Matthew 1:9

KJV

And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Ozias {G3604} begat {G1080} Joatham {G2488}; and {G1161} Joatham {G2488} begat {G1080} Achaz {G881}; and {G1161} Achaz {G881} begat {G1080} Ezekias {G1478};

Complete Jewish Bible

`Uziyahu was the father of Yotam, Yotam was the father of Achaz, Achaz was the father of Hizkiyahu,

Berean Standard Bible

Uzziah was the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.

American Standard Version

and Uzziah begat Jotham; and Jotham begat Ahaz; and Ahaz begat Hezekiah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 1:9 continues the meticulous genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His royal lineage through four successive kings of Judah: Ozias (Uzziah), Joatham (Jotham), Achaz (Ahaz), and Ezekias (Hezekiah). This verse, embedded within Matthew's opening declaration of Jesus' identity as the Messiah, son of David and son of Abraham, serves to underscore the historical and theological continuity of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating His sovereign hand working through diverse human generations, both righteous and flawed, to bring forth the promised Savior.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 1:9 is an integral segment of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, which commences the Gospel of Matthew in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). This comprehensive lineage is strategically divided into three sets of fourteen generations, with [Matthew 1:9](/matthew/1-9 "Matthew 1:9 - The Royal Lineage") falling within the second section, spanning from King David to the Babylonian exile. The repeated "begat" formula establishes a clear, sequential progression, emphasizing the unbroken historical chain that connects Jesus directly to the Old Testament promises of a Davidic Messiah. By meticulously documenting this ancestry, Matthew aims to validate Jesus' messianic claims and royal credentials, particularly for his Jewish audience, who would have understood the profound significance of such a lineage.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The kings mentioned in [Matthew 1:9](/matthew/1-9 "Matthew 1:9 - The Royal Lineage")—Ozias (Uzziah), Joatham (Jotham), Achaz (Ahaz), and Ezekias (Hezekiah)—reigned over Judah during a critical and often turbulent period, primarily in the 8th century BCE. Their reigns are extensively documented in Old Testament books such as [2 Kings](/2_kings/15 "2 Kings 15-20 - Reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah") and [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26-32 - Reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah"). This era was marked by the rising threat of the Assyrian Empire, which profoundly impacted Judah's political and spiritual landscape. Culturally, genealogies were paramount in ancient Jewish society, serving not merely as historical records but as definitive proof of identity, inheritance, and legitimacy, especially for claims to kingship or priestly office. The inclusion of these specific kings, some righteous and some wicked, highlights the complex interplay of human agency and divine sovereignty in the unfolding of salvation history.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader genealogy, contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's unwavering control over history and His ability to work through a diverse array of human leaders, including those who were unfaithful (like Ahaz), to accomplish His ultimate redemptive purposes. This underscores that no human failing or historical upheaval can derail God's perfect plan. Secondly, the verse reinforces the **Messianic Lineage Confirmed**, solidifying Jesus' legitimate claim as the promised heir to the Davidic throne, fulfilling the covenant God made with David in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David"). The unbroken chain of "begats" confirms God's faithfulness to His promises. Lastly, the presence of both righteous and unrighteous kings highlights **God's Patience and Grace**, showcasing His enduring commitment to His covenant people despite their moral failings, all meticulously orchestrated to culminate in the advent of the Savior. The genealogy is a testament to God's long-suffering love leading to the ultimate display of grace in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **And (Greek, _dé'_):** This primary particle (G1161) functions as a connective or continuative, linking each successive generation in the genealogy. Its repeated use emphasizes the unbroken, sequential nature of the lineage, creating a rhythmic and deliberate progression that underscores the historical continuity leading directly to Jesus. It highlights the meticulous record-keeping and the divine orchestration of each step in the ancestral line.
* **begat (Greek, _gennáō'_):** Derived from G1080, this verb means "to procreate," specifically referring to the fathering of a child. Its consistent repetition throughout the genealogy ("Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;") underscores the direct paternal descent and the physical reality of the lineage. The term emphasizes the biological continuity and the historical fact that each individual was indeed the father of the next, establishing the tangible, human connection that culminates in the incarnation of Christ.
* **Ezekias (Greek, _Ezekías'_):** This name (G1478) is of Hebrew origin (חִזְקִיָּה, _Chizqîyâh_). Its inclusion, like the other names in the genealogy, directly connects the Greek New Testament text to the historical figures of the Old Testament. Ezekias, or Hezekiah, was a significant king in Judah's history, known for his righteousness and reforms. The presence of such names grounds the New Testament narrative firmly within the historical and theological framework of Israel's past, affirming Jesus' identity as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ozias begat Joatham;":** This clause introduces Ozias (King Uzziah), a king who began his reign with righteousness and prosperity but ended it tragically afflicted with leprosy due to pride and unlawful actions (as detailed in [2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16-21 "Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy")). His inclusion demonstrates God's sovereign plan continuing even through flawed individuals, highlighting that human sin does not thwart divine purpose. Joatham (Jotham) was his son, who ruled righteously.
* **"and Joatham begat Achaz;":** Joatham (King Jotham) continued his father's righteous path, fortifying the kingdom and maintaining faithfulness to the Lord (see [2 Kings 15:34-35](/2_kings/15-34-35 "Jotham's Righteous Reign")). However, his son, Achaz (King Ahaz), represents a stark contrast. Ahaz was one of Judah's most wicked kings, known for his idolatry, human sacrifice, and reliance on Assyria rather than God (as recorded in [2 Kings 16:3-9](/2_kings/16-3-9 "Ahaz's Wicked Reign and Idolatry")). This juxtaposition within the lineage underscores God's ability to work through both good and evil reigns.
* **"and Achaz begat Ezekias;":** Despite Ahaz's profound wickedness, the lineage continues through him to Ezekias (King Hezekiah). Hezekiah was a highly righteous king, initiating significant religious reforms, destroying idols, restoring temple worship, and famously trusting in the Lord during the Assyrian siege (documented in [2 Kings 18:3-7](/2_kings/18-3-7 "Hezekiah's Righteous Reign and Trust in God")). This sequence powerfully illustrates God's grace and faithfulness, demonstrating His capacity to bring forth righteousness and fulfill His plan even from the most unpromising circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Matthew 1:9](/matthew/1-9 "Matthew 1:9 - The Royal Lineage") and the entire genealogy is **Repetition**, specifically the repeated phrase "begat." This anaphoric structure creates a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality that emphasizes the unbroken, sequential nature of the lineage. It serves to underscore the historical certainty and the direct, physical descent from one generation to the next, building an undeniable case for Jesus' human ancestry. Furthermore, the genealogy itself functions as a **Literary Genre** that is not merely a dry list of names but a profound theological statement. It establishes legitimacy, fulfills prophecy, and demonstrates God's meticulous orchestration of history. Within this verse, there is also a subtle **Juxtaposition** of character, particularly evident in the transition from the wicked King Ahaz to the righteous King Hezekiah. This contrast highlights God's sovereign ability to work through and transcend human sin and weakness, bringing forth His purposes even in unexpected ways.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 1:9, as part of the broader genealogy, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant. Despite the moral failings and spiritual apostasy of certain kings, such as Ahaz, God's plan for a perpetual heir to David's throne remained steadfast. This demonstrates that God's redemptive purposes are not contingent upon human perfection but are rooted in His sovereign will and enduring grace. The inclusion of both righteous and unrighteous figures in this sacred lineage serves as a powerful reminder that God works through imperfect people and circumstances to achieve His perfect will, meticulously guiding history toward the advent of His Son. It underscores the truth that God's grace abounds even where sin increases, preparing the way for the ultimate King who would bring true righteousness and salvation.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David") - God's promise to David of an eternal dynasty and a son who would build His house.
* [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Prophecy of Immanuel") - A prophecy given during the reign of King Ahaz, promising a sign of God's presence despite Ahaz's unfaithfulness.
* [Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Where sin increased, grace abounded much more") - A New Testament theological statement affirming that where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, reflecting God's work through flawed human history.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly simple listing of names in Matthew 1:9 carries profound implications for believers today. It serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness across generations, even when His people, including their leaders, fall short. Just as God meticulously guided the lineage of Jesus through kings of varying moral character—from the righteous to the deeply flawed—He continues to work in and through our imperfect lives and circumstances. This should bring immense comfort and hope: our past mistakes, our family histories, or the imperfections of those around us do not disqualify us from being part of God's grand redemptive narrative. Instead, this genealogy assures us that God's sovereign plan is unfolding, regardless of human strengths or weaknesses. We are called to trust in His overarching design, knowing that He is orchestrating all things, even the messy parts of history and our personal lives, for His ultimate glory and the fulfillment of His promises. This inspires us to live with confidence in His control and to participate faithfully in the story He is writing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of both righteous (Jotham, Hezekiah) and unrighteous (Ahaz) kings in Jesus' lineage encourage you about God's work in your own life or through imperfect people today?**
* **In what ways does this verse, as part of a larger genealogy, affirm God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises despite human failings and historical challenges?**
* **What does Matthew's meticulous record of Jesus' ancestry teach us about the importance of history and God's sovereign control over all generations, even those marked by sin and struggle?**

### FAQ

**Why are some kings from the Old Testament, like Uzziah and Ahaz, included in Jesus' genealogy despite their significant moral failings?**

Answer: The inclusion of kings with moral failings, such as Uzziah (who ended his reign with leprosy due to pride, as seen in [2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16-21 "Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy")) and Ahaz (who was deeply wicked and introduced idolatry, as described in [2 Kings 16:3-4](/2_kings/16-3-4 "Ahaz's Idolatry")), serves several theological purposes. Firstly, it highlights God's absolute sovereignty; His plan of salvation is not dependent on human perfection but unfolds through His divine will, even using flawed instruments. Secondly, it powerfully demonstrates God's grace and patience, showing that He remains faithful to His covenant promises (like the Davidic covenant) despite human unfaithfulness. The genealogy is not a list of perfect saints but a testament to God's persistent work through imperfect humanity. Finally, it underscores the profound need for a perfect Savior, Jesus, whose righteousness is not inherited from His ancestors but is inherent in His divine nature, contrasting sharply with the moral failures of those who preceded Him. The Apostle Paul articulates a similar principle in [Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Where sin increased, grace abounded much more"), where he states that "where sin increased, grace abounded all the more."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 1:9, with its succession of kings, points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant and the true King of Israel. While the lineage includes both righteous and unrighteous rulers, each one, in their own way, foreshadows the need for a perfect King. Ozias, Joatham, Achaz, and Ezekias all ruled over an earthly kingdom, subject to human frailties and limitations, but Jesus, the Son of David, establishes an eternal, spiritual kingdom that transcends all earthly imperfections. Hezekiah, a righteous king, brought reform and trusted God in a time of crisis, yet even his righteousness was imperfect. Jesus, however, is the perfectly righteous King, who not only reforms but redeems, not only trusts but embodies divine faithfulness. He is the one who truly sits on David's throne forever, as promised in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Jesus will reign over the house of Jacob forever"), and unlike His ancestors, He is "without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Our High Priest sympathizes with our weaknesses")). Thus, this verse, far from being a mere historical record, is a vital link in the chain revealing God's meticulous preparation for the arrival of the Messiah, the King of kings, who would perfectly fulfill all the hopes and prophecies embodied, however imperfectly, in His royal forebears.

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.

Cross-References

2 Kings 15:32

¶ In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel began Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah to reign.

2 Kings 16:20

And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.

1 Chronicles 3:11

Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son,

1 Chronicles 3:13

Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,

2 Chronicles 26:21

And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, [being] a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son [was] over the king's house, judging the people of the land.

2 Kings 18:1

¶ Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, [that] Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign.

2 Kings 18:20

Thou sayest, (but [they are but] vain words,) [I have] counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?