Matthew 1:14

KJV

And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Azor {G107} begat {G1080} Sadoc {G4524}; and {G1161} Sadoc {G4524} begat {G1080} Achim {G885}; and {G1161} Achim {G885} begat {G1080} Eliud {G1664};

Complete Jewish Bible

`Azur was the father of Tzadok, Tzadok was the father of Yakhin, Yakhin was the father of El'ichud,

Berean Standard Bible

Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud.

American Standard Version

and Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 1:14 continues the meticulous genealogical record of Jesus Christ, tracing His legal lineage through Joseph. This concise verse lists three generations—Azor, Sadoc, Achim, and Eliud—serving as vital links in the chain that connects Jesus to Abraham and King David, thereby affirming His rightful claim as the promised Messiah and King of Israel, fulfilling ancient prophecies and demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness across generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 1:14 is an integral part of the opening section of Matthew's Gospel, specifically the genealogy of Jesus Christ presented in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). This genealogy is not merely a list of names but a theological statement, designed to establish Jesus' credentials as the Messiah. Matthew's primary audience was Jewish, and a verifiable lineage was crucial for substantiating messianic claims. The genealogy begins with Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, and traces the line through King David, emphasizing Jesus' royal heritage. Matthew strategically structures this genealogy into three sets of fourteen generations, as explicitly stated in [Matthew 1:17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:17 - The Threefold Division of the Genealogy"), highlighting key periods in Israel's history: from Abraham to David, from David to the Babylonian exile, and from the exile to Christ. Matthew 1:14 falls within the third section, bridging the post-exilic period and the advent of Jesus, underscoring God's continuous work even through seemingly obscure generations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, genealogies were of paramount importance, serving as legal documents that established identity, inheritance rights, tribal affiliation, and claims to positions of authority, such as the priesthood or kingship. For the Messiah, descent from Abraham and David was a non-negotiable requirement, deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic expectations (e.g., [Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "Genesis 22:18 - The Abrahamic Covenant") and [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). The period represented by Azor, Sadoc, Achim, and Eliud would have been after the return from Babylonian captivity, a time when the Jewish people were under foreign rule, longing for the restoration of their kingdom and the coming of the Messiah. While these individuals are not prominent figures in other biblical narratives, their inclusion validates the meticulous record-keeping of Jewish families and demonstrates the unbroken, divinely preserved lineage leading directly to Jesus, anchoring His story firmly in human history and cultural expectations.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of Matthew's genealogy, and thus of [Matthew 1:14](/matthew/1-14 "Matthew 1:14 - The Lineage of Azor, Sadoc, Achim, and Eliud"), is the **Messianic Lineage** of Jesus. Each name, including Azor, Sadoc, Achim, and Eliud, serves as a link in the divinely orchestrated chain proving Jesus' legitimate claim to the throne of David and His identity as the promised Christ. This systematic presentation underscores **God's Faithfulness and Continuity** in fulfilling His covenant promises over centuries, even through periods of national decline or obscurity. The consistent repetition of "begat" emphasizes the continuous unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Furthermore, the inclusion of specific, verifiable names provides **Historical Grounding** for the Gospel narrative, asserting that Jesus was not a mythical figure but a real person with a tangible ancestry, whose life and ministry were deeply embedded in the historical and cultural fabric of Israel. This section of the genealogy, specifically, highlights God's patient work through seemingly ordinary individuals in the long wait for the Messiah's arrival, reinforcing the theme of divine providence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **And (Greek, _dé'_):** This primary particle serves as a continuative, linking one generation to the next. In a genealogy, its repeated use emphasizes the unbroken chain of descent, demonstrating the continuity of God's plan through successive generations without interruption. It underscores the methodical and deliberate nature of the lineage.
* **begat (Greek, _gennáō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "race" or "kind," this verb literally means "to procreate" or "to father" (though it can also apply to the mother by extension). In the context of a patriarchal genealogy, it signifies the direct paternal line of descent, confirming the biological and legal continuity from one generation to the next. Its consistent repetition throughout Matthew's genealogy highlights the unbroken succession leading to Jesus and underscores the physical reality of the incarnation.
* **Eliud (Greek, _Elioúd'_):** Of Hebrew origin, this name means "God of majesty" or "God of praise." While the individuals in this part of the genealogy are largely unknown outside of Matthew's record, the meaning of Eliud's name, as the last one mentioned in this verse, subtly points to the divine glory and majesty inherent in the lineage that culminates in Christ. It serves as a quiet theological echo within the seemingly mundane list of names.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Azor begat Sadoc;":** This clause introduces the first link in the specific sequence of Matthew 1:14. It establishes Azor as the father of Sadoc, continuing the direct paternal line from the previous verse. The use of "And" (Greek *dé*) connects this new generation seamlessly to the preceding one, emphasizing the unbroken flow of the lineage.
* **"and Sadoc begat Achim;":** This clause continues the genealogical progression, identifying Sadoc as the father of Achim. The repetition of the structure reinforces the meticulous nature of the record and the unbroken succession of generations. It highlights the passage of time and the continuous unfolding of God's plan through ordinary human lives.
* **"and Achim begat Eliud;":** The final clause in this verse names Achim as the father of Eliud. This completes the three-generation sequence within Matthew 1:14, moving the lineage closer to the birth of Jesus. Each "begat" signifies a divine appointment and a step closer to the fulfillment of God's ancient promises regarding the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in Matthew 1:14, and indeed throughout the entire genealogy in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus"), is **Repetition**. The consistent use of the phrase "begat" (Greek: *egennēsen*) creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical cadence that emphasizes the unbroken chain of descent. This repetition is not merely for factual accuracy but serves a theological purpose, underscoring the relentless, unwavering progression of God's redemptive plan through time. Furthermore, the entire genealogy functions as a **List** or **Catalogue**, a common ancient literary form used to establish lineage, legitimacy, and historical continuity. In this context, it functions as a legal and theological proof, systematically demonstrating Jesus' credentials. The names themselves, though obscure, contribute to the **Historical Grounding** of the narrative, asserting the reality and tangibility of Jesus' human ancestry. The seemingly dry list also employs subtle **Foreshadowing**, as each successive generation brings the reader closer to the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy in the person of Jesus Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 1:14, though a simple statement of lineage, profoundly testifies to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His meticulous sovereignty over history. It underscores that God's grand plan of redemption unfolds not in sudden, isolated events, but through a continuous, divinely orchestrated procession of generations. Even when the individuals in the lineage are obscure or seemingly insignificant, God remains actively involved, preserving the Messianic line. This verse reminds us that divine promises, like those made to Abraham and David, are not forgotten but are patiently and precisely brought to fruition over centuries, demonstrating God's perfect timing and His commitment to His word. The inclusion of these names, otherwise unknown, highlights that God works through ordinary people and mundane circumstances to achieve His extraordinary purposes, culminating in the incarnation of His Son.

* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sends His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 1:14, a seemingly dry list of names, holds profound spiritual lessons for the contemporary believer. It reminds us that God's purposes are often accomplished through long stretches of time, through generations of seemingly ordinary people, and through periods of history that may feel uneventful. Just as Azor, Sadoc, Achim, and Eliud each played an indispensable, albeit unheralded, role in the unfolding of God's plan for salvation, so too does every individual life have significance within God's greater narrative. This verse encourages us to trust in God's patient providence, knowing that He is faithfully working behind the scenes, connecting seemingly disparate events and lives to bring about His ultimate will. It challenges us to embrace our own place in His story, to be faithful in the "begat" moments of our lives—the daily acts of obedience, the quiet contributions, the consistent living out of our faith—knowing that even these contribute to the larger, glorious tapestry of God's kingdom. It assures us that if God was faithful to preserve this ancient lineage for the coming of Christ, He will certainly be faithful to fulfill His promises in our lives today.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the seemingly mundane nature of this genealogical verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's work in history?**
* **What does the continuity of the "begat" generations teach you about God's patience and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises?**
* **In what ways can you see your own life, or the seemingly ordinary aspects of it, as part of God's larger, unfolding plan?**
* **How might recognizing God's work through obscure individuals encourage you in your own walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific names (Azor, Sadoc, Achim, Eliud) included in Matthew's genealogy if they are not prominent figures elsewhere in the Bible?**

Answer: The inclusion of these names, though not prominent, is crucial for several reasons. First, they serve to establish the unbroken, continuous chain of descent from Abraham and David to Jesus, providing the necessary legal and historical proof for Jesus' messianic claims. In ancient Jewish culture, genealogies were vital legal documents. Second, their very obscurity highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It demonstrates that God's plan is not dependent on human fame or power, but on His own unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. He works through ordinary individuals, even those whose lives are not extensively recorded, to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Their presence underscores the meticulous nature of God's providence, ensuring that every link in the chain leading to the Messiah was divinely preserved, just as [Matthew 1:17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:17 - The Threefold Division of the Genealogy") emphasizes the precise number of generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 1:14, as an unassuming link in a long chain of names, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person of Jesus Himself. This verse, with its repetitive "begat," underscores the human lineage of Christ, affirming His full humanity as a descendant of Abraham and David, just as prophesied in the Old Testament (e.g., [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant") and [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Root of Jesse")). The entire genealogy, including these obscure names, serves as the historical and legal foundation for Jesus' claim to the Davidic throne, demonstrating that He is indeed the long-awaited King of Israel. While the names themselves may seem dry, they represent the patient, sovereign work of God across centuries, meticulously preserving the line through which His Son would enter the world. Jesus is the ultimate culmination of this entire genealogical record; He is the "seed" promised to Abraham through whom all nations would be blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed")), and the "son" of David who would establish an eternal kingdom ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Son of David's Throne")). Thus, Matthew 1:14, far from being a mere historical footnote, points directly to the incarnate Son of God, who, in the fullness of time ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sends His Son")), perfectly fulfilled every promise and brought salvation to humanity through His life, death, and resurrection.

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.