1:11 1:11

Matthew 1:12

1:13 1:13

Bible Versions

And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
And {G1161} after {G3326} they were brought {G3350} to Babylon {G897}, Jechonias {G2423} begat {G1080} Salathiel {G4528}; and {G1161} Salathiel {G4528} begat {G1080} Zorobabel {G2216};
After the Babylonian Exile, Y'khanyahu was the father of Sh'altiel, Sh'altiel was the father of Z'rubavel,
After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,
And after the carrying away to Babylon, Jechoniah begat Shealtiel; and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel;

Matthew 1:12 continues the significant genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage through the period of the Babylonian exile, a pivotal moment in Israelite history. This verse specifically highlights three key figures: Jechonias, Salathiel, and Zorobabel, emphasizing the continuity of the royal line even in captivity.

Context of Matthew 1:12

This verse falls within the second major section of Matthew's genealogy, which spans from King David to the Babylonian captivity. Matthew organizes the genealogy into three distinct sets of fourteen generations (as highlighted in Matthew 1:17). The phrase "after they were brought to Babylon" marks the end of the second period and the beginning of the third, underscoring a significant turning point for the Jewish people.

  • Jechonias (also known as Jehoiachin or Coniah): He was a king of Judah who reigned for a very short period before being carried into exile by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, around 597 BC. His story is found in 2 Kings 24 and Jeremiah 22. The prophet Jeremiah pronounced a severe judgment upon him, stating that "no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David" (Jeremiah 22:30). Yet, Matthew's genealogy shows God's faithfulness in preserving the royal line through him, albeit not on the throne of David in a direct, continuous succession.
  • Salathiel: Identified as the son of Jechonias. He represents the generation born during or shortly after the initial phase of the exile.
  • Zorobabel (also Zerubbabel): A highly significant figure, Zorobabel was a leader among the exiles who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. He played a crucial role in the post-exilic period, particularly in the rebuilding of the Second Temple (Ezra 3:8; Haggai 1:1). His leadership symbolized hope and restoration for the returned remnant.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Faithfulness Amidst Judgment: The Babylonian exile was a period of divine judgment for Israel's unfaithfulness. However, this verse powerfully demonstrates that even in the midst of punishment and apparent defeat, God remained faithful to His covenant promises, specifically to the Davidic covenant that a king would always come from his line.
  • Continuity of the Messianic Line: Despite the political upheaval and the cessation of the Davidic monarchy in Jerusalem, the lineage leading to the Messiah continued. Jechonias, Salathiel, and Zorobabel are crucial links in demonstrating that Jesus truly descended from David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.
  • Sovereignty of God: This verse underscores God's absolute control over history, even through the rise and fall of kingdoms and the trials of His people. He orchestrates events, including significant exiles and returns, to advance His ultimate plan of redemption.
  • Hope and Restoration: The inclusion of Zorobabel, who led the rebuilding efforts, subtly introduces a theme of hope. His work symbolized the beginning of restoration after the desolation of exile, pointing forward to the ultimate restoration brought by Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The repetitive use of "begat" (Greek: egennēsen) throughout Matthew's genealogy, including in this verse, emphasizes the direct, biological succession. This structure is a deliberate rhetorical device to affirm the literal and historical lineage of Jesus, establishing His rightful claim as the Son of David and the Son of Abraham.

Practical Application

Matthew 1:12 offers profound encouragement for believers today:

  1. God is Faithful in All Circumstances: Even when life takes unexpected or difficult turns, resembling a "Babylonian exile" in our own experience, God remains faithful to His promises. His plans are not thwarted by human failure or historical upheaval.
  2. Hope in God's Unfolding Plan: Just as the lineage of the Messiah continued through judgment and captivity, we can trust that God is always working, even through challenging times, to bring about His ultimate good. Our current struggles are part of a larger divine narrative.
  3. God Uses Imperfect People: The inclusion of figures like Jechonias, who faced severe prophetic judgment, demonstrates that God uses imperfect individuals within His perfect plan. This reminds us that our past or present imperfections do not disqualify us from being part of God's redemptive work.
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.

  • 1 Chronicles 3:17

    And the sons of Jeconiah; Assir, Salathiel his son,

  • Ezra 3:2

    Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as [it is] written in the law of Moses the man of God.

  • Haggai 1:14

    And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,

  • Luke 3:27

    Which was [the son] of Joanna, which was [the son] of Rhesa, which was [the son] of Zorobabel, which was [the son] of Salathiel, which was [the son] of Neri,

  • 1 Chronicles 3:19

    And the sons of Pedaiah [were], Zerubbabel, and Shimei: and the sons of Zerubbabel; Meshullam, and Hananiah, and Shelomith their sister:

  • 1 Chronicles 3:24

    And the sons of Elioenai [were], Hodaiah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Dalaiah, and Anani, seven.

  • Nehemiah 12:1

    ¶ Now these [are] the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,
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