Matthew 1:12

KJV

And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

After the Babylonian Exile, Y'khanyahu was the father of Sh'altiel, Sh'altiel was the father of Z'rubavel,

Berean Standard Bible

After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,

American Standard Version

And after the carrying away to Babylon, Jechoniah begat Shealtiel; and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 1:12 continues the crucial genealogical record of Jesus Christ, marking a significant transition in Israel's history by tracing the royal lineage through the period of the Babylonian exile. This verse specifically names Jechonias, Salathiel, and Zorobabel, highlighting God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the promised Davidic line despite national judgment and the subsequent displacement of His people. It underscores that even in times of profound upheaval and apparent discontinuity, God's redemptive plan for humanity remained on course, culminating in the birth of the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew's genealogy, beginning in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), meticulously traces Jesus's lineage through Joseph, establishing His legal claim to the Davidic throne. This specific verse, [Matthew 1:12](/matthew/1-12 "Matthew 1:12 - The Lineage Through Exile"), falls within the second major section of the genealogy, which extends from King David to the Babylonian captivity. As [Matthew 1:17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:17 - Three Sets of Fourteen Generations") explicitly states, Matthew organizes the entire genealogy into three distinct sets of fourteen generations. The phrase "after they were brought to Babylon" serves as a pivotal marker, concluding the second fourteen-generation period and initiating the third, emphasizing the profound impact of the exile on the historical trajectory of God's people and the messianic line.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "brought to Babylon" refers to the Babylonian Exile, a catastrophic period for the Kingdom of Judah. Following a series of rebellions against Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem, culminating in the destruction of the Temple and the city in 586 BC, and the forced deportation of the Jewish elite and skilled workers to Babylon. This event, prophesied by Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8-11 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity")), was understood as divine judgment for Israel's persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. Jechonias (also known as Jehoiachin or Coniah), mentioned in this verse, was one of the kings deported (cf. [2 Kings 24:10-16](/2_kings/24-10-16 "2 Kings 24:10-16 - Jehoiachin's Captivity")). The exile was a period of immense national trauma and spiritual reflection, yet it also fostered a renewed emphasis on the Law and a longing for restoration, which would later be led by figures like Zorobabel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, situated within the broader genealogy, contributes significantly to several key themes in Matthew and the biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **God's Faithfulness Amidst Judgment**. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness leading to the exile, God remained true to His covenant promises, particularly the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David") that a king would always come from David's line. The **Continuity of the Messianic Line** is another crucial theme; even with the cessation of the Davidic monarchy and the apparent disruption of the royal succession, the lineage leading to the Messiah was miraculously preserved. The inclusion of Zorobabel, who led the rebuilding of the Temple (as seen in [Ezra 3:8](/ezra/3-8 "Ezra 3:8 - Rebuilding the Temple") and [Haggai 1:12](/haggai/1-12 "Haggai 1:12 - Zerubbabel and Joshua Obey")), subtly introduces the theme of **Hope and Restoration** after exile, foreshadowing the ultimate restoration brought by Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **begat (Greek, _gennáō'_):** From a variation of _genos_ (race, stock); to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate. In Matthew's genealogy, the repeated use of _gennáō_ emphasizes the direct, historical, and biological succession of generations, establishing an unbroken and verifiable lineage for Jesus and affirming His rightful claim as the Son of David.
* **brought to Babylon (Greek, _metoikesía_ and _Babylṓn'_):** _Metoikesía_, derived from a compound of _metá_ (after, with) and _oikos_ (house), refers to a change of abode, specifically denoting expatriation or carrying away into exile. _Babylṓn_ refers to Babylon, the capital of Chaldea, which in biblical prophecy often symbolizes tyranny and opposition to God's people. Together, these terms precisely denote the forced relocation of the Jewish people to Babylon, marking a pivotal and traumatic period of divine judgment and foreign subjugation in Israel's history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after they were brought to Babylon,"**: This phrase serves as a critical historical marker, signaling the end of one era and the beginning of another in Israel's history. It refers to the Babylonian Exile, a period of national judgment and displacement for the kingdom of Judah, which began with the deportations initiated by Nebuchadnezzar in the early 6th century BC. The passive voice "were brought" underscores that this was not a voluntary migration but a forced deportation, highlighting the sovereignty of God even in judgment and the vulnerability of His people.
* **"Jechonias begat Salathiel;"**: Jechonias (also known as Jehoiachin or Coniah) was a king of Judah who reigned briefly before being exiled to Babylon. His inclusion here is significant because the prophet Jeremiah had pronounced a severe judgment upon him, stating that "no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David" ([Jeremiah 22:30](/jeremiah/22-30 "Jeremiah 22:30 - Prophecy Against Coniah")). Yet, Matthew's genealogy demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving the royal line through him, albeit not on the throne of David in Jerusalem. Salathiel, his son, represents the generation born during or shortly after the initial phase of the exile, a testament to the continuity of life and hope even in captivity.
* **"and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;"**: Zorobabel (also Zerubbabel) is a highly significant figure in post-exilic history. He was a leader among the exiles who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon following Cyrus's decree. He played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the Second Temple (as recorded in [Ezra 3:8](/ezra/3-8 "Ezra 3:8 - Foundation of the Second Temple") and [Haggai 1:1](/haggai/1-1 "Haggai 1:1 - Haggai's Call to Zerubbabel and Joshua")), symbolizing hope, restoration, and the re-establishment of Jewish life in the homeland. His inclusion connects the messianic line directly to the post-exilic period of renewal.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew's genealogy, including [Matthew 1:12](/matthew/1-12 "Matthew 1:12 - The Lineage Through Exile"), employs several significant literary devices. The overarching device is **Genealogy** itself, which serves to establish the historical credibility and legitimate lineage of Jesus as the promised Messiah, connecting Him directly to Abraham and David. The **Repetition** of the phrase "begat" (Greek: _egennēsen_) throughout the genealogy creates a rhythmic, authoritative cadence, emphasizing the direct, unbroken succession of generations and the meticulous nature of the record. The phrase "after they were brought to Babylon" functions as a **Historical Marker** or **Turning Point**, segmenting the genealogy into distinct historical periods and highlighting the profound impact of the exile on the trajectory of God's redemptive plan. This also serves as a form of **Contrast**, juxtaposing the judgment of exile with the continued preservation of the messianic line, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness even in the face of national failure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 1:12 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering sovereignty and faithfulness, even amidst human failure and national catastrophe. The Babylonian exile was a period of severe divine judgment for Israel's persistent disobedience, yet even in this dark hour, God meticulously preserved the Davidic lineage through Jechonias, Salathiel, and Zorobabel. This demonstrates that God's covenant promises are not contingent on human perfection but on His own immutable character. The continuation of the royal line, despite the temporary cessation of the monarchy, underscores God's commitment to His redemptive plan, culminating in the Messiah. It teaches us that God works through imperfect people and challenging circumstances to achieve His perfect will, always moving history towards the fulfillment of His promises.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Jeremiah 33:14-17](/jeremiah/33-14-17 "Jeremiah 33:14-17 - The Righteous Branch of David")
* [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's Irrevocable Gifts and Call")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 1:12, though seemingly a dry list of names, carries profound spiritual weight for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's plans are not derailed by human sin, political upheaval, or even national disaster. Just as the Davidic line continued through the traumatic Babylonian exile, so too does God remain faithful to His promises in our lives, even when we face our own "exilic" periods of difficulty, uncertainty, or consequence for our actions. This verse encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances and trust in God's overarching redemptive narrative, knowing that He is sovereignly working all things together for good for those who love Him. It also highlights God's ability to use imperfect individuals, like Jechonias who faced severe prophetic judgment, within His perfect plan, offering hope that our past failures do not disqualify us from His ongoing work. We are called to embody the resilience of Zorobabel, who, after exile, led the rebuilding efforts, reminding us that even in brokenness, God calls us to participate in His work of restoration and hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the preservation of the Davidic line through the Babylonian exile encourage you about God's faithfulness in your own life's "exilic" periods?**
* **What "broken places" or areas of past failure in your life might God still be working through to fulfill His purposes?**
* **In what ways can you, like Zorobabel, participate in God's work of rebuilding and restoration in your community or personal sphere, even after difficult times?**

### FAQ

**Why is Jechonias, who faced severe judgment, included in Jesus's genealogy?**

Answer: Jechonias (also known as Jehoiachin or Coniah) was a king of Judah who was deported to Babylon, and 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](/jeremiah/22-30 "Jeremiah 22:30 - Prophecy Against Coniah")). His inclusion in Matthew's genealogy highlights several key theological truths. First, it demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty, showing that even His judgments serve His ultimate redemptive purposes. Second, it underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant with David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")), preserving the royal line even when the physical throne was vacant. Third, it illustrates that God can work through imperfect individuals, even those who have faced divine discipline, to accomplish His perfect plan. The "not prospering" prophecy referred to a direct, continuous reign on the throne, not the termination of the lineage itself, which was miraculously preserved for the coming of the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 1:12, by meticulously tracing the Davidic line through the Babylonian exile to Zorobabel, points powerfully to the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of God's promises. The exile represented the nadir of Israel's national life, the apparent end of the Davidic monarchy and the fulfillment of divine judgment. Yet, the very preservation of the lineage through Jechonias, Salathiel, and Zorobabel underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David, promising an eternal king from his seed ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). Zorobabel, leading the return and the rebuilding of the Temple ([Ezra 3:8](/ezra/3-8 "Ezra 3:8 - Foundation of the Second Temple")), foreshadows Jesus Christ, who is the true and greater Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection and the True Temple")) and the ultimate restorer of God's people. Jesus, as the "Son of David" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Jesus, Son of David")), fulfills the messianic hopes that persisted even through the darkest days of exile. He is the King whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), who reigns eternally, and who brings a spiritual restoration far grander than any physical return from exile. Through His death and resurrection, Christ delivers His people from the exile of sin and death, bringing them into His glorious kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into Light")), thereby fulfilling all the hopes and prophecies embedded in this seemingly simple genealogical record.

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

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,