Matthew 1:13

KJV

And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Zorobabel {G2216} begat {G1080} Abiud {G10}; and {G1161} Abiud {G10} begat {G1080} Eliakim {G1662}; and {G1161} Eliakim {G1662} begat {G1080} Azor {G107};

Complete Jewish Bible

Z'rubavel was the father of Avihud, Avihud was the father of Elyakim, Elyakim was the father of `Azur,

Berean Standard Bible

Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor.

American Standard Version

and Zerubbabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 1:13 continues the vital genealogical record of Jesus Christ, meticulously tracing His lineage through the post-exilic period. This verse specifically names Zorobabel, Abiud, Eliakim, and Azor, serving as crucial links in the unbroken chain that establishes Jesus' legitimate descent from Abraham and David, thereby affirming His identity as the promised Messiah. Though some names may appear obscure, their inclusion underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in orchestrating every generation to fulfill His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 1:13 is situated within the meticulously structured genealogy of Jesus Christ, specifically falling within the third and final section outlined in [Matthew 1:17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:17 - Summary of Generations"). This section covers the fourteen generations from the Babylonian captivity to the birth of Christ. The repetitive phrase "begat" (Greek: *gennáō*) serves as a foundational literary device throughout the entire genealogy, emphasizing the direct, biological succession from father to son. In this particular verse, the repetition reinforces the continuity of the lineage through a period of national restoration following exile, highlighting that even in times of rebuilding and re-establishment, God's promise of a Messiah remained on track, progressing through ordinary human lives. The names, though seemingly a mere list, are presented as essential, divinely ordained steps towards the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following the Babylonian exile was a pivotal time for the Jewish people, marked by their return to Judah and the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple. Zorobabel (often spelled Zerubbabel in Old Testament texts) is a historically significant figure from this era, recognized for his leadership in the return from captivity and his instrumental role in the reconstruction of the Second Temple, as detailed in the books of [Ezra](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Rebuilding the Altar and Temple Foundation") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's Prayer"). His inclusion in this genealogy firmly grounds Jesus' lineage within this critical post-exilic period, connecting Him directly to the restoration of the Jewish commonwealth. For Matthew's original Jewish audience, the meticulous recording of genealogies was paramount, serving as legal and social proof of identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliation. A legitimate claim to the Davidic throne, essential for the Messiah, absolutely required such an unbroken and verifiable lineage.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the broader genealogy, powerfully conveys several key theological themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Continuity**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Eternal Promise to David's House") which guaranteed an eternal dynasty. Even through the challenges of exile and the obscurity of certain generations, God's plan for the Messiah's arrival remained steadfast. Secondly, the genealogy, including the names in [Matthew 1:13](/matthew/1-13 "Matthew 1:13 - Jesus' Genealogy"), establishes **Messianic Legitimacy**. For Matthew's Jewish readers, this detailed record was irrefutable proof that Jesus was indeed the Christ, the Son of David, fulfilling centuries of prophetic expectation. Every name, whether prominent like Zorobabel or less known like Abiud, Eliakim, and Azor, served to validate Jesus' rightful claim to the throne of Israel. Finally, the inclusion of less prominent figures underscores the theme of **God's Work Through Ordinary Lives**. While Zorobabel is a notable historical figure, the subsequent names in this verse are largely unknown outside of this genealogy. This reminds us that God's grand redemptive narrative often unfolds not just through kings and prophets, but also through the quiet, faithful lives of ordinary individuals whose primary contribution is simply continuing the lineage and living out their lives within God's sovereign and meticulous plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Zorobabel (Greek, _Zorobábel'_):** This name, of Hebrew origin (זְרֻבָּבֶל), refers to Zerubbabel, a significant leader among the Jewish exiles who returned from Babylon. His presence in the genealogy connects Jesus' lineage directly to the post-exilic restoration, particularly the rebuilding of the Temple.
* **begat (Greek, _gennáō'_):** Derived from a variation of *génos* (race, stock), this verb means "to procreate," "to give birth," or "to produce." While primarily referring to the father's role in begetting, it can extend to the mother's act of bearing. Its consistent use throughout Matthew's genealogy emphasizes the direct, biological, father-to-son succession, reinforcing the authenticity and direct descent of Jesus from Abraham and David. Figuratively, it can also mean "to regenerate," though in this context, the literal sense is paramount.
* **and (Greek, _dé'_):** A primary particle, *dé* functions as an adversative or continuative conjunction, often translated as "but," "and," or "moreover." In the repetitive structure of Matthew's genealogy, it primarily serves as a simple connective, linking each successive generation in a continuous, unbroken chain. Its repeated use creates a rhythmic flow that underscores the methodical progression of the lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Zorobabel begat Abiud;":** This clause establishes Zorobabel, a key figure in the post-exilic period, as the father of Abiud. It marks the continuation of the Davidic line through a generation that directly experienced the return from Babylonian captivity, emphasizing the resilience and persistence of God's covenant promises even after national judgment.
* **"and Abiud begat Eliakim;":** Here, Abiud is identified as the father of Eliakim. Abiud is not mentioned elsewhere in the biblical narrative, underscoring the point that God's plan unfolds through seemingly ordinary and unrecorded lives. His inclusion, however, is vital for maintaining the unbroken genealogical sequence leading to the Messiah.
* **"and Eliakim begat Azor;":** This final clause for the verse names Eliakim as the father of Azor. Like Abiud, Eliakim and Azor are not prominent figures in Old Testament history. Their presence highlights the meticulous nature of Matthew's record, ensuring that every link in the chain, no matter how obscure to human history, is accounted for in the divine progression towards Christ. The repetition of "begat" throughout these clauses reinforces the direct, biological succession.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 1:13, as part of the broader genealogy, primarily employs **Repetition** and **Genealogy** as its key literary devices. The consistent use of the verb "begat" (Greek: *gennáō*) creates a rhythmic and emphatic cadence, reinforcing the unbroken, direct lineage. This **Repetition** serves to underscore the authenticity and reliability of the descent, making it clear that Jesus' claim to the Davidic throne is rooted in a verifiable, generation-by-generation progression. Furthermore, the entire section is a **Genealogy**, which itself is a literary form with specific purposes in ancient Near Eastern and Jewish cultures. It functions not merely as a list of names but as a theological statement, establishing legal claims, demonstrating historical continuity, and affirming identity. In Matthew's Gospel, the genealogy acts as a foundational prologue, immediately asserting Jesus' credentials as the Messiah, the Son of David, and the Son of Abraham, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and setting the stage for the rest of the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 1:13, while a seemingly simple list of names, profoundly reinforces the theological truth of God's sovereign faithfulness and the meticulous unfolding of His redemptive plan. It demonstrates that God works through generations, both prominent and obscure, to bring about His ultimate purposes. The inclusion of Zorobabel, a leader in the post-exilic restoration, connects Jesus' lineage directly to the re-establishment of the Jewish nation after judgment, signifying hope and renewal. The subsequent, less-known names remind us that God's grand narrative is not solely dependent on famous figures, but on the consistent, often unseen, obedience and existence of every individual in the divine tapestry. This verse thus underscores the reliability of God's covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, ensuring that the Messiah would indeed come from the promised lineage, thereby validating Jesus' identity and mission.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David") - God's promise to establish David's house and kingdom forever, fulfilled through this lineage.
* [Luke 3:27-28](/luke/3-27-28 "Luke 3:27-28 - Jesus' Genealogy through Joseph") - Luke's genealogy, while differing in some names due to its focus (likely Mary's line or legal succession), also includes Zerubbabel, highlighting the common ancestral connection to the post-exilic period.
* [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - Definition of Faith") - Though not directly about genealogy, this verse speaks to the nature of faith, which is exemplified by those in the lineage who, though unseen or unrecorded, played their part in God's unfolding plan.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane list of names in Matthew 1:13 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's grand purposes are often accomplished through a long, patient, and sometimes obscure process. Just as God faithfully guided this lineage through centuries, including periods of exile and the lives of individuals unknown to history, we can trust that His plans for our lives and for the world are unfolding, even when we do not perceive immediate progress or prominent figures. This verse invites us to find value in faithful continuation, recognizing that our contribution to God's kingdom may not always be marked by grand, public achievements, but by our consistent presence, our quiet obedience, and our role in carrying forward a legacy of faith for future generations. It encourages us to embrace our place in God's story, knowing that every life, no matter how seemingly small or unnoticed by the world, is significant in His sovereign design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of less-known names like Abiud, Eliakim, and Azor challenge or affirm your understanding of God's work in history?**
* **In what ways can you identify with the "ordinary lives" in this genealogy, and how does that encourage you in your own walk of faith?**
* **What does this verse teach you about God's faithfulness and His commitment to His long-term plans, even across many generations?**
* **How might recognizing your place within God's ongoing story, as part of a spiritual lineage, impact your daily decisions and perspective?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific names (Abiud, Eliakim, Azor) included if they are not prominent historical figures?**

Answer: The inclusion of Abiud, Eliakim, and Azor, though they are not prominent historical figures outside of this genealogy, is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, their presence ensures the completeness and meticulousness of Matthew's record, demonstrating an unbroken chain of descent from Abraham and David to Jesus. For Matthew's Jewish audience, an unbroken lineage was essential for establishing the legitimacy of Jesus' claim as the Messiah and heir to the Davidic throne. Secondly, their inclusion subtly underscores the theme of God's sovereignty working through ordinary lives. It reminds us that God's grand plan of redemption does not solely depend on famous kings or prophets, but also on the faithful, often unseen, continuation of generations. Even in obscurity, each individual played a vital role in the divine tapestry leading to Christ, highlighting that every life has significance in God's unfolding purposes. The genealogy is not just a historical document; it's a theological statement about God's faithfulness and meticulous design, ensuring that the [Messiah](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") would arrive precisely as promised.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 1:13, nestled within the genealogy of Jesus, finds its ultimate significance in its Christ-centered fulfillment. Every name, from Zorobabel to Azor, serves as a crucial link in the divinely orchestrated chain leading directly to the birth of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. This seemingly dry list of names is, in fact, a vibrant testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Eternal Promise to David's House"), which foretold a perpetual dynasty from David's lineage. The very existence of these individuals, whether prominent like Zorobabel or obscure like Abiud, Eliakim, and Azor, demonstrates God's meticulous providence, ensuring that when the "fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")). This verse, therefore, highlights Jesus' legitimate claim as the Son of David and the Son of Abraham, establishing His credentials as the one who fulfills all Old Testament prophecies concerning the Redeemer. He is the culmination of this long, patient, and divinely guided history, the one in whom "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), bringing salvation to humanity. The genealogy is not just about who Jesus was descended from, but about who He *is*: the promised King, the Savior of the world, whose very lineage testifies to His divine appointment and redemptive mission.

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.