Matthew 1:3

Commentary on Matthew 1:3 (KJV)

Matthew 1:3 is a key verse in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, found at the very beginning of the Gospel of Matthew. This verse continues the lineage from Judah, one of Jacob's twelve sons, through his descendants Phares (Perez) and Zara (Zerah), born of Thamar (Tamar), down to Esrom (Hezron) and Aram (Ram).

Historical and Cultural Context

Genealogies were profoundly important in ancient Israelite culture, serving to establish identity, inheritance rights, and, crucially, legitimacy for claims to tribal leadership or the Davidic throne. Matthew's Gospel, written primarily for a Jewish audience, begins with this detailed lineage to underscore Jesus' rightful claim as the Messiah, the promised King from the line of David and Abraham. The inclusion of women in a patriarchal genealogy was unusual, and Matthew's specific choices—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and the wife of Urias (Bathsheba)—are particularly noteworthy. These women often had complex or controversial pasts, or were Gentiles, highlighting a broader message of God's inclusive grace.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Sovereignty in Human History: This verse, like the entire genealogy, demonstrates God's meticulous and sovereign plan unfolding through generations, even through imperfect human choices and circumstances. His divine purpose for the Messiah's arrival was being meticulously prepared.
• Inclusion and Grace: The mention of Thamar (Tamar) is significant. Her story in Genesis 38 involves deception and scandal, yet she is part of the Messianic line. Her inclusion, along with other women in the genealogy, foreshadows the radical inclusivity of the Gospel—that God uses all kinds of people, regardless of their past or origin, and that salvation is for both Jew and Gentile.
• Messianic Lineage: By carefully tracing Jesus' ancestry through Judah, Phares, Esrom, and Aram, Matthew reinforces Jesus' legitimate connection to the tribal patriarchs and, ultimately, to King David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's lineage. This lineage is vital for understanding Jesus' identity as the Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The repeated Greek word translated as "begat" is egennesen (ἐγέννησεν), meaning "fathered" or "became the father of." This simple, repetitive structure is characteristic of biblical genealogies, emphasizing the direct, unbroken line of descent. The names themselves—Judas (Judah), Phares (Perez), Zara (Zerah), Thamar (Tamar), Esrom (Hezron), Aram (Ram)—are transliterations of Hebrew names, connecting directly to the Old Testament narrative, particularly Genesis 46:12 and Ruth 4:18-22, which further detail this specific branch of the family tree.

Practical Application

Matthew 1:3 offers profound comfort and insight for believers today:

• God Uses Imperfect People: The presence of figures like Tamar in Jesus' lineage reminds us that God works through real people with real flaws and complicated histories. Our past or perceived unworthiness does not disqualify us from being part of God's greater plan.
• God's Unfolding Plan: This verse encourages us to trust in God's long-term purposes. Even through seemingly insignificant or scandalous events, God is faithfully working to bring about His perfect will, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ.
• The Broadness of God's Grace: The genealogy, particularly the inclusion of non-Israelite women and those with irregular stories, underscores that God's grace extends beyond traditional boundaries, offering salvation to all who believe, regardless of background. This truth is central to the entire Gospel message, as seen in John 3:16.