Luke 3:27
Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri,
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)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ζοροβαβὲλ
which was the son of Zorobabel
G2216
Ζοροβαβὲλ
which was the son of Zorobabel
Strong's:
G2216
Word #:
6 of 10
zorobabel (i.e., zerubbabel), an israelite
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Σαλαθιὴλ
which was the son of Salathiel
G4528
Σαλαθιὴλ
which was the son of Salathiel
Strong's:
G4528
Word #:
8 of 10
salathiel (i.e., shealtiel), an israelite
Historical Context
Zerubbabel (circa 520 BC) represents a pivotal figure connecting pre-exilic Israel to post-exilic Judaism. His temple reconstruction (completed 516 BC) restored central worship and prepared for Messiah's coming. Luke's inclusion demonstrates Jesus as the ultimate temple builder and restoration figure Zerubbabel foreshadowed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Zerubbabel's role as temple builder foreshadow Jesus as the ultimate temple (John 2:19-21)?
- What does God's reversal of the curse on Jeconiah through Zerubbabel reveal about His redemptive power over generational consequences?
- How does Jesus's connection to the post-exilic restoration fulfill the 'greater exodus' theme in Luke's Gospel?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel—Here Luke intersects with Old Testament history: Zerubbabel (Ζοροβάβελ, Zorobabel) was the governor who led the first return from Babylonian exile (Ezra 3:2) and rebuilt the temple. Haggai and Zechariah prophesied during his leadership, and God called him His "signet ring" (Haggai 2:23), reversing the curse on his ancestor Jeconiah.
Salathiel (Shealtiel, שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל) was Zerubbabel's father according to Ezra 3:2, connecting Jesus's lineage to the post-exilic restoration. The inclusion of these historically verifiable figures anchors the genealogy in documented history, demonstrating Luke's careful research (Luke 1:3: "having followed all things closely," ἀκριβῶς παρηκολουθηκότι).