Luke 3:29

Analysis & Commentary

Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer—Eliezer (Ἐλιέζερ) means "God is my helper" in Hebrew (אֱלִיעֶזֶר), a theophoric name testifying to covenant faith during Israel's subjugation. Jose is the Greek form of Joseph (Ἰωσήφ), one of several Josephs in the lineage, demonstrating cultural patterns of naming children after patriarchs to maintain covenant identity under foreign rule.

Each generation in this obscure section represents families who faithfully maintained Jewish identity, worship, and messianic hope through persecution and assimilation pressures. Their fidelity to covenant obligations—circumcision, Sabbath, temple worship—preserved the cultural and religious context necessary for Messiah's mission.

Historical Context

These generations likely lived under Persian and early Hellenistic rule (5th-3rd centuries BC), when Judaism was developing the synagogue system, producing the Septuagint translation, and establishing the scribal traditions Jesus would later critique. Their faithfulness maintained the theological framework necessary for recognizing Messiah.

Questions for Reflection

• How does the prevalence of theophoric names (names containing God's name) in this genealogy challenge your public witness to faith?
• What cultural and spiritual pressures might these ancestors have faced in maintaining Jewish identity under foreign rule?
• How should their faithful perseverance through centuries of waiting inform your patience in waiting for Christ's return?