Luke 3:30
Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Συμεὼν
Which was the son of Simeon
G4826
Συμεὼν
Which was the son of Simeon
Strong's:
G4826
Word #:
2 of 10
symeon (i.e., shimon), the name of five israelites
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰούδα
which was the son of Juda
G2455
Ἰούδα
which was the son of Juda
Strong's:
G2455
Word #:
4 of 10
judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 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 #:
6 of 10
joseph, the name of seven israelites
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The practice of naming children after patriarchs and tribal ancestors served as living catechism, teaching each generation their place in salvation history. This genealogical consciousness helped preserve Jewish identity during dispersion and prepared the people to recognize prophetic fulfillment when Messiah appeared.
Questions for Reflection
- How might deliberate naming practices (choosing names with spiritual significance) serve as faith-forming tools in raising children?
- What does this genealogical consciousness teach about the importance of knowing and teaching church history and biblical heritage?
- How does Jesus's embodiment of Israel's tribal identity (Lion of Judah) fulfill the corporate election of Israel?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda—Simeon (Συμεών, Symeon) bears the name of Jacob's second son, meaning "hearing" (Genesis 29:33), while Juda (Judah, Ἰούδα) recalls the tribe from which Messiah would come (Genesis 49:10). The repetition of tribal names reinforces the family's conscious identification with covenant history and prophetic promises.
These names also connect to Luke's narrative: Simeon the prophet recognized infant Jesus as Messiah (Luke 2:25-35), and the entire genealogy establishes Jesus as "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Revelation 5:5). Each generation's naming choices reflected active participation in maintaining messianic expectation through faithful child-rearing and covenant instruction.