Luke 3:26
Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda,
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ματταθίου
which was the son of Mattathias
G3161
Ματταθίου
which was the son of Mattathias
Strong's:
G3161
Word #:
4 of 10
mattathias (i.e., mattithjah), an israelite and a christian
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰωσὴφ,
which was the son of Joseph
G2501
Ἰωσὴφ,
which was the son of Joseph
Strong's:
G2501
Word #:
8 of 10
joseph, the name of seven israelites
Historical Context
The divergence between Matthew's and Luke's genealogies after David has generated scholarly discussion. The most accepted explanation: Matthew gives Joseph's legal lineage (adoption rights), Luke gives Mary's biological lineage (blood descent). Both establish Jesus's legitimate claim to David's throne while avoiding the curse on Jeconiah's descendants.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the intricate detail of Jesus's dual genealogies (legal and biological) demonstrate God's meticulous fulfillment of prophecy?
- What does God's provision of two separate genealogical lines teach about His ability to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles?
- How should the complexity of these genealogies affect your trust in Scripture's historical accuracy and divine inspiration?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias—Multiple individuals named Joseph and Mattathias appear in this genealogy, demonstrating common Hebrew naming practices honoring patriarchs and ancestors. The Greek transliterations preserve Hebrew names like Ματταθίου (Mattathiou), maintaining linguistic connection to Israel's covenant identity.
This segment continues the backward progression through David's descendants via Nathan, Solomon's brother (1 Chronicles 3:5). While Matthew traces the royal line through Solomon's successors (who faced God's judgment), Luke traces the blood lineage through Nathan, ultimately connecting to Mary, Jesus's biological parent—fulfilling prophecy without the curse on Jeconiah's line (Jeremiah 22:30).