Luke 3:24
Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph,
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ματθὰτ,
Which was the son of Matthat
G3158
Ματθὰτ,
Which was the son of Matthat
Strong's:
G3158
Word #:
2 of 10
matthat (i.e., mattithjah), the name of two israelites
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Μελχὶ
which was the son of Melchi
G3197
Μελχὶ
which was the son of Melchi
Strong's:
G3197
Word #:
6 of 10
melchi (i.e., malki), the name of two israelites
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Luke, writing for a Gentile audience (likely Theophilus), provides a complete genealogy tracing Jesus back to Adam rather than stopping at Abraham as Matthew does. These intermediate names between David and Abraham were preserved through Jewish genealogical records, though many individuals remain otherwise unknown in Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's genealogy through otherwise unknown individuals encourage you about God's use of ordinary people in His redemptive plan?
- What does Luke's tracing of Jesus back to Adam (rather than just Abraham) reveal about the scope of Christ's redemptive mission?
- How does God's faithful preservation of this lineage over generations demonstrate His sovereignty in fulfilling His promises?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi—Luke's genealogy (Luke 3:23-38) traces Jesus's lineage through Mary's line via Nathan (David's son), while Matthew's traces Joseph's legal line through Solomon. The Greek phrase huios (υἱός, son) appears repeatedly, establishing Jesus's legal humanity and fulfillment of messianic prophecy requiring Davidic descent.
This genealogical section (vv. 24-38) moves backward through lesser-known ancestors between David and Abraham, documenting the human lineage God sovereignly orchestrated across centuries. Unlike Matthew's stylized three-fold structure (14 generations each), Luke presents a comprehensive historical record emphasizing Jesus's connection to all humanity through Adam.