained phase in God's plan, fulfilling prophetic warnings found in books like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity") and [Isaiah](/isaiah/39 "Isaiah 39 - Hezekiah's Folly and Babylonian Threat"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **continuity of the Davidic line** despite the apparent end of the monarchy. Jeconiah, though a captive king, maintained the royal lineage, ensuring that the future Messiah would indeed descend from the [house and lineage of David](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant"). This reinforces the theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when human faithfulness falters. Finally, the inclusion of the exile emphasizes the theme of **judgment and restoration**, setting the stage for the ultimate restoration brought by Jesus Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **begat (Greek, _gennáō_):** From the verb meaning "to procreate" or "to become the father of," this term consistently emphasizes direct lineal descent throughout Matthew's genealogy. In this context, it affirms the biological and legal connection of Jeconiah to Josiah, maintaining the unbroken chain of the Davidic lineage despite the political upheaval. It underscores the divine orchestration of human generations to fulfill God's redemptive plan.
* **carried away (Greek, _metoikesía_):** This noun specifically refers to "a change of abode" or, more precisely, "expatriation" and "deportation." It vividly describes the forced removal of the Judean population from their homeland to Babylon. Its inclusion here is not merely a historical note but a theological marker, signifying the profound judgment and displacement that marked a major turning point in Israel's history, fulfilling prophecies of exile due to their persistent disobedience.
* **brethren (Greek, _adelphós_):** Meaning "brother" (literally or figuratively), this term in the context of Jeconiah likely refers to other sons of King Josiah or prominent members of the royal family who were also part of the deportation. Its presence emphasizes the collective nature of the exile, indicating that the entire royal house and a significant portion of the Judean elite were affected by this national catastrophe, underscoring the widespread impact of the judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren,"**: This clause continues the genealogical sequence, identifying Josiah as the father of Jeconiah. The inclusion of "and his brethren" is notable, as genealogies typically focus on the direct line. This phrase may serve several purposes: to acknowledge Jeconiah's siblings who were also part of the royal lineage and likely shared in the exile, to highlight the broader impact of the coming judgment on the entire royal family, or to subtly indicate a disruption in the direct kingly succession, as Jeconiah's reign was brief and tumultuous, and the kingship effectively ended with him in Judah.
* **"about the time they were carried away to Babylon:"**: This concluding phrase provides crucial historical context, dating the transition from Josiah's line to Jeconiah's at the precise moment of the Babylonian exile. It transforms a simple genealogical entry into a significant historical marker, signaling the end of the independent Davidic monarchy in Judah and the beginning of a period of foreign domination and national dispersion. This phrase is key to Matthew's structuring of the genealogy, marking the end of the second major period and the beginning of the third, leading directly to Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 1:11 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Historical Marker**, as the phrase "about the time they were carried away to Babylon" serves as a precise chronological and theological pivot point within the genealogy. It is not merely a date but a shorthand for a complex period of national crisis and divine judgment. This verse also utilizes **Conciseness**, characteristic of genealogical lists, compressing centuries of history and profound events into a single, impactful statement. Furthermore, there is an element of **Theological Symbolism** in the mention of "Babylon" itself, which throughout biblical literature often symbolizes oppressive worldly power and judgment against God's people. Its inclusion here reminds the reader of the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness and sets the stage for a new era of anticipation for the Messiah who would bring true liberation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 1:11 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative by illustrating God's unwavering sovereignty and faithfulness, even amidst human failure and national catastrophe. The Babylonian exile, though a severe judgment for Israel's persistent sin and idolatry, was simultaneously a fulfillment of prophecy and a demonstration that God's covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, remained intact. The lineage of the Messiah continued through Jeconiah, a king who reigned during the exile, underscoring that God's ultimate plan of redemption was not derailed but rather progressed through and even by means of these challenging circumstances. This highlights a recurring biblical theme: God uses both blessing and judgment to achieve His redemptive purposes, always working towards the ultimate revelation of His Son.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David")
* [Jeremiah 25:11-12](/jeremiah/25-11-12 "Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 1:11 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's sovereign hand is at work even in the most challenging and seemingly chaotic periods of history, including our personal lives. The Babylonian exile was a dark chapter for Israel, a consequence of their disobedience, yet it was precisely through this period of judgment and displacement that God preserved the lineage leading to the Messiah. This verse encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness and His overarching plan, even when circumstances appear bleak or when we face personal "exiles" or setbacks. It teaches us that God can redeem even our failures and redirect our paths to serve His greater purposes. Our hope is anchored not in the stability of human institutions or circumstances, but in the unshakeable faithfulness of God, who is always working towards the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of the Babylonian exile in Jesus' genealogy challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty in difficult times?**
* **In what ways might God be working through current "exilic" or challenging periods in your own life or in the world to bring about His purposes?**
* **How does the continuity of the Davidic line through Jeconiah, despite the end of the monarchy, strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness to His promises?**

### FAQ

**Why does Matthew include "and his brethren" when genealogies typically focus on the direct line?**

Answer: The inclusion of "and his brethren" (Greek, _adelphós_) in [Matthew 1:11](/matthew/1-11 "Matthew 1:11 - Josias and Jechonias") is a unique feature in this genealogy. While it might simply acknowledge other sons of Josiah who were also part of the royal family, its primary significance is likely to emphasize the collective nature of the Babylonian exile. It underscores that the entire royal house and a significant portion of the Judean elite were affected by this national catastrophe, highlighting the widespread impact of God's judgment and the profound disruption to the Davidic monarchy. It also subtly prepares the reader for the fact that the direct kingly succession was broken, and the future Messiah would come from a line that had endured significant humbling.

**What is the significance of the Babylonian Captivity being highlighted in Jesus' genealogy?**

Answer: The Babylonian Captivity, marked in [Matthew 1:11](/matthew/1-11 "Matthew 1:11 - Josias and Jechonias"), is a pivotal historical and theological event. Matthew's inclusion of it serves several key purposes. Firstly, it acts as a major dividing point in his structured genealogy, marking the end of the second period of fourteen generations and the beginning of the third, leading to Christ [Matthew 1:17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:17 - Three Sets of Fourteen Generations"). Secondly, it underscores God's sovereignty, showing that even a devastating national judgment was part of His divine plan, fulfilling prophecies of exile due to Israel's disobedience. Thirdly, it highlights the profound spiritual and national low point Israel reached, thereby emphasizing the desperate need for a Messiah who would bring true liberation and restoration, far greater than any physical return from exile.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 1:11, with its stark reference to the Babylonian exile, powerfully sets the stage for the Christ-centered fulfillment found in Jesus. The exile represented the nadir of Israel's national life, a period of judgment where the Davidic monarchy ceased and the people were scattered. Yet, it is precisely through this broken and humbled lineage that Jesus, the Messiah, emerges. He is the true Son of David, not merely inheriting a throne, but establishing an eternal kingdom that transcends earthly political structures, as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Child is Born, the Kingdom Established"). Unlike Jeconiah, who was "carried away" into physical bondage, Jesus comes to deliver His people from a far greater captivity: the bondage of sin and death [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin"). His birth marks the end of the "exile" of humanity from God's presence, bringing about the ultimate return and reconciliation through His atoning sacrifice [2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself"). Thus, the historical low point of the exile in Matthew 1:11 foreshadows the spiritual redemption and restoration inaugurated by Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, bringing true freedom and an everlasting kingdom.

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

Jeremiah 27:20

Which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took not, when he carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah from Jerusalem to Babylon, and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem;

Jeremiah 52:11

Then he put out the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him in chains, and carried him to Babylon, and put him in prison till the day of his death.

Jeremiah 52:15

Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive [certain] of the poor of the people, and the residue of the people that remained in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to the king of Babylon, and the rest of the multitude.

Daniel 1:2

And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

Jeremiah 52:28

This [is] the people whom Nebuchadrezzar carried away captive: in the seventh year three thousand Jews and three and twenty:

Jeremiah 52:30

In the three and twentieth year of Nebuchadrezzar Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive of the Jews seven hundred forty and five persons: all the persons [were] four thousand and six hundred.

2 Chronicles 36:20

And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia: