1:14 1:14

Matthew 1:15

1:16 1:16

Bible Versions

And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
And {G1161} Eliud {G1664} begat {G1080} Eleazar {G1648}; and {G1161} Eleazar {G1648} begat {G1080} Matthan {G3157}; and {G1161} Matthan {G3157} begat {G1080} Jacob {G2384};
El'ichud was the father of El`azar, El`azar was the father of Mattan, Mattan was the father of Ya`akov,
Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob,
and Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;

Matthew 1:15 KJV continues the meticulous genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His human ancestry through the patriarchal line from the Babylonian captivity to His earthly father, Joseph. This specific verse lists three generations: "And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;" These names, while perhaps unfamiliar to a modern reader, represent vital links in the chain that leads directly to the promised Messiah.

Context of Matthew 1:15

This verse is embedded within the first chapter of Matthew's Gospel, which opens with the lineage of Jesus. Matthew's primary purpose in presenting this detailed family tree (Matthew 1:1-17) was to demonstrate to his Jewish audience that Jesus was indeed the long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies regarding His descent from Abraham and King David. The inclusion of figures like Eliud, Eleazar, Matthan, and Jacob underscores the authenticity and historical grounding of Jesus' claims, connecting Him to a verifiable human history and the covenant promises of God.

Key Themes and Significance

  • Divine Faithfulness: The painstaking detail of the genealogy highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises across generations. Even through periods of exile and obscurity, God was sovereignly guiding the lineage towards His ultimate plan of salvation. This emphasizes God's meticulous oversight of history.
  • Messianic Lineage: Each name, including Eliud, Eleazar, Matthan, and Jacob, is a testament to the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the Messiah's ancestry. Matthew emphasizes the legal lineage through Joseph, establishing Jesus' right to the Davidic throne.
  • Humanity of Christ: This genealogy firmly establishes Jesus' full humanity, showing that He was truly born into the human family, with real ancestors and a tangible history, paving the way for His incarnation.

Linguistic Insights

The recurring Greek word translated "begat" is egennesen (ἐγέννησεν), meaning "fathered" or "became the father of." It's a straightforward term used consistently throughout the genealogical record to denote direct paternal descent. There are no hidden complexities in this specific word; its power lies in its cumulative effect, building a clear and undeniable line of succession that culminates in Jesus Christ.

Practical Application

Matthew 1:15, and the genealogy it belongs to, reminds us that God works through ordinary people and seemingly mundane details to achieve His extraordinary purposes. Our own lives, and the generations before and after us, are part of God's larger, unfolding plan. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when His work seems slow or hidden, knowing that He is meticulously bringing about His will. It also reinforces the historical reality of Jesus, grounding our faith in a tangible, verifiable person who lived and walked among us, fulfilling ancient promises.

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.

No cross-references found for this verse.

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