Luke 3:34

Which was [the son] of Jacob, which was [the son] of Isaac, which was [the son] of Abraham, which was [the son] of Thara, which was [the son] of Nachor,

Which was the son of Jacob {G2384}, which was the son of Isaac {G2464}, which was the son of Abraham {G11}, which was the son of Thara {G2291}, which was the son of Nachor {G3493},

of Ya`akov, of Yitz'chak, of Avraham, of Terach, of Nachor,

the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,

the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,

Commentary

Luke 3:34 is a pivotal verse within the extensive genealogy of Jesus Christ recorded in the Gospel of Luke. This particular segment traces Jesus's ancestry through several foundational figures in Israel's history, establishing His direct lineage from the patriarchs.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Jewish culture, genealogies were crucial for establishing identity, inheritance, and legitimacy, especially for religious and political leaders. Luke's genealogy differs from Matthew's; while Matthew's genealogy starts with Abraham and moves forward to Jesus, emphasizing His royal line through David for a Jewish audience, Luke's goes backward from Jesus all the way to Adam and God. This backward progression highlights Jesus's universal humanity and His connection not only to Israel but to all mankind as the "Son of God." This verse specifically connects Him to the immediate progenitors of the Israelite nation: Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham, underscoring His identity as the promised Messiah to Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Messianic Legitimacy: By tracing Jesus's lineage back to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Luke affirms His rightful claim as the Messiah, the one through whom God's ancient promises would be fulfilled. These names represent the covenant people of God.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The inclusion of Abraham in the lineage is especially significant. God made a covenant with Abraham, promising that "in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 12:3). Jesus, as a descendant of Abraham, is the ultimate fulfillment of this promise, bringing salvation to all nations.
  • God's Faithfulness Through Generations: The detailed listing of generations, including figures like Terah (Thara) and Nahor (Nachor), demonstrates God's long-term plan and His unwavering faithfulness in preserving a chosen line through which His divine purpose would unfold.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "which was [the son]" in the King James Version is an interpolation, indicated by the brackets. In the original Greek, the phrase "the son of" (often implied or using the genitive case) is understood, reflecting a common genealogical construction where each name is the son of the preceding one. This grammatical structure emphasizes a direct, unbroken line of descent, vital for establishing the lineage of the Messiah.

Practical Application

This seemingly dry list of names holds profound theological implications for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God Works Through History: God's plan for salvation is not a sudden event but a carefully orchestrated unfolding through generations, demonstrating His sovereignty and patience.
  • Jesus's True Humanity: The genealogy firmly roots Jesus in human history, affirming His genuine humanity, a crucial aspect of His ability to identify with and redeem mankind. He is not merely a divine spirit but a man born of a specific lineage, a true descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
  • The Broad Scope of God's Plan: While this verse highlights Jesus's connection to Israel's patriarchs, Luke's broader genealogy extending to Adam reminds us that Jesus's saving work is for all humanity, not just one nation, echoing the universal blessing promised to Abraham.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 21:3 (3 votes)

    And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.

  • Genesis 25:26 (3 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Chronicles 1:34 (2 votes)

    And Abraham begat Isaac. The sons of Isaac; Esau and Israel.

  • Matthew 1:2 (2 votes)

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

  • Genesis 11:24 (2 votes)

    And Nahor lived nine and twenty years, and begat Terah:

  • Genesis 11:32 (2 votes)

    And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran.

  • Joshua 24:2 (2 votes)

    And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, [even] Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.