Matthew 1:15

KJV

And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Eliud {G1664} begat {G1080} Eleazar {G1648}; and {G1161} Eleazar {G1648} begat {G1080} Matthan {G3157}; and {G1161} Matthan {G3157} begat {G1080} Jacob {G2384};

Complete Jewish Bible

El'ichud was the father of El`azar, El`azar was the father of Mattan, Mattan was the father of Ya`akov,

Berean Standard Bible

Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob,

American Standard Version

and Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 1:15 continues the meticulous genealogical record of Jesus Christ, detailing the paternal lineage from Eliud to Jacob, who was the father of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. This verse, like the others in the genealogy, serves to establish Jesus' legal and historical connection to the covenant promises made to Abraham and David, demonstrating His rightful claim as the long-awaited Messiah. It underscores God's sovereign faithfulness in meticulously preserving the promised line through generations, even amidst periods of obscurity and exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 1:15 is an integral part of the opening section of Matthew's Gospel, which begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-17). This genealogy is meticulously structured into three sets of fourteen generations, tracing Jesus' ancestry from Abraham to David, from David to the Babylonian exile, and from the exile to Christ. Verse 15 falls within the third section, highlighting the generations immediately preceding Joseph, the legal father of Jesus. The purpose of this detailed lineage is not merely historical but theological, serving as a foundational argument for Jesus' messianic identity, particularly for Matthew's Jewish audience. It immediately precedes the narrative of Jesus' miraculous conception and birth (Matthew 1:18-25), establishing His earthly credentials before presenting His divine origin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies held immense significance in ancient Jewish culture, serving as proof of identity, tribal affiliation, and inheritance rights. For a claimant to the Messiahship, descent from Abraham and especially from King David was paramount, as prophesied in the Old Testament. Matthew's presentation of this genealogy, particularly its emphasis on the paternal line through Joseph (Matthew 1:16), would have resonated deeply with Jewish readers who understood the importance of legal succession. The period covered by this section of the genealogy, from the Babylonian exile to Christ, was one of significant national hardship and longing for a deliverer. The inclusion of seemingly ordinary names like Eliud, Eleazar, Matthan, and Jacob, alongside more prominent figures, subtly emphasizes God's work through common individuals to achieve His grand redemptive purposes, maintaining the Davidic line even when Israel was under foreign domination.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader genealogy, contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Primarily, it reinforces the theme of **Messianic Fulfillment**, showing how Jesus' lineage directly fulfills Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's descent from Abraham ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant")) and David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - Davidic Covenant")). It highlights God's **Divine Faithfulness and Sovereignty**, demonstrating His meticulous oversight of history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises across generations, even through periods of national decline and exile ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")). Furthermore, the genealogy underscores the **Humanity of Christ**, firmly establishing Jesus' genuine human ancestry and His full participation in the human experience, which is crucial for His role as Savior. The consistent repetition of "begat" emphasizes the historical reality and continuity of this divinely preserved line, culminating in the birth of Jesus, the Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **begat (Greek, _gennáō_):** This verb, consistently used throughout Matthew's genealogy, signifies the act of procreation, specifically "to father" or "to become the father of." While it can also refer to being born or bringing forth, in this context, it clearly denotes paternal descent. Its repeated use underscores the direct, verifiable, and continuous lineage, establishing the historical and legal succession that culminates in Jesus. The term highlights the physical reality of the human line through which God's promises were preserved.
* **And (Greek, _dé_):** This primary particle serves as a continuative or adversative conjunction. In this genealogical context, it functions primarily as a simple connective, linking each successive generation. Its repetitive use creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect, emphasizing the uninterrupted flow of the lineage. It signifies the ongoing progression of God's plan through human history, linking one generation to the next in the unfolding narrative of salvation.
* **Jacob (Greek, _Iakṓb_):** This name refers to the Jacob who was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom Jesus was born (Matthew 1:16). The name is of Hebrew origin, meaning "supplanter" or "heel-grabber," though in this context, its significance lies solely in its position as the penultimate link in the male line leading to Jesus. His inclusion here highlights the direct, legal paternal line through which Jesus' Davidic and Abrahamic heritage is established, even though Jesus' biological father was God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Eliud begat Eleazar;":** This clause introduces the continuation of the genealogical chain. Eliud, whose name means "God of majesty," is presented as the father of Eleazar. This simple statement, like others in the genealogy, serves to bridge the gap between generations, maintaining the unbroken record of descent. It emphasizes the historical continuity of the line leading to the Messiah.
* **"and Eleazar begat Matthan;":** Following the pattern, this clause identifies Eleazar as the father of Matthan. Eleazar, meaning "God has helped," and Matthan, meaning "gift," are names that, while perhaps not individually prominent in biblical narrative, are crucial links in the divinely orchestrated lineage. Their inclusion underscores God's sovereign hand in preserving the specific family line through which His ultimate redemptive plan would unfold.
* **"and Matthan begat Jacob;":** This final clause of the verse names Matthan as the father of Jacob. This Jacob is distinct from the patriarch Jacob of Genesis; he is the immediate paternal ancestor of Joseph, the husband of Mary. The culmination of this verse with Jacob brings the genealogy to the generation directly preceding Joseph, setting the stage for the pivotal declaration in the following verse regarding Joseph's relationship to Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Matthew 1:15, and indeed throughout the entire genealogy, is **Repetition**. The consistent use of the phrase "begat" (Greek: _egennesen_) creates a rhythmic, almost incantatory effect that emphasizes the unbroken, historical continuity of the lineage. This repetition serves to reinforce the authenticity and reliability of the record, building a strong sense of progression towards a significant culmination. Another device is **List-making** or **Cataloguing**, as the verse is part of a larger, structured list of ancestors. This technique provides a factual, verifiable foundation for Jesus' claims, appealing to the Jewish cultural emphasis on ancestral records. While seemingly dry, this cataloguing serves a profound theological purpose, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail in fulfilling His promises. Finally, there is a subtle use of **Foreshadowing** as each name, though seemingly mundane, implicitly points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises in the person of Jesus Christ, whose arrival is the grand culmination of this long and divinely preserved line.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 1:15, as part of the genealogy, powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous sovereignty over history. It reminds us that even in seemingly ordinary lives and through generations that might appear unremarkable, God is actively working out His grand redemptive plan. The preservation of this specific lineage, despite the challenges and exiles faced by Israel, testifies to God's commitment to His covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham and David, ensuring that the Messiah would come from the promised line. This divine faithfulness provides a profound assurance that God's purposes will always prevail, regardless of human circumstances or perceived delays.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant") - God's initial promise to Abraham that through his seed all the families of the earth would be blessed, setting the stage for the Messiah's lineage.
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Davidic Covenant") - God's covenant with David, promising an eternal kingdom and a descendant whose throne would be established forever, directly fulfilled through Jesus' Davidic lineage.
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke's Genealogy of Jesus") - Luke's genealogy, which traces Jesus' lineage through Mary back to Adam, complementing Matthew's legal lineage through Joseph and further affirming Jesus' universal humanity and connection to all mankind.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 1:15, though a mere listing of names, invites us to reflect on the profound truth that God works through the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary. Our lives, and the generations that precede and follow us, are not random occurrences but are woven into God's larger, unfolding narrative. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when His work seems slow, hidden, or involves seemingly insignificant details. Just as He meticulously preserved the lineage of the Messiah, He is meticulously at work in our lives, guiding our paths and fulfilling His purposes. It reminds us that every individual, no matter how obscure, plays a part in God's grand design. Our faith is not based on a myth, but on a historically verifiable person, Jesus, who entered human history through a real family line.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of Jesus' genealogy, as seen in Matthew 1:15, strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness and sovereignty?**
* **In what ways can recognizing God's work through seemingly ordinary individuals and circumstances, as demonstrated in this verse, encourage you in your own life and calling?**
* **How does the historical grounding of Jesus' lineage impact your understanding of His humanity and His role as Savior?**

### FAQ

**Why does Matthew include such a long list of names in his genealogy, especially seemingly obscure ones like Eliud, Eleazar, Matthan, and Jacob?**

Answer: Matthew includes this detailed genealogy primarily to establish Jesus' rightful claim as the Messiah, particularly for his Jewish audience. In ancient Jewish culture, genealogies were crucial for proving identity, inheritance, and tribal affiliation. By meticulously tracing Jesus' lineage through Joseph, His legal father, back to Abraham and David, Matthew demonstrates that Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's descent ([Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - Prophecy of the Branch from Jesse"); [Jeremiah 23:5](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5 - Righteous Branch of David")). The inclusion of every name, even those less known, underscores the historical authenticity and continuity of the line, emphasizing God's faithfulness in preserving the promised lineage through generations, regardless of the prominence of individual figures. It shows that God's plan unfolds through ordinary people and precise historical details.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 1:15, embedded within the genealogy of Jesus, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person of Jesus Himself. While the verse lists the human ancestors, the entire purpose of this lineage is to point to the one who would finally embody and fulfill all the promises made to those ancestors. The long chain of "begats" culminates in the birth of Jesus, who is uniquely described not as being "begotten" by Joseph, but as the one "of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ" ([Matthew 1:16](/matthew/1-16 "Matthew 1:16 - The Culmination of the Genealogy")). This subtle shift highlights that while Jesus entered human history through a verifiable human lineage, His origin is divine, through the Holy Spirit ([Matthew 1:18-20](/matthew/1-18-20 "Matthew 1:18-20 - The Virgin Conception of Jesus")). Thus, Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of both the human and divine requirements for the Messiah: fully human, with a legal right to the Davidic throne, and fully God, born of a virgin. He is the "seed of Abraham" in whom all nations are blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Christ, the Seed of Abraham")), and the "Son of David" who establishes an everlasting kingdom ([Romans 1:3-4](/romans/1-3-4 "Romans 1:3-4 - Paul's Introduction of Jesus")). Every name in this genealogy, including Eliud, Eleazar, Matthan, and Jacob, serves as a testament to God's patient and precise work to bring forth the Savior, Jesus Christ, the ultimate heir to all the promises and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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.