Matthew 1:2

Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;

Abraham {G11} begat {G1080} Isaac {G2464}; and {G1161} Isaac {G2464} begat {G1080} Jacob {G2384}; and {G1161} Jacob {G2384} begat {G1080} Judas {G2455} and {G2532} his {G846} brethren {G80};

Avraham was the father of Yitz'chak, Yitz'chak was the father of Ya`akov, Ya`akov was the father of Y'hudah and his brothers,

Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.

Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren;

Context of Matthew 1:2

Matthew 1:2 is part of the opening verses of the New Testament, which present the genealogy of Jesus Christ. This verse begins the detailed list of generations, meticulously tracing Jesus' lineage from Abraham through David, establishing His credentials as the promised Messiah. For a Jewish audience, a carefully recorded genealogy was crucial for validating claims to kingship, priesthood, or tribal identity. Matthew's Gospel specifically highlights Jesus' descent from Abraham and David to underscore His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's identity and heritage.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Faithfulness: This verse, and the entire genealogy, powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises made centuries earlier to Abraham. The meticulous record shows God working through generations to bring about His ultimate plan of salvation.
  • Historical Continuity: It bridges the Old Testament narrative with the New, showing that Jesus is not an isolated figure but the culmination of centuries of divine preparation and promises. His coming was foretold and meticulously planned.
  • Messianic Lineage: By beginning with Abraham and continuing through Isaac and Jacob (Israel), Matthew emphasizes Jesus' identity as a true descendant of the patriarchs, particularly through Jacob's son, Judah, from whom the royal line was prophesied to emerge (Genesis 49:10).

Linguistic Insights

The repetitive use of the verb "begat" (Greek: egennessen) throughout this genealogy is simple yet powerful. It signifies direct paternal lineage and underscores the continuous, unbroken chain of generations leading to Christ. This repetition serves to emphasize the historical reality and the careful record-keeping of Jesus' ancestry, linking Him directly to the foundational figures of Israel's history and validating His claim to the Messianic throne.

Practical Application and Significance

While a list of names might seem dry, Matthew 1:2 offers profound comfort and insight for believers today:

  • God's Patience and Purpose: It reminds us that God works through long periods of time, patiently orchestrating events and guiding individuals to accomplish His ultimate purposes. His plans are not rushed and will always come to fruition, even across generations.
  • Our Place in God's Story: Just as these individuals played their part in God's grand narrative, so too do believers today. We are part of a continuing spiritual lineage, called to live out God's purposes in our own generation, trusting in His overarching plan.
  • Foundation of Hope: The careful preservation of this lineage, starting with the father of faith, Abraham, solidifies the historical basis for the Christian faith and the reliability of God's promises. It assures us that Jesus truly is the promised King and Savior, fulfilling all that came before Him and offering hope for all who believe.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 7:8

    And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so [Abraham] begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac [begat] Jacob; and Jacob [begat] the twelve patriarchs.

  • Hebrews 11:17

    By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten [son],

  • Hebrews 11:18

    Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

  • Genesis 21:2

    For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

  • Genesis 21:5

    And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.

  • Genesis 25:26

    And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac [was] threescore years old when she bare them.

  • Genesis 46:8

    And these [are] the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob's firstborn.
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